Fourth Annual Design Challenge | Around the World

We are so excited to share all the details from our fourth annual design challenge! The Cannery Ballroom hosted the event and the theme was Around the World. Our planners met for several weeks before and chose their vendor team to bring their country’s design to life. On the day of the challenge, many wedding industry friends attended to view each design and vote on their favorite. Nashville Wedding Planners Group also posted the designs on Instagram to award a social media winner.

Check out each country’s pictures below!

A big thank you to our event sponsors for making this day possible!

CUBA

Team Cuba was inspired by the mix of tropical florals, colorful buildings and 1950s era that the country embodies. We brought in a checkered dance floor to mimic the black and white 1950s look and added a natural wood bar that felt very "Havana" and tropical. We wanted the whole design to be inviting and feel like you are being invited to a fun late-night dinner party in Cuba! Our cocktail pairing was an Old Cuban!

Members

Vendors

INDIA

In the Indian culture, the color red represents celebration. We chose vibrant hues of red and paired them with ornate gold in the place setting, bud vases, and small details. Pops of yellow in the menu and flowers pulled it all together with a handmade touch of gold calligraphy. The goal for florals was to be vibrant, lush, and full. The hanging strands of flowers were the driving inspiration for the design. We chose to add the teacups because of the love for Chai Masala in India. Each place card was held by a ceramic elephant which has many meanings for the Indian culture and religions. Our cocktail pairing was a Chai Whiskey Sour!

Members

Vendors

ITALY

This year, Nashville Wedding Planners Group presented us with such a fun theme - Around The World! My team and I selected "Italy" because of the rise in European elements incorporated into wedding designs this past year. We aimed to capture the essence of Italy - best known for its romantic character and breathtaking landscapes. Because the event was hosted in late August/early September we decided to put an Autumnal twist on the design incorporating deeper hues and pops of burgundy. Our cocktail pairing was an Aperol Sptritz!

We are so thankful to our vendors that donated their time and energy into this project to bring our Italian-inspired table to life! 

Members

Vendors

FRANCE

Our team aimed to capture the essence of the French countryside by drawing inspiration from traditional French gardens. This vision was brought to life with a central fountain, complemented by lush moss details, creating the illusion of a tablescape emerging from an antique setting. The tablescape featured elegant table lamps, vibrant fruits, and delicate macarons, adding to the authentic ambiance. Each place setting was thoughtfully arranged, with clusters of breadsticks and menu cards depicting locally grown vegetables. The place cards were a tribute to Team USA’s victory at the 2024 Olympics in France, celebrating their gold medal win. The final touch included French Venque and antique silver accents, paying homage to the table’s historical roots. To complete the experience, our signature cocktail for the evening was the classic French 75.

Members

Vendors

Casey Cannon