Frequently Asked Questions

Southern Events is located at 298 W. Madison Ave., Athens, Tennessee.  We are just a few blocks from the historic downtown square.  Southern Homes is just off Highway 30 / Decatur Pike and less than 4 miles from I-75, off exit #49. 

Southern Events is approximately 2600 sq. ft. of indoor venue space. We are an intimate venue with the ability to host up to 100 guests. This includes our primary open concept main banquet room, two handicap accessible bathrooms, a modest but efficient kitchenette and a small private office for our staff.  

The main entertaining space is just over 2000 square feet. The parking lot across the street is shared with Southern Homes. It is a private parking lot available for events. We do ask that you leave the parking spaces in front of the building, for those who need handicap or additional assistance /  accommodations. If it is during the week day and day time, you must keep spaces available in front of Southern Homes for their clients to park. 

 
You do have two options with bringing in food. We offer a list of Preferred Vendors that includes caterers. We do not allow any vendor onto the property without them being licensed and insured. If your vendor is not on our preferred list, we would ask that they contact us proper to your event so that we can obtain their information and have them sign a few documents for insurance purposes.  

We do allow the use of other caterers or DIY food. However, you would bring the food in and set it up after signing our documents taking responsibility for the food. This is something that is a non negotiable office policy that most venues support. 

 Special event liability insurance and/or cancellation insurance is always recommended but not required for every event. 

Clients may purchase through their own insurance agent, or through a service with which we partner. 

Cost depends upon event size and type, but generally runs about $1-2 per person. 

We would prefer no alcohol. No outside alcohol is allowed to be carried in. However, for special pre-approved events with strict regulations, alcohol can be served but must be provided by the licensed and insured pre-approved caterer and or mobile bartender. *If the client is utilizing a Venue-approved bartenders, only beer, wine and up two, pre-mixed “signature drinks” may be served. 

Clients may not provide their own bartenders, even if they are ABC permitted.  This must be through a pre-approved licensed and insured vendor. ID is required from everyone seeking an alcoholic beverage from any bar. 

Violations of this policy will result in the event being shut down and a $1500 penalty. 

A little Extra Time, On Us! 

Enjoy 30 minutes of complimentary set up time before your event and 30 minutes for breakdown afterwards, giving you more time to celebrate! 

If you need additional set up time, (prior to your event) you will need to schedule that additional time to be included in your rental contract. 

You will need to pay for any time that you are occupying the venue space. 

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Some days we will have more than one event booked. Therefore it is important for you to be there only when it is your scheduled time. 

Please be mindful, you will not be allowed to enter prior to your scheduled time and you will be expected to cleanup and be completely vacated within your time booked.  

*Additional charges and or penalties may apply if you do not comply with your contracted scheduled time. 

Yes. We do have limited handicap accommodations. We have a few handicap parking places in front of our building. 

We also have two handicap accessible bathrooms. 

The main venue space is all one level except for the area where the emergency exit is located. The flooring there is slightly sloped upward to the door but it is a gradual slope that is handicap friendly. 

We do have a step down into our kitchenette and there is a handrail available for use. There is not a ramp available into the kitchenette. 

So it is not accessible by wheelchair.   

No. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to provide a linen rental service at this time. 

There are a few caterers that we partner with that you provide linens  with their services if you hire them. 

Most casual events use plastic disposal tablecloths.

There are economical options available for purchase on Amazon as well.