When we plan an Open House, our goal goes far beyond styling a room; we’re creating an experience. For our Nashville 828 Event Planners, Kali and Rachel, this season’s Open House at 14TENN was a chance to spark inspiration, showcase cohesive design thinking, and help couples experience what thoughtful, intentional planning truly feels like.
This year’s theme? A nostalgia-meets-now concept that has been popping up across modern weddings and social feeds: a vibrant, elevated Farmer’s Market–inspired celebration. Here’s a look inside how our planning team brought the idea to life from first concept to final walkthrough.
How the Farmer’s Market Theme Came to Life
Like every strong design direction, this one started with collaboration.
Rachel is drawn to bold color and pattern play, while Kali leans minimalist, organic, and neutral. When exploring current wedding trends, both planners noticed the rise of the “fresh off the market” theme, particularly in bachelor/bachelorette content. Another common decor trend was playful, produce-inspired event design.
That overlap sparked the idea.
“It married our aesthetics really well,” Kali said. “And since it was our first Open House designing together, it felt like the right place to start.”
Anchor Elements That Grounded the Event Design
Every event needs a grounding detail, and for this theme, that non-negotiable was gingham.
Rentals in this pattern are limited, so the planners began there. By selecting linens and décor from Eventworks that paired with the gingham pieces available, we established a palette early on that drove the rest of the design decisions.
From there, our planners layered texture, color, and natural elements to build a cohesive story:
Wicker baskets and rattan chargers
Wood accents across chairs, lounge pieces, and even the checkered dance floor
A warm produce-inspired palette of leafy greens, yellows, blues, and pops of ripe red
Family-style tables layered with potted plants from Echoes of Eden, loose produce, and candles
Vintage blue glassware and, of course, gingham napkins for color continuity
The result: a space that felt fresh, organic, and intentionally imperfect—just like an open-air market but elevated for a modern event.
Creative Challenges That Lead to Better Solutions
Great planning isn’t about avoiding obstacles; it’s about solving them with style.
One standout challenge for this event: greenery. 14TENN’s barn doors are traditionally dressed with lush foliage, but for this theme, traditional greenery didn’t feel aligned.
Rather than forcing it, the team pivoted. A berry-centered garland became the solution: still botanical, still textured, but far more aligned with the playful, seasonal Farmer’s Market vision.
Interactive Moments That Bring Open Houses to Life
At 828 Planning, we believe Open Houses should feel alive, and not like a trade show. That meant curating interactive, memorable touch points:
A Digital Hair & Makeup Display
Instead of a typical booth, One10 Beauty showcased their work on a looping digital display, helping guests experience their artistry instantly and visually.
Live Portrait Sessions
Caroline Paints Live created mini portraits in real time, an element that added charm, movement, and crowd engagement. It also aligned perfectly with the “browse + discover” feeling of a market.
We also activated 14TENN’s photo booth and hedge wall backdrop so guests could capture their own moments throughout the experience.
Designing for Community, Connection & Flow
A Farmer’s Market isn’t meant to be rushed through, because as all market shoppers know, you find the best things while wandering. That became the guiding principle for flow and layout.
Vendors were placed intentionally around the room in market-style “booths,” encouraging guests to explore organically rather than follow a linear path. Specialty cocktails from 14TENN Beverage, including a cucumber mint cooler and a spicy margarita kept guests refreshed as they mingled.
For Kali, 828 Nashville wedding planner, the planning goal was clear: “A farmer’s market is about community and connection. I wanted guests to feel relaxed, inspired, and immersed.”
Guests couldn’t stop talking about the vendor presence. Getting face-to-face time with Nashville’s creative partners was a highlight for couples and corporate event attendees alike.
14TENN’s new draping wall also had its first public debut, and quickly became a fan favorite.
Tips for Couples Wanting a Farmer’s Market Aesthetic for their Wedding
Whether you want to go all-in on the theme or just pull subtle wedding inspiration, our planners recommend:
1. Play With Pattern & Material
Gingham linens, wooden crates, wicker baskets, and produce boxes instantly evoke a market vibe without becoming too kitschy.
2. Incorporate Produce into Decor
Food-inspired details are trending, and for good reason. Here’s how our team incorporated food into the design:
A champagne tower topped with berries
Tomatoes nestled into head table florals
Citrus, herbs, or seasonal vegetables woven into centerpieces
3. Keep the Menu Fresh, Fun & Approachable
To maintain the theme’s casual charm, we worked with Flavor Catering to create a menu centered on seasonal, handheld bites:
Sliders
Small sandwiches
Fresh, local ingredients
It felt welcoming, unfussy, and aligned with the market feel.
Why a Planning-First Approach Makes All the Difference
This Farmer’s Market Open House was a lesson in intentional event planning. By grounding the design in texture, color, vendor experience, and guest movement, our 828 Event Planning team created an environment that felt joyful, fresh, and distinctly Nashville.
If you’re dreaming up your wedding or event and want a planning team that brings creativity, structure, and personality to every detail, we’d love to guide you.
Ready to plan your Nashville wedding? Connect with 828 Nashville Event Planners today; we’re here to help you imagine (and plan) everything.
