Thursday, June 29, 2017

How To Pull Off The Perfect Wedding Sparkler Exit

Since the 4th of July is right around the corner, and fireworks are a big part of this patriotic holiday, it seemed like a great time to talk about wedding sparkler exits. They make for a beautiful and memorable exit from our rustic wedding venue near Knoxville, and the photographs are amazing.



There are a few things that you need to know to pull off a successful wedding sparkler exit at Country Jewell. It takes special sparklers, safety precautions, and pre-planning to get the look you are hoping for. The following guidelines will help to make that happen.

Don't buy short sparklers.
The tiny sparklers that come in a box at every 4th of July fireworks stand will not last long enough for you to run through before they burn out. You will need to find the longest ones possible so that your photographer has time to capture all of those incredible pictures. The best ones are around 36 inches long and will burn for about 3.5 minutes.  

Talk to the venue. 
You will need to request permission and talk over safety guidelines and rules with Country Jewell before you can plan for your sparkler exit. This can only be done in specific areas so that it is safe for you, your guests, and the venue itself.  

Coordinate the timing. 
Your photographer will give you instructions on the best way to run through the sparklers so that they can get the best pictures possible. You don't want to go through too fast, and they will probably have you stop in the middle of the aisle or at the end for an incredible kiss while the "sparks are flying." 

Keep guests informed. 
Make sure that you have a sign up or a listing in your wedding program letting guests know that there will be a sparkler exit at a specific time. This lets them know to stick around if they don't want to miss it. Also, have your DJ announce when it is time so that the guests that stayed for it know when to head outside.

Don't hand out sparklers early.
Wait until the guests are lining up for the big exit before handing out the sparklers. It is way too tempting for some people to light them before it's actually sparkler time if they have them in hand early. You will want to make sure that you have someone you trust in charge of this task.  



Give directions to guests.
The DJ, your wedding coordinator, or someone you've given the task to will need to give all of the guests a few guidelines before the sparklers are lit. Let them know how the lighting will happen, to give the couple, and each other, plenty of space, and where to dispose of the used sparklers when it's over. 

Have plenty of room.
Make sure that your guests make a wide enough path that you can make it through without getting hit by the sparklers. The guests should also be far enough apart from each other to safely wave the sparklers, but close enough together that it makes a solid wall of light. 

Lighting the sparklers.
Matches and small lighters won't get the job done in an efficient manner. Have a few long-reach lighters available and start lighting guests' sparklers at both ends of the line, and in the middle too if possible. Once a few are lit, guests should be able to light more off of each others sparklers. 

Don't leave kids unattended. 
Make sure that small children have the assistance of an adult if they will be holding a sparkler. You might even consider giving children glow sticks to wave instead of the sparklers. These are much less dangerous and the kids will still have them to play with after the lit sparklers burn out. 

Sparkler disposal.
One very important safety precaution that you need to make happen is having a place for guests to put the sparklers after it's all over. The best way to do this is to have a couple of metal buckets filled with sand or water at the end of the line that everyone can place their sparklers into on the way back into the reception hall. Do not throw them away in a plastic trash bag until they are completely cooled off.



A sparkler exit is always a wonderful grand finale to a reception at our rustic wedding barn near Knoxville. Just let us know that you are interested in doing this when you book Country Jewell, and we'll be happy to guide you through it. 


A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.

6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
865-494-0552

Visit our website:  www.CountryJewell.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+  

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Keep Your Wedding Party Cool At An Outdoor Wedding

Lots of our summer wedding tips give advice on how to keep your guests cool at your scenic outdoor wedding near Knoxville, but what about the wedding party? They won't be able to use handheld fans while they are standing at the alter with you, and it's particularly important that everyone looks fresh and cool for all of those wedding photos that will be taken. Country Jewell has a few tips to keep you and your wedding party from looking like you're melting!


For the Ladies
It can be difficult on a hot summer day to keep your makeup and hair looking fresh after the beautician is done with you. If you'll be taking a lot of photos before the ceremony, you'll be getting ready early in the morning and that look needs to last. 

Powder based or oil-free makeup is going to require a lot less maintenance than a liquid-based one. An even better solution is to have a professional airbrush your makeup on. This process gives you a finished look that is water-proof, defending against both sweat and happy tears. For touch-ups throughout the day, have face blotters on hand. These are highly absorbent pieces of paper that can absorb oil and sweat without taking off all of your makeup.  

When it comes to your hair, the easiest way to stay cool outdoors is to choose an up-do. You can ask your hairdresser to create a style that can be let down once you're indoors for the reception if you've always dreamed of wearing it down and flowing with your bridal gown. You'll get two fabulous looks for one special day.  


For the Fellas
The worst thing that you can do to a groom and his groomsmen is to put them in a full suit at an outdoor wedding. Try to find light fabrics in light colors for the guys to wear so that the heat doesn't get the best of them. If you want a few formal photos, the jacket can be reserved for the ceremony and pictures, but take it off in between to cool down. An informal wedding gives the men a little more freedom in what they can wear, or skip wearing. A nice shirt can replace the suit jacket altogether, or a vest can be a cooler option. 

If the fellas are worried about sweating too much and it showing, you can find underarm shields to put under a shirt which absorbs the excess moisture. These generally stick with an adhesive strip to the shirt material, but be careful that they don't come lose and slip out of place. 


For Everyone
The following tips work equally well for the guys and the girls. Make sure that you replenish your fluids and take a short, cooling break right before walking down the aisle and in between the ceremony and reception, and have the following things handy: 

  • Have LOTS of water on hand at all times.
  • Stick to the shady spots. If you want more shade than nature provides, possibly put up a small canopy tent, or have some cute umbrellas to carry. These can make for some adorable photos!  
  • Keep plenty of backup deodorant in your "get-ready" kit. Make sure it's the kind that will not leave any residue on your clothing. 
  • Don't forget the sunscreen! The sun can cause more problems than just heat. Keep your skin protected. 


Outdoor weddings are gorgeous, and even on the hottest days, there are ways to keep everyone cool enough that they still have a great time. The key is to plan ahead and be ready for anything. Outdoor ceremonies at our scenic wedding venue near Knoxville take place nearby the indoor reception barn, so you won't have to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. Country Jewell weddings are beautiful, comfortable, convenient, and memorable for everyone in attendance, especially the bride and groom! 



A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.

6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
865-494-0552

Visit our website:  www.CountryJewell.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+  

Thursday, June 15, 2017

9 Of Our Favorite Summer Wedding Ideas

Summer is officially here next week, which means it's time for summer wedding season at our scenic wedding venue near Knoxville. We've seen quite a few creative couples tie the knot over the years at Country Jewell, and today we're sharing 10 of our favorite ideas for a summer wedding.  


Keeping Your Cool
The weather really starts heating up once summer is here, so keeping your guests cool is an important thing to plan for. Wedding programs printed on fans is an excellent way to keep them comfortable during an outdoor ceremony. They can provide a nice breeze for themselves while staying informed about important wedding details.   

Bringing the Outdoors Inside
When it really gets hot outside, you'll probably be spending a lot of time inside our air-conditioned wedding barn once the party gets started. Bring some of the outdoor beauty in with you by incorporating it into your centerpieces and other wedding decor. Vases filled with seasonal wildflowers are an easy way to do this. Another way is to use colors that seem to say "Summer is here!" 

Sunny Colors
Bright, sunny, summery colors bring the same optimistic cheer to your wedding as a bright, sunny, summery day. Take inspiration from all of the beautiful plants in bloom outdoors, like the gorgeous greens of the trees and the rainbow of colors found on the flowers. The sun's yellow and orange shades make for a lovely color scheme, and those deep blue skies and fluffy white clouds decorating your view are another incredible place to borrow color ideas. 


Fruity Decor
Use some of the refreshing fruits that are in season this time of year to not only add flavor to your menu, but also to decorate your reception. A mason jar full of sliced lemons and limes bring lovely, fresh color to a table, and you can add sprigs of baby's breath coming out of the top for added flair. Centerpieces can also pull double duty if you make an arrangement of fruit for appetizers at the center of every table. It will look pretty, and your guests can have a snack while waiting for dinner to start.  

Outdoor Activities
Take advantage of the wonderful weather and offer a few activities for your guests to take part in outside. Lawn games are always lots of fun, and there's plenty of room at Country Jewell to set a few of these up. You can even find a spot on our grounds with some beautiful landscaping for a background and set up an area for guests to take fun photos.  

Refreshing Drinks
The beverages you serve for a summer wedding should be ice cold and refreshing. Containers filled with tea and lemonade where guests can help themselves is a great way to keep drinks available to them at all times. You can rent a frozen drink machine to serve icy, blended beverages. Add frozen chunks of fruit to punch bowls to keep them cold but not watered down. Last but not least, at a summer wedding is it very important that you make sure water is easily accessible to guests at all times.   


Naked Cakes
Keeping your cake inside our Tennessee wedding barn will keep any icing from melting in the heat. Another alternative to a cake covered in buttercream icing or fondant is to choose a "naked" wedding cake. Rather than frosting the outside, instead the baker only frosts between the cake layers and decorates the outside with flowers and fruits. It's a lighter dessert, and it is an especially wonderful look for a rustic wedding.  

Sundae Bars
Summer and ice cream go hand in hand. Offer your guests a cool dessert alternative by having a table full of sundae toppings and few of your favorite ice cream flavors. 

Sparkler Sendoffs
Another great outdoor activity that you can add to your wedding is an exciting sparkler exit. It's fun for the guests, it's a blast to run through that tunnel of light, and the pictures that your photographer will get from it are simply amazing. 


Summer is an amazing time for a wedding, especially at our breathtaking, scenic wedding venue near Knoxville. You've got the rolling landscapes and fresh Smoky Mountain air outside plus the rustic charm of our wedding chapel and event barn inside. If you are looking for the perfect place to get married, take a look at Country Jewell. We know you're going to love it here as much as we do! 


A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.

6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
865-494-0552

Visit our website:  www.CountryJewell.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+  

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Wonderful Ways To Use Decorative Signs At Your Wedding

There are probably a lot of things that you would like to let your wedding guests know when they arrive at our scenic wedding venue near Knoxville, but you don't want to have someone making lots of announcements throughout the day. A wonderful way to let everyone know what's going on all at once is by using decorative signs among your wedding decor. 


We've seen this done successfully in many creative ways at Country Jewell. Elegant writing on an old piece of wood is an excellent choice for a rustic wedding. You can also purchase pre-printed signs that can later be used to decorate your home. 

Chalkboards may be the most popular type of signage because you can create your own look, it's easier to change if necessary, and a chalkboard is reusable after the wedding. Regardless of the style you choose, here are a few different ways that you can incorporate signs on your special day. 


Welcome Guests
A big, beautiful sign at the ceremony entrance, and even at the reception door, is a nice way to welcome everyone to your wedding. It can be a simple "Welcome to our wedding!" or a bit more detailed. You can put the program or timeline of the day's events here instead of printing one for every guest on paper. 


Give Instructions
You can assign someone to let guests know where the different parts of your wedding will take place at Country Jewell, give them directions to the restroom, and answer other questions that may arise. Having directional signs is a great way to avoid some of those questions. Another place where an instructional sign can come in handy is if you have a unique guest book or a candy bar that you want everyone to help themselves to. 


Set A Mood
There are lots of pretty  signs to be found that simply have romantic sayings or sweet words on them that lend to the ambiance of your wedding. They put lovely thoughts in everyone's minds, and those signs can make great home decor once the wedding day is over.   


Label Things
Having a menu sign at the beginning of the buffet line lets everyone know what foods are coming up, but putting a small sign next to each dish helps them to recognize what each food is. This is especially helpful if you are serving an unfamiliar dish or a special family recipe that you want to acknowledge. You may also want to label the different items on your dessert bar or the different flavors of cake if you are serving more than one. 


As you can see, signs placed strategically around your wedding can be very helpful, and with the wide variety of types and styles, they can add to your decor beautifully. If you need a few more ideas, Pinterest.com has many excellent ones that have been shared by other brides, and even a few by people who are willing to make them for you. Etsy.com is also filled with gorgeous, handmade signs. 


You can even get some inspiration from the decor that you will see when you take a tour of our rustic wedding venue near Knoxville. We have decorated Country Jewell in a way that is welcoming to everyone that walks through our doors and will look beautiful for your wedding. 

A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.

6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
865-494-0552

Visit our website:  www.CountryJewell.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+  

Friday, June 2, 2017

6 Save-the-Date & Wedding Invitation Tips

While planning a wedding, you will have a long list of things to do before the big day. Top priority, you may want to find a wedding venue in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. You'll also want to send out your save-the-dates, if you will be sending any, and then eventually, your wedding invitations. Country Jewell has listed 7 tips that will help you get those save-the-dates and wedding invitations out to all of your guests.


1. Set your budget.
This step simply can't be missed. Knowing and sticking to your budget is crucial when planning a wedding near Knoxville. Invites will utilize about 2 to 3 percent of your budget. This can be a small price to pay for a significant part of getting your guests to one of the most important days of your life! Don't forget to figure postage into that budget too.

2. Define your wedding theme.

Your invitations will give your guests a first glimpse into what your wedding will be like. This gives you the opportunity to introduce your theme, if you have one, or just your general wedding style.


3. Give your guests plenty of time.
Guests aren't going to complain if they have extra time to plan, but they definitely will if there isn't enough time to make room for your wedding on their calendar. Save-the-dates typically go out 3 to 4 months before the wedding, 6 months prior if it's a destination wedding or taking place around a holiday. Invitations should be mailed 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding day. You'll want to give yourself plenty of time to collect RSVPs.

4. Make your RSVP process clear.
This step can make planning your wedding much easier. There are different things you can do to make this happen. Be clear on how your guests can RSVP. There are many ways to go about it.

  • OnlineYou may try online RSVPs. There are many different websites you can find online that will actually calculate your RSVPs for you electronically.
  • Text - Some couples may want to simply list their cell phone number and have guests text whether or not they are coming.
  • Facebook - You can also create a Facebook event and Facebook will calculate your RSVP numbers for you. Remember to set the event to "private" so that only your invited wedding guests have access to it.
  • Mail - If you expect RSVPs by mail, you should include a stamed, self-addressed envelope for it in the invitation. Discreetly number each RSVP so you know who it is from in case they forget to include their name. (This happens more often than you'd expect!)
  • Phone - Allow your guests to call in their RSVPs, just clearly define the hours they are allowed to call you. You don't want guests phoning at 2 in the morning! 


5. Be innovative.

Don't be afraid to try something new with your save-the-dates and invitations. Couples can use anything from geometric inserts to glow in the dark fonts! This day is about the two of you. Put your own personal style into it and let your guests know how unique you can be.

6. Titles are important.
Be aware of what your guests' titles are. For example, if you have a guest who's a married woman, be sure to put Mrs. versus Ms. If you have a doctor in the family, then make sure Dr. is in front of their name. People will appreciate that you took the time to address their title versus just listing their name.

If you've chosen our scenic wedding venue near Knoxville for your special day, the tips above will help to make sure that all of your guests get the chance to join you here. Getting those save-the-dates and invitations in the mail is an exciting thing, because it means you are one step closer to marrying your true love right here at Country Jewell


A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.

6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
865-494-0552

Visit our website:  www.CountryJewell.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+