Each year I always have at least two or three weddings at the Barn at Sycamore Farms, just outside of Franklin, TN. It is one of the most popular venues in the Nashville area for its large guest capacity and picturesque property. As vendors, we love working there because of their friendly staff, ample parking, and easy load-in area, all of which makes my job so much easier.
So, as someone who has planned many weddings there, here are my top 3 tips for planning your own wedding at the Barn at Sycamore Farms:
1. Take advantage of the décor package! – I was amazed when I first went into the décor room at Sycamore Farms. They had so much stuff packed in there! When you think about the cost of renting cake stands, table numbers, easels, signs and more, these costs add up. The furniture in that room alone would be more than worth the rental fee for the décor package. And with that being said, here’s my bonus tip: If you have a smaller guest count, use the furniture from the décor room to create seating areas within the barn and fill out the space. For a larger guest count, do the same thing on the patio area for cocktail hour.
2. You don’t have to use the island for your ceremony. – That island is beautiful and can be a wonderful backdrop for your ceremony. But let’s be honest, in Tennessee summers an afternoon wedding out there with no shade is going to be pretty miserable for your guests. The arbor is beautiful, but it is absolutely huge, which means that you have to choose between small flower arrangements that don’t stand out very well or spending a lot of money to decorate the whole thing. I’m a big fan of hosting your ceremony on the patio. You can still have the pond as your backdrop, but guests have the benefit of the shade. Cocktail hour can be held on the long side patio next to the pond.
3. Take your getting ready photos in the bridal suite. – I want that suite for my home closet. It seriously looks like a fancy salon in there! Even if you choose to save money by doing your hair and makeup at a real salon rather than on-site at the venue, you should still do the pretend getting ready photos in this suite. It’s just so lovely!
So that’s it. Those are my top three tips for planning your wedding at the Barn at Sycamore Farms. I love working there and designing in their rustic yet elegant space. If you’ve booked your wedding at Sycamore Farms then check your date here to see if I’m available for planning or florals.
