About Memphis
Located along the Mississippi River, Memphis is the second most populated city in Tennessee. It was discovered in 1541 by Hernando de Soto and founded in 1819 by Andrew Jackson, James Winchester, and John Overton. You and your guests can visit some of the historic places while in town.
This city is a fantastic place for outdoor activities with an average high temperature of around 73 degrees, so you may want to consider an outdoor wedding venue in Memphis. Although it is not on the coast, you can find several beaches along the Mississippi as well as at local lakes. But Memphis has many fantastic places for an indoor wedding venue as well.
Wedding Options in Memphis
Finding the perfect wedding venue in Memphis is not going to be the only thing on your to-do list. You will need food, photographs, and décor as well as some help with makeup and hair details. Memphis has a plethora of options for you to choose from.
- Hair and Makeup
The last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is doing your hair and makeup. And your bridal party probably feels the same way. Memphis has numerous hair and makeup artists who can help you all out, so you can all relax.
- Décor
Every wedding needs a decorator. You do not want to be the one setting things up when you should be practicing your wedding vows or getting your hair and makeup done. Let one of the Memphis area decorators handle all that so you don’t have to.
- Floral Designer
Whether you want to have bold and bright wildflowers in casual bouquets or delicate roses and baby’s breath in formal bouquets, it is nice to have a professional take care of that stuff. Sure, you could make your own, but it sure would be easier (and probably better) having a floral designer do it.
- Caterer
No matter what kind of wedding you have, you will need food. You can easily do a buffet with cold cuts and mostaccioli but hiring a professional caterer will be much easier. Let them worry about planning the menu, cooking, setup, and cleanup.
- Photographer
You will want to have those awesome wedding party photos to show off on Instagram and Memphis has a bunch of places to take them. But it is better to have a professional do the staging and photographing of the wedding party as well as everything else.
Wedding Companies in Memphis
Your wedding day is special, and you want it to be perfect, but it can be daunting when there is so much to do. Memphis has plenty of wedding planners to help you with whatever you need.
- Your Wedding Day by Andra
You can be sure that your wedding day will be perfect with Andra and her crew. They specialize in the “month of” coordination and can work with any budget. And she has been in business for over 20 years, so she knows what she is doing.
- Connor and Company
Kelsey and Shea Connor have been planning weddings and other events for more than 10 years and have done over 100 weddings. Their motto is, “We make things happen and we make it pretty.” And they have a whole team to help them work their magic.
- Pineapple Processions
To keep the stress and anxiety from every wedding day, Pineapple Processions takes the work and the worry off your hands. They have almost 20 years of experience and they have won several Couples’ Choice Awards too. The team has done more than 300 events and will do it all from start to finish.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Memphis
Memphis is a fantastic choice for a wedding venue but there are always things you need to know before setting the date. Every town has its ups and downs so make sure you know them before committing.
Advantages
- Memphis has the blues and more
With a diverse background, Memphis is well-known for its blues bands, rock and roll, and country music, so you can find the perfect entertainment for your wedding venue.
- You will not need a coat
Memphis does not typically drop below the mid-40s even at its coldest and they rarely get snow, so you can get by with a hoodie or light jacket even in January.
- Foodie heaven
Memphis barbecue is known around the world, but they are also proud of their fried chicken, po’boy sandwiches, and fried catfish.
- Low cost of living
Just about anything you can buy in Memphis will be less expensive than most cities, and this will include wedding supplies.
Disadvantages
- High crime rate
With a high crime rate, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings. Stick to safe neighborhoods like Cordova, Windyke, and Eads.
- Traffic jams
The average Memphis driver spends about 15 hours per week stuck in traffic, so take public transportation or rideshare services.
- The heat
Although winters are pleasantly mild, summer can be overly hot and sticky with an average high of 95 in the summer months.
- Bugs
During the long summer months, bugs are virulent with some of the largest beetles and most annoying mosquitoes in the country. Bring some bug spray if you are planning an outdoor wedding.
Famous Locations in Memphis
- Memphis Zoo
Opened in 1906, Memphis Zoo has over 3,500 animals in more than 500 species on 72 acres. Separated into different exhibits and habitats, you and your wedding party can visit the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, Dragon’s Lair, and the Animals of the Night before or after the nuptials.
- Graceland
You cannot go to Memphis and not visit the home of legendary Elvis Presley. It is the third most-visited house in the country. Located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, the building is now a historic landmark as well as a museum where you and your guests can learn more about the king of rock and roll.
- Mud Island Park
Take the Skybridge to Mud Island Park where you can stroll along the Riverwalk to see the million-gallon pool that represents the Gulf of Mexico. Learn about the native cultures of those who settled by the river thousands of years ago at the Mississippi River Museum too. You can even rent kayaks to glide along the harbor with your significant other after your wedding.