The Volunteer State is gorgeous all over, and we know you’ll love hosting your wedding here as much as we love living here. But as you can tell from the title, this article isn’t necessarily about the natural beauty of our fine states as much as it’s about making your own wedding beautiful.
To that end, we’ve collected some wedding decor ideas here for you that are tailored to the local environment and aesthetic of Tennessee.
1. Incorporate Vintage Pieces
Like the rest of the eastern half of the country, Tennessee has a long history. A great deal of that history can still be interacted with through the artifacts that are left behind from past eras. That means everything from old suitcases, jewelry, furniture, vintage cars, and even new clothes made with old designs. You can incorporate pieces from a single era, like the 1920s or the 1950s, or you can mix in pieces from several different time periods. And if you really want to commit to the bit, you can even plan your wedding around the theme of a particular decade or era.
You can also take this even further by finding a venue that embodies the particular type of vintage you want to theme your wedding around. That could mean a barn venue if you’re going for a rural kind of aesthetic or having a Prohibition-themed wedding like these fun people did. It could also mean renting out the Read House in Chattanooga for a more upscale theme from the same era. If you have any interest in or attraction to the famous art deco style and vibe of the Roaring 20s, we recommend checking that place out for yourself. If you want to have a Gatsby-esque wedding, there might not be a better place in the whole country for it.
2. Embrace Green & Let Nature In
Being a traditionally rural and agricultural state, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Tennessee is steeped in natural beauty. And with the variation in elevation throughout the state, you can find plants from different altitudinal zonations (that’s fancy science talk for “elevation zone”). This can be great if you want to collect different flora from all over the place to make your bouquets and flower arrangements.
But it’s not only flower arrangements and potted plants; you can also host your wedding outside or at a hybrid (indoor-outdoor) venue to be closer to the natural world. That way, you can make use of gazebos, tents, porches, and tree canopies to shield yourself and your guests from the sun while you enjoy the cool breezes, fresh air, relaxing sounds, and pleasant smells. One of the best of all wedding decor ideas is, after all, to simply use what nature has already given you.
3. Utilize Neutral Colors
Since there’s already so much green and other bright spring colors, it’s generally a good idea to use neutral colors for your “bases,” such as your table, walls, and other furniture. This is because these bases are your larger items and surfaces to which other, more light-colored things are added. For example, you could have a brown wooden table with sunflowers in a red or white vase on top. Or you could have bright-colored lanterns or birdhouses hanging from the branches of an old oak tree. There is so much room for creativity when it comes to color-matching for wedding decor ideas.
This, of course, doesn’t only apply to your wedding decor ideas but also to your attire. Consider coordinating with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to match your outfits in some way so that your clothes blend well with the scenery and decor. Likewise, including a loose dress code in the invitations you send to the other guests might not be a bad idea.
4. Add a Local Touch
No matter where you’re getting married, it’s always nice to really have a sense of where you are. In this case, you’re in Tennessee, which is very different from New York, Illinois, or other parts of the country. No shade to those places; they’re just different. In the same way that you’d want a Chicago wedding to really feel like it’s in Chicago (preferably a safe part of town), you’ll also probably enjoy your Tennessee wedding more if you embrace the local area you’re in.
There are so many ways to do this, but you can start with music and go from there. Just find whichever music you want to play at your wedding and/or theme it around, and then you’ll probably start having wedding decor ideas flood into your head. This also feels like an appropriate way to start your exploration because Tennessee is famously one of the most musical states in the country, boasting many local styles like country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, jazz, old-school rock and roll (Elvis was from here), and many more specific variations of those mentioned, such as whiskey blues, bottleneck blues and so on.
Conclusion
Between your vintage centerpieces, matching attire, and live bluegrass band, we think you’re probably ready to put all your wedding decor ideas together and start actually planning this thing. Your wedding is a big deal, but don’t forget to have fun with it. We’re not too uptight here in Tennessee, so don’t feel like you have to do everything exactly in one specific way. You’ve got a lot of freedom to imagine, plan, and organize things to match your vision and make your big day one that you’ll enjoy reminiscing on decades from now. And more than anything, remember that your wedding, like your marriage, is ultimately about sharing time and experiences with the people you love most in this world. Congratulations on your wedding, and best of luck on your new life together! 🎊
FAQ: Wedding Decor Ideas
What are the most popular wedding decor ideas right now?
Couples are using warm lighting, simple greenery, statement floral pieces, and personalized touches like custom signs or photo displays.
How can I decorate a wedding on a budget?
Focus on key areas like the ceremony arch and reception tables, use greenery instead of large floral arrangements, and mix in DIY pieces when it makes sense.
What decor works best for an outdoor wedding?
Lightweight florals, lanterns, wood accents, and items that can handle wind or uneven ground tend to work well for outdoor settings.
How do I choose a wedding decor theme?
Start with your venue, your colors, and the overall mood you want. The space usually helps guide whether a rustic, elegant, modern, or garden-style look fits best.
Do I need a lot of decorations for a scenic venue?
Not usually. Scenic venues often need fewer decorations since the natural backdrop already makes the space feel complete.
