Wondering what it really costs to host a mountain wedding at The Magnolia? This Budget Blueprint goes beyond the generic online checklists to give you numbers and insights tailored for destination couples. With real examples from Magnolia weddings, you’ll see how budgets come together—and where couples choose to splurge or save.
Use the percentages as a flexible guide (they’ll shift depending on your priorities) and keep in mind these estimates reflect venue and wedding-day vendor costs - not personal items like attire, gifts, or getting-ready services.
Think of this as your behind-the-scenes playbook for destination wedding planning—helping you sidestep surprises, make confident choices, and strike the budget balance that feels right for you.
budget Blueprint
Your destination Wedding
A Budget-Friendly Destination WEdding
This couple hosted a gorgeous spring celebration that was simple yet elegant, with Magnolia’s mountain views taking center stage. Choosing a Friday in March helped them save on venue costs while still giving guests an unforgettable weekend in the Smokies. They opted for mid-level catering with light appetizers, beer and wine service, and a signature cocktail for a personal touch. Décor and florals were simple, allowing the setting to speak for itself. They invested thoughtfully in photography and videography, added an extra shuttle for guest convenience, and hired a day-of coordinator to keep everything on track. The result: a thoughtful celebration that balanced experience and budget.
FRIDAY in March 2025 | 80 GUESTS
Venue
PLANNING
Catering
Bar + Alcohol
Dessert
Photography
Videography
Music
Florals
Décor & Rentals
Shuttle
$6,750
$1,500
$3,000
$2,000
$500
$2,250
$2,500
$1,000
$2,500
$1,000
$1,000
(28%)
(6%)
(13%)
(8%)
(2%)
(10%)
(11%)
(4%)
(10%)
(4%)
(4%)
$24,000
AN Elevated summer weekend wedding
This couple opted for a peak summer date, giving them and their guests a full weekend to celebrate in the Smokies. They treated everyone to elevated catering with plenty of options and passed hors d’oeuvres, and invested a bit more in photography and videography to capture every moment. Fun, summer florals added color and personality, while an added shuttle provided convenient door-to-door service for their guests. To help tie all the details together, they brought on a partial wedding planner, ensuring their day felt seamless and stress-free. A festive, thoughtful celebration that combined comfort, style, and ease.
FRIDAY in JUNE 2025 | 75 GUESTS
Venue
PLANNING
Catering
Bar + Alcohol
Dessert
Photography
Videography
Music
Florals
Décor & Rentals
Shuttle
$9,200
$2,000
$6,400
$2,200
$700
$4,500
$3,500
$1,500
$3,000
$1,000
$1,000
(26%)
(6%)
(18%)
(6%)
(2%)
(13%)
(10%)
(4%)
(9%)
(3%)
(3%)
$35,000
A luxurious fall mountain wedding
This couple went all out for a luxurious fall celebration, sparing no expense to create an unforgettable day. Guests enjoyed high-end catering and a full bar, with added rentals to elevate the space and tablescape. Photography and videography captured every detail in top-tier style, while fun, customized touches and live ceremony music made the day feel uniquely theirs. With a full-service planner managing every detail, the couple was able to fully enjoy their day stress-free. A show-stopping celebration that embraced every opportunity to wow their guests and make lasting memories.
SatURday in oct 2025 | 60 GUESTS
Venue
PLANNING
Catering
Bar + Alcohol
Dessert
Photography
Videography
Music
Florals
Décor & Rentals
Shuttle
$12,500
$4,000
$8,000
$3,000
$1,000
$5,500
$6,000
$3,200
$5,000
$2,800
$1,000
(24%)
(8%)
(15%)
(6%)
(2%)
(11%)
(12%)
(6%)
(10%)
(5%)
(2%)
$52,000
Dates in the Smokies book quickly, so don’t wait to start the process. With our virtual tour experience, you can explore The Magnolia anytime, anywhere, giving you the confidence to secure your date without delay.
Weekday weddings are increasingly popular, offering both flexibility and value without sacrificing the experience.
Partnering with a venue that specializes in destination weddings makes the process turn-key and stress-free. At The Magnolia, everything from planning to rentals to vendor partnerships is designed to simplify your journey while elevating your celebration.
3 pro tips for
Destination Weddings
choose Destination experts
consider weekdays
secure your venue early
Percentages to guide your planning, with flexibility to matcH
Venue
Catering
Dessert
Bar + Alcohol
Planning
Music
Photography
Videography
Décor & Rentals
Florals
Shuttle
MISC & Extras
25-30%
10-15%
2-3%
6-8%
6-10%
3-4%
7-10%
8-12%
5-10%
8-10%
2-4%
5-10%
Your Priorities
a closer look at how each category shapes your day
Breaking it down
Miscellaneous details usually account for 5–10% of the budget, and this is where couples can have a little fun. Maybe you saw an idea on The Magnolia’s Pinterest board and were inspired to add a champagne tower, custom signage, or late-night snack for your guests. Or perhaps you’d love to surprise everyone with a photo booth, signature cocktail garnish, or a creative send-off. Setting aside a little extra in your budget gives you the flexibility to add those personal touches that make your wedding feel uniquely yours.
5-10%
Miscellaneous & Extras
At The Magnolia, a 6-hour shuttle is already included with your venue rental, making transportation one less thing to worry about. Many couples choose to extend the provided hours or add a second shuttle to maximize door-to-door service for guests. This typically represents just 2–4% of the overall wedding budget - yet it delivers peace of mind and a truly seamless guest experience. With transportation covered, you and your loved ones can simply enjoy every moment of the celebration.
2-4%
Shuttle Service
Florals usually account for 8–10% of the budget, adding color, texture, and personality to your celebration. From bouquets and boutonnieres to ceremony arbors and reception centerpieces, flowers remain one of the most meaningful design choices for couples. Many choose local florists familiar with the Smokies, ensuring seasonal blooms, easy logistics, and a stunning final result that brings your vision to life - without the stress of arranging or transporting flowers from afar.
8-10%
Florals
Décor and rentals typically represent 5–10% of the budget, bringing your vision to life and creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and polished. At The Magnolia, couples often combine design details from their planner with our own in-house collection of high-end furniture and statement pieces - including sofas, arbors, farm tables, rugs, and modular walls. With these curated options, there’s no need to haul décor across states. Instead, you can achieve a designer look that reflects your vision - without lifting a finger.
5-10%
Decor & Rentals
Photography typically accounts for 7–10% of the budget, while videography usually represents 8–12%. Together, they capture both the timeless images and the motion of your day, preserving every detail against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. The Magnolia is a photographer’s dream - from the epic open air patio and sweeping lookout to forest trails, the grounds highlight the mountains from every angle. Many couples choose professionals familiar with mountain light, ensuring they know the best angles, weather patterns, and golden-hour timing.
7-10% | 8-12%
Photo & Video
Music and entertainment generally account for 3-4% of the budget, setting the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you envision a DJ, live musicians, or a band, professional partners ensure your timeline flows smoothly and your dance floor stays full. At The Magnolia, you’ll choose from trusted entertainment partners who are familiar with our spaces and bring the right energy for a mountain wedding.
3-4%
Music & Entertainment
Planning and coordination typically represent 6–10% of the budget, and they are especially valuable for destination weddings. Having a professional planner or coordinator ensures every detail is handled, from managing vendor timelines to keeping the day running seamlessly. At The Magnolia, you’ll work with seasoned planning partners who know the venue and the flow of mountain weddings, giving you confidence that everything will come together beautifully while you focus on enjoying your day.
6-10%
Planning & Coordination
Bar service typically accounts for 6–8% of the budget, and The Magnolia makes it easy to maximize value. Couples love that they can provide their own alcohol — a rare opportunity at most venues and one of the biggest ways to save on cost. Your selections are then poured and served by one of our licensed bartending partners, ensuring flawless service for you and your guests.
6-8%
Bar & Alcohol
Desserts typically account for 2–3% of the budget, adding a sweet finishing touch to your big day. While many couples choose a classic tiered wedding cake, others opt for cupcakes, dessert bars, or even playful late-night sweet treats. Whether elegant and traditional or fun and whimsical, your dessert choice is an easy way to personalize your wedding.
2-3%
Desserts
Catering often represent 10-15% of the budget, and there’s truly something for everyone. From budget-friendly buffets to elevated plated dinners, The Magnolia works with incredible, experienced caterers who can bring your vision to life. With a range of menus and styles available, you’ll find options to suit both your preferences and your budget - all with the peace of mind that your catering team knows the venue inside and out.
10-15%
Catering
Your venue is the foundation of your day. At The Magnolia, couples often allocate 25–30% of their budget here - this includes the priceless value of panoramic Smoky Mountain views, our versatile event spaces, and seamless amenities designed for destination weddings. Pro Tip: Because dates in the Smokies book quickly, it’s wise to secure your venue early. Weekday weddings are also increasingly popular, offering both flexibility and savings.
25-30%
