Planning a Smoky Mountain wedding? You're in the right place! Most online checklists miss what really matters for destination couples, so this Budget Blueprint is built for The Trillium experience.
Use the percentages as a guide — they’ll shift based on your priorities — and check out real Trillium couple budgets to see how others invested in their day. These estimates cover wedding-day vendor + venue costs (not personal items like gifts, attire, or getting-ready services).
Think of this as your cheat sheet for destination wedding planning — avoid surprises, make smart decisions, and find the budget balance that’s right for you.
budget Blueprint
Your destination Wedding
A Budget-Friendly Destination WEdding
When Emma and Ryan started planning their wedding, they knew they wanted a simple, meaningful celebration in the Smokies. Choosing a Thursday in March gave them the flexibility to gather their closest 100 guests without stretching their budget. With The Trillium’s panoramic mountain views as the backdrop, they kept catering, bar, and florals minimal — letting the venue itself do most of the talking. A day-of coordinator helped keep everything on track, so their focus could stay on enjoying a relaxed day surrounded by family and friends, with timeless photos and video to remember it by.
Thurs in March 2025 | 100 GUESTS
Venue
Catering
Dessert
Bar + Alcohol
Planning
Music
Photography
Videography
Décor/Rentals
Florals
Shuttle
$7,500
$3,500
$500
$2,000
$1,500
$1,000
$2,500
$3,000
$1,500
$2,000
$1,000
(29%)
(13%)
(2%)
(8%)
(6%)
(4%)
(10%)
(12%)
(6%)
(8%)
(4%)
$26,000
A stylish summer weekend wedding
For Megan and Tyler, hosting a summer Friday wedding in the Smokies was a dream come true. The timing gave them the whole weekend to vacation with friends and family, turning their celebration into a true getaway. They opted for a partial planning package to guide them through the details, selected catering that felt elevated yet approachable, and focused their budget on photography and videography to capture the memories. Thoughtful rentals and beautiful florals tied everything together, creating a stylish atmosphere that perfectly reflected their personalities.
FRIDAY in JUNE 2025 | 120 GUESTS
Venue
Catering
Dessert
Bar + Alcohol
Planning
Music
Photography
Videography
Décor/Rentals
Florals
Shuttle
$12,500
$6,000
$1,000
$2,500
$3,000
$1,500
$4,000
$4,500
$2,000
$3,500
$1,500
(30%)
(14%)
(2%)
(6%)
(7%)
(4%)
(10%)
(11%)
(5%)
(8%)
(3%)
$42,000
An elevated fall mountain wedding
Sarah and James wanted their wedding to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime gathering, and a Saturday in October delivered just that. With 150 guests joining them at peak season, they embraced full-service planning, expanded florals, and custom rentals that transformed the venue into an autumn showcase. Elevated catering and bar service were priorities, paired with live entertainment to keep the energy high. Both a photographer and videographer captured every moment, from the golden-hour ceremony to the packed dance floor. The result was an elevated mountain wedding that felt both elegant and unforgettable.
Sat in oct 2025 | 150 GUESTS
Venue
Catering
Dessert
Bar + Alcohol
Planning
Music
Photography
Videography
Décor/Rentals
Florals
Shuttle
$16,300
$9,000
$1,500
$3,500
$6,000
$2,500
$4,500
$5,000
$4,500
$6,000
$2,200
(27%)
(15%)
(2%)
(6%)
(10%)
(4%)
(7%)
(8%)
(7%)
(10%)
(4%)
$61,000
Dates in the Smokies book quickly, so don’t wait to start the process. With our virtual tour experience, you can explore The Trillium 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 Trillium, 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
At A Glance
Percentages to guide your planning, with flexibility to match your priorities.
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%
3-4%
5-10%
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 Trillium’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
Shuttle service typically represents 3-4% of the budget, and it’s one of the most popular options for destination weddings in the Smokies. While guests can opt to drive themselves, most couples choose to secure the services of our exclusive shuttle partner. Doing so guarantees a seamless and stress-free journey for you and your loved ones, ensuring everyone arrives and departs without a hitch. With transportation taken care of, you can simply focus on savoring every joyous moment.
3-4%
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 Trillium, 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 Trillium is a photographer’s dream — from the welcoming façade and sweeping lookout to winding pathways and quiet corners, 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 Trillium, 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 Trillium, 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 Trillium 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
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 Trillium 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 Trillium, couples often allocate 25–30% of their budget here. At The Trillium, 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%
