Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation. One of the most crucial decisions in this journey is selecting the perfect venue. Southern Grace 1916, nestled in the heart of Lithia, Florida, offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a sought-after location for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. This comprehensive guide delves into the details of hosting a wedding at Southern Grace 1916, including venue specifics, cost factors, expense breakdowns, budgeting tips, and a budget estimate summary.
Venue Details
| Venue Name | Southern Grace 1916 |
|---|---|
| Location | 17822 Bill Taylor Rd., Lithia, FL 33547 |
| Phone | 813-277-6028 |
| Website | southerngracewedding.com |
| @southerngraceweddings1916 | |
| [email protected] | |
| Average Price | $21,200 |
| Capacity | Up to 175 guests |
| Awards | WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2020–2025 |
| Facilities | Ceremony Area, Private Bridal Suites, Indoor & Outdoor Ceremony Areas, Dressing Room, Reception Area, Wireless Internet |
About Southern Grace 1916
Southern Grace 1916 is a century-old estate that exudes Southern charm and elegance. The venue features a vintage white clapboard chapel, authentic barn, and picturesque landscapes, providing a romantic backdrop for weddings. With its rich history and family-owned legacy, Southern Grace 1916 offers a unique and intimate setting for couples to celebrate their special day.
Location
Located in Lithia, Florida, Southern Grace 1916 is easily accessible from Tampa and surrounding areas. The venue’s serene environment, surrounded by natural beauty, offers a peaceful retreat for couples and guests alike.
Factors Influencing Southern Grace 1916 Weddings Cost
When planning a wedding at a beautiful venue like Southern Grace 1916, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect your overall expenses. While the venue offers an all-inclusive experience that simplifies the process, several variables can still cause your final price to shift—either up or down. Let’s take a closer look at the main elements that influence the cost of hosting your big day at this picturesque Florida estate.
Guest Count and Package Customization
One of the biggest drivers of wedding costs is your guest count. Southern Grace 1916 can accommodate up to 175 guests, but the number of attendees directly affects your catering needs, seating, décor, and even staffing.
Although the average package price is based on a moderate guest list, inviting more guests typically means upgrading your package or paying additional per-head costs. On the flip side, a more intimate wedding might give you more room to include optional add-ons or allocate budget toward luxury touches.
Customizing your wedding package can also shift the pricing. While many services are included—like floral arrangements, catering, and entertainment—some couples opt for upgrades such as premium menu items, signature cocktails, or enhanced décor themes. These personalization options are worth considering, especially if you have a specific vision in mind, but they do influence the final total.
Day of the Week and Season
Southern Grace 1916 is a year-round venue, but the day and time of your wedding can have a big impact on cost. Saturday evenings during spring and fall—peak wedding seasons—are typically the most popular and therefore the most expensive time slots.
If you’re looking to reduce expenses, consider hosting your wedding on a weekday or Sunday, or opt for an off-season month like January or August. These alternative dates are not only more budget-friendly but can also give you more flexibility when it comes to vendor availability and guest accommodations.
Décor and Theme Enhancements
The venue itself is a stunning backdrop, featuring a historic estate, elegant ceremony areas, and curated spaces that often require minimal additional décor. However, many couples like to add personal flair through themes, color palettes, or seasonal decorations.
If you choose to incorporate additional design elements—such as elaborate floral arches, customized lighting, or elaborate table settings—you’ll likely see a price increase. Southern Grace 1916 already includes many décor basics in its package, so the good news is that you can still create a beautiful ambiance without going overboard on extra costs.
Vendor Preferences and Add-Ons
While the venue’s all-inclusive package includes trusted vendors for catering, floral, music, and more, some couples choose to bring in outside vendors for certain elements. For example, you might want a specific photographer whose style matches your vision or a live band instead of the in-house DJ.
These substitutions can increase costs, especially if outside vendors are not included in the standard pricing. Be sure to consult the venue team to see if outside vendors are allowed and whether there are additional fees associated with their inclusion.
Moreover, add-ons such as a champagne tower, signature drinks, cigar bars, dessert stations, or live entertainment (like string quartets or firework shows) can significantly influence the total cost, depending on how extravagant your plans are.
Duration of the Event
The length of your wedding day is another detail that affects cost. Most packages at Southern Grace 1916 offer a specific number of hours for your ceremony and reception, as well as time in the bridal suites for prep. If you require additional time for extended photo sessions, rehearsals, or a longer celebration, you might need to purchase extra hours or upgrade your package.
Although this may seem like a small detail, every hour adds up in terms of staffing, security, lighting, and energy use—especially at a large estate-style venue.
Special Requests or Cultural Ceremonies
Every couple is unique, and some weddings require special accommodations based on cultural traditions or personal preferences. For example, a wedding that includes multiple ceremonies (such as Indian, Chinese, or Jewish traditions) might require more time, décor, or ceremony areas.
Southern Grace 1916 is flexible and experienced in accommodating various cultural needs, but keep in mind that these customizations can sometimes lead to higher costs depending on logistics, space requirements, and specific vendor needs.
Breakdown of Southern Grace 1916 Weddings Expenses
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental (including ceremony and reception areas) | $18,200–$23,500 |
| Catering (buffet-style dinner service) | Included in package |
| Floral Arrangements (bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements) | Included in package |
| DJ Services and Sound System | Included in package |
| Décor (linens, chargers, custom favor cabinet) | Included in package |
| Photo Booth | Included in package |
| Vintage Car Transportation | Included in package |
| Bridal and Groom Suites | Included in package |
| Additional Services (lawn games, fire pit, etc.) | Included in package |
Tips for Budgeting and Saving on Southern Grace 1916 Weddings
Planning a dream wedding at a stunning venue like Southern Grace 1916 is exciting, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. With strategic planning and thoughtful choices, you can enjoy the full Southern Grace experience while keeping your finances in check. Here are practical and proven tips to help you budget wisely and even save money without sacrificing elegance.
Prioritize What Matters Most
Every couple has unique wedding priorities. For some, it’s the flowers. For others, it’s the music, the dress, or the food. Start your budgeting journey by sitting down with your partner and identifying the top three elements that matter most to both of you.
At Southern Grace 1916, many services like catering, décor, and DJ are already included, which means you may not need to budget separately for those. Use this opportunity to focus your budget on the personalized touches that truly reflect your style and values—like custom signage, a guest photo book, or upgraded menu options.
Choose an Off-Peak Season Date
Weddings held in spring and fall tend to be more expensive due to high demand. If your timeline allows for flexibility, consider booking during an off-peak month like January, February, or August. Not only could you get better rates, but availability will be more flexible, allowing you to plan the day exactly how you want.
Southern Grace 1916 offers year-round availability, so selecting a date outside of the busy wedding season could help you save significantly on both venue and vendor costs.
Trim the Guest List
While Southern Grace 1916 accommodates up to 175 guests, that doesn’t mean you have to invite that many. The cost of weddings increases significantly with each guest—more seats, more meals, more favors. By reducing your guest list even slightly, you can drastically cut down on overall expenses without reducing the intimacy or enjoyment of your special day.
Focus on inviting people who have played a meaningful role in your life. A smaller wedding often leads to deeper connections, more quality time with each guest, and less stress.
Take Advantage of All-Inclusive Packages
One of the biggest budget savers at Southern Grace 1916 is their all-inclusive package. From catering and floral arrangements to a photo booth and even a vintage getaway car, so much is already included in the average price of $21,200. Choosing vendors individually for these items would often cost much more than the bundled rate.
Be sure to communicate openly with the Southern Grace team to ensure you’re maximizing what’s offered. You might discover perks you hadn’t initially considered, like lawn games for entertainment or luxurious private suites that eliminate the need for external rentals.
DIY Where It Makes Sense
While Southern Grace 1916 handles much of the heavy lifting, small do-it-yourself projects can still help you save. Think handwritten table cards, custom Spotify playlists for cocktail hour, or homemade wedding favors like candles or snacks.
Not only do these touches add personality, but they’re also budget-friendly and deeply appreciated by guests.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings and Purchases
Waiting until the last minute often leads to panic purchases and premium prices. Whether it’s attire, signage, or wedding gifts, plan as far ahead as possible. Early planning means better deals, more time to compare vendors (if you’re adding anything beyond the inclusive package), and less financial pressure close to the big day.
Set a wedding calendar with deadlines for booking, ordering, and finalizing plans. The more organized you are, the more likely you are to stay on track with your budget.
Ask for Recommendations from the Venue
The Southern Grace 1916 team has worked with countless couples and vendors over the years. Don’t hesitate to ask for their insight on affordable vendors or clever ways to save. Whether it’s photographers who offer bundled packages or florists with seasonal discounts, insider knowledge can lead to smarter spending.
Often, preferred vendors also offer exclusive discounts for couples booking through the venue.
Track Every Expense
One of the most underestimated tools in budget management is simple expense tracking. Create a detailed spreadsheet and record every cost—no matter how small. This includes deposits, tips, printing costs, and any spontaneous purchases.
Reviewing your spending regularly ensures that you’re not accidentally overspending and gives you the chance to make real-time adjustments. With Southern Grace 1916’s transparent pricing and clearly defined packages, tracking becomes much more manageable.
Budget Estimate Summary
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental and Package Inclusions | $18,200–$23,500 |
| Additional Services or Upgrades | Variable |
| Total Estimated Cost | Approximately $21,200 |
Final Thoughts
Southern Grace 1916 offers a comprehensive and charming setting for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. By understanding the various factors that influence costs and implementing strategic budgeting tips, you can plan a beautiful wedding that aligns with your financial goals. With its all-inclusive packages and dedicated team, Southern Grace 1916 stands as a premier choice for weddings in Florida.