Planning your Smoky Mountain wedding is one of the happiest times in your life. But at the same time, it’s often one of the most stressful. There’s so much to think about—the invitations, the venue, the cake, the honeymoon—that the excitement for your new life together after the wedding is over can get lost.
The best way to keep from getting overwhelmed is to ask for help from friends and family and seek the guidance of those with experience. We want to provide you with four tips and tricks to have the Smoky Mountain wedding of your dreams—with the least amount of stress possible.
- Pick a planner. Let the professionals do what they get paid to do – help you plan the wedding of your dreams. You can take a huge load off yourself and your soon-to-be spouse by hiring a wedding planner. The Smoky Mountain Wedding Association has some information about wedding planners in the Smoky Mountain area. On this website, you’ll also find information about photographers and videographers, flowers and decorations, restaurants for rehearsal dinners, officiants in the area, wedding venues, and so much more. Beautiful weddings are pulled off without a hitch all year long in the Smokies. Be sure to get in contact with the wonderful people who make them happen so all you have to worry about is saying yes and enjoying the best day of your life! Many of the local chapels even offer all-inclusive packages, so you really don’t have to do anything but pay and show up!
- Make it your own. Remember that your wedding is not a competition. You are not trying to win a spot in Southern Living. You don’t need to try to impress your parents or your future in-laws or your friends. Your wedding, simply put, is about you and your future spouse. So instead of worrying about what’s in style, what the traditions are, or what you’re “supposed” to do, make your wedding your own. Stay true to your own style—whether that’s simple and rustic or elegant and chic! In the Smokies, you can find something to please you no matter what you’re going for. With mountains and waterfalls, stained-glass chapels, and decorated gardens, there are plenty of options for venues, locales, entertainment, etc., to allow your wedding to celebrate the unique and wonderful couple you are.
- Take advantage of the scenery. In thinking about celebrating the uniqueness of who you are, remember, too, the uniqueness of where you’re planning to get married. Take advantage of some of the beauty surrounding you by planning a bridal luncheon picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or you might invite your guests to a viewing of the synchronous fireflies in the Smokies. What better visual for unity and oneness can you find in nature? The Smoky Mountains offer plenty of options as well if you are wanting to get married beneath the canopy of its natural grandeur. With a mountain or waterfall in the background, your wedding will be something to remember for ages and ages to come.
- Find a beautiful honeymoon cabin. The great thing about the Smokies is that it really offers the entire package when it comes to your pre-wedding festivities, the wedding ceremony itself, and the honeymoon. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy after the ceremony is over, and you’ll have so much fun exploring the Smokies as a new couple! You can take your relationship to new heights at Foxfire Mountain Adventures, for instance, where you can choose from 15 different zip lines in the Smokies. Other exciting honeymoon adventures include hiking the mountains, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, exploring downtown Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, watching live shows, and so much more! After your fun-filled days, settle in for a relaxing night together in one of our 1-2 bedroom cabins. Almost all of our cabins have hot tub access and many have jetted tubs. You can also ask our reservation specialists about adding romantic gift packages like the Honeymoon Basket, which comes with a wedding photo album, wedding picture frame, sparkling cider, champagne glasses, and more.