Planning a wedding in the Music City? Whether you’re a local or a visitor planning a destination wedding in the city, our Nashville wedding planning checklist can make pulling together all the details for your big day feel much less overwhelming. With so many incredible venues, talented local vendors, and unique Southern touches to consider, it’s easy to lose track of where to begin.
That’s why we’ve created The Checklist, a detailed, month-by-month guide designed specifically for couples planning weddings in Nashville. From booking the best barn venue or rooftop space to finding the perfect Nashville wedding planner, this checklist will help you stay on track, stress-free, and excited about every step of the journey.
12+ Months Before Your Wedding
Set Your Budget
Find out if you have family willing to contribute and decide how much you can spend. Include rough estimates for your venue, vendors, attire, and décor. Don’t forget to leave room for hidden costs like gratuities, service charges, alterations, overtime fees, and last-minute purchases. Talk to each other about how your vision can become a reality without breaking the bank, whether you’ll both want the luxury wedding experience, or if your style is more of a simple celebration of your love.
Create a Guest List
Your guest count will affect your venue, catering, and rental needs. In Nashville, where venue sizes and catering packages can vary greatly, knowing your estimated guest count helps narrow your options.
Also, keep in mind:
- Guest count affects your per-person catering and bar service pricing.
- The more guests you invite, the more tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces, and space you’ll need.
- Your headcount determines the number of invitations, place cards, favors, and more.
Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional but Recommended)
Complete Weddings + Events Nashville offers expert planning and coordination services to save you time, money, and stress. Your Complete planner or day-of coordinator can help you stick to your Nashville wedding planning checklist and make sure you’re checking things off right on schedule.
Here’s what a planner can do for you:
- Keep you on schedule with your month-by-month wedding planning checklist
- Recommend top-rated local vendors they’ve worked with and trust
- Navigate venue logistics, weather back-up plans, and Tennessee marriage license laws
- Manage your wedding day timeline, vendor arrival times, and last-minute details
- Serve as your point of contact so you can fully enjoy your engagement and wedding day
Pro Tip: Many Nashville venues require or strongly recommend having a licensed coordinator. Booking early ensures you’ll get someone who’s familiar with your location, style, and priorities.
Whether you need full-service planning or just day-of coordination, your Complete planner will be your advocate, creative partner, and logistics expert, all rolled into one.
Book Your Wedding Venue
Top Nashville wedding venues book fast, especially outdoor and barn venues.
Pro Tip: Popular wedding venues like The Cordelle, Cedarmont Farm, and Cannery Ballroom often book 12–18 months out. Historic wedding venues that host events might have limited dates available, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Here are some other local favorites:
- Riverwood Mansion – One of Nashville’s most elegant historic homes with lush gardens and Southern charm
- Long Hollow Gardens – A dreamy greenhouse venue ideal for couples who love nature and natural light
Be sure to ask about:
- Included amenities (tables, chairs, lighting, etc.)
- Vendor restrictions (some venues require approved vendors)
- Rain plans for outdoor spaces
- On-site accommodations or nearby hotel options
- Noise ordinances or curfews that may affect your reception
9–11 Months Before
Choose a Date and Finalize Your Theme
Spring and fall are peak seasons for Nashville weddings, but don’t overlook the option for a beautiful summer or winter scene. Consider popular local themes like Southern charm, rustic Nashville barn weddings, or elegant downtown Nashville glitz and glamor to match your venue and vibe.
Pro Tip: Align your date and theme with local events and seasonal availability. For example, booking around CMA Fest or Titans games may affect hotel prices and guest travel.
Hire Key Vendors
Book your wedding photographer, videographer, DJ, caterer, and florist to create your ideal aesthetic. In Nashville’s competitive wedding market, top vendors often fill their calendars quickly, especially for spring and fall dates.
Shop for Your Wedding Dress
Nashville bridal boutiques like Olia Zavozina in Green Hills and Modern Trousseau in Downtown accommodate every style. For a luxury experience, visit bridal shops such as The Dress Theory Nashville. Glitz Nashville in Bellevue offers a wide range of classic and trendy styles. Brides looking for unique, boho, or indie vibes will love LVD Bridal Studio in 12 South. For inclusive sizing and modern trends, check out Adorn Nashville in The Nations. Be sure to book appointments early, especially during peak wedding season.
6–8 Months Before
Send Save-the-Dates
Especially important if you have out-of-town guests who might want to plan to explore restaurants and boutiques, or Broadway and The Gulch while they’re in town.
Finalize Your Guest List
Use a spreadsheet or digital planner to track RSVPs. These tools make it easy to track who’s attending, meal selections, dietary restrictions, plus-one confirmations, and even song requests.
Plan Your Honeymoon
Now that you’ve made headway on your wedding plans, start dreaming up your post-wedding escape. Planning your honeymoon early not only gives you something to look forward to but also helps you lock in the best rates on flights, hotels, and excursions, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons.
If you’re flying out of Nashville International Airport (BNA), start comparing flight prices and tracking deals using apps like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner. Nashville is a hub with growing direct flight options to popular honeymoon destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and even Hawaii.
4–5 Months Before
Book Hair & Makeup Artists
Schedule trials and finalize your beauty timeline. Top local pros like Parlor 3 in Brentwood, Canvas + Coif in Sylvan Park, and Katie Russo Beauty in Wedgewood-Houston are known for wedding-day glam.
Rent or Buy Groom’s Attire
Once you’ve nailed down the overall wedding vibe, it’s time to decide on the groom’s look—and whether you want to rent or purchase formalwear. Grooms and groomsmen should allow plenty of time for fittings and tailoring, especially if custom or designer suits are part of the plan.
Some shops to consider:
- Street Tuxedo – A local staple with convenient locations and a wide range of styles
- J. Michael Clothiers – Offers bespoke tailoring and luxury menswear
- The Black Tux – A modern rental service with online fittings and home try-ons
- Mens Wearhouse (Nashville) – A go-to for group rentals and last-minute needs
Order Your Wedding Cake
Top local favorites like Baked in Nashville in East Nashville and Dessert Designs in Berry Hill book up, so be sure to schedule tastings and place your order early.
2–3 Months Before
Send Wedding Invitations
This is your guests’ go-to resource for understanding the who, what, when, and where of your celebration, as well as your resource to find out who will be attending.
Make sure your invitations include:
- The RSVP deadline (typically 3–4 weeks before the wedding)
- Hotel block information or nearby accommodations
- Venue address and parking details
- Dress code, especially if you’re having a themed or outdoor wedding
- A link to your wedding website for updates and FAQs
Finalize Ceremony Details
Meet with your officiant and confirm readings, vows, and marriage license requirements.
1 Month Before
Final Dress Fitting
Don’t forget shoes and accessories!
Final Venue Walk-Through
Coordinate with your planner or day-of coordinator.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Include vendor arrival times, ceremony start time, and first dance cues.
1 Week Before
Confirm Vendors
Double-check times and details with each vendor.
Pack for the Honeymoon
Don’t forget your boarding passes, and your passports if needed.
Pick Up Marriage License
Nashville couples must visit the Davidson County Clerk’s Office to obtain a Tennessee marriage license. No waiting period is required, but both partners must be present with ID.
Day of the Wedding
Eat Breakfast & Stay Hydrated
You’ll need energy to soak in every moment. Consider booking a local catering service like Puffy Muffin or Thistle Farms Café to provide a light, nourishing bridal suite breakfast or snack platter.
Trust Your Vendors
You’ve completed your Nashville wedding planning checklist, now enjoy your wedding!
Final Thoughts
Planning your wedding in Nashville is an exciting journey, especially with the right tools, a solid timeline, and trusted vendors like Complete Weddings + Events Nashville by your side, you can enjoy the process and make every step meaningful. Use this Nashville wedding planning checklist to streamline your planning, book top local vendors, and make space for what really matters: celebrating your love, your way.