River Deep, or Mountain High?

The Mountains

Mountain weddings are a breathtakingly beautiful and romantic way to celebrate the love between two people. Surrounded by towering peaks, crisp mountain air, and sweeping vistas, there is something truly magical about saying “I do” in such a stunning natural setting.

One of the biggest draws of a mountain wedding is the unparalleled scenery. Whether you choose to exchange vows at the top of a peak, by a serene lake, or in a lush meadow surrounded by wildflowers, the backdrop for your special day is sure to be absolutely stunning. The majestic beauty of the mountains provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony, creating a sense of awe and wonder that is unmatched by any other setting.

In addition to the stunning scenery, mountain weddings also offer a sense of peace and serenity that is hard to find in more traditional wedding venues. The quiet tranquility of the mountains allows you and your guests to truly connect with nature and experience a sense of calm and relaxation that can be difficult to find in a crowded city setting.

Opportunities for Adventure!

Another wonderful aspect of mountain weddings is the opportunity for adventure and exploration. Many mountain wedding venues offer a variety of outdoor activities for you and your guests to enjoy, such as hiking, mountain biking, or even skiing or snowboarding depending on the season. This can make your wedding weekend feel like a mini vacation, providing opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Of course, planning a mountain wedding does come with its own unique challenges. You will need to consider factors such as weather, accessibility, and potential altitude sickness for you and your guests. It’s important to work closely with your vendors and venue to ensure that all logistical details are taken care of and that your day goes off without a hitch.

Overall, mountain weddings are a truly special and unforgettable way to celebrate your love in a breathtaking natural setting. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a snow-covered peak in the winter or under a canopy of vibrant fall foliage, a mountain wedding is sure to be a day that you and your guests will never forget. So if you’re a nature lover or adventure seeker, consider saying “I do” in the mountains for a truly unforgettable experience.

Down by the River Side

Riverside weddings offer a beautiful and romantic setting for couples looking to tie the knot surrounded by stunning scenery and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Whether you choose to have your ceremony and reception right by the water’s edge or opt for a nearby venue overlooking the river, there are many reasons why riverside weddings are a popular choice for couples.

One of the main draws of riverside weddings is the natural beauty of the setting. The tranquil waters of the river provide a serene backdrop for your special day, creating a peaceful and romantic ambiance that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The lush greenery and scenic views that often accompany rivers also provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos, ensuring that your memories of the day are as beautiful as the event itself.

Seclusion and Privacy

In addition to the aesthetic appeal of riverside weddings, there are also practical benefits to choosing this type of venue. Many riverside locations offer a sense of seclusion and privacy, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the celebration without the distractions of urban life. The natural surroundings also provide a built-in decor, saving you money on costly decorations and allowing you to focus on creating a simple, elegant atmosphere that highlights the beauty of the outdoors.

Furthermore, riverside weddings allow for a variety of unique experiences for you and your guests. From boat rides and waterfront cocktails to riverside bonfires and late-night strolls along the water’s edge, there are many opportunities to create special moments that will be cherished for years to come. The sounds of the river flowing and the gentle rustling of the trees add an extra layer of ambiance to your event, creating a charming and relaxing experience for all in attendance.

Do Your Homework

If you’re considering a riverside wedding, there are a few important factors to keep in mind when choosing a venue. Make sure to inquire about any necessary permits or regulations for hosting events by the water, as well as any potential limitations on guest capacity or noise levels. It’s also important to consider the weather and time of year when planning a riverside wedding, as outdoor venues can be impacted by seasonal changes and inclement weather.

Overall, riverside weddings offer a unique and enchanting setting for couples looking to celebrate their love in a natural and picturesque environment. Whether you choose to have a small, intimate gathering or a lavish affair with all the trimmings, a riverside wedding is sure to create lasting memories that you and your guests will treasure for a lifetime. So if you’re dreaming of a romantic and idyllic wedding day, consider saying “I do” by the water’s edge for a truly memorable experience.

Go Big or Go Small? It’s Your Call!

The size of your wedding ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the number of guests you want to invite.

The size of your wedding ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the type of experience you want to create for you and your guests. Some couples prefer a large wedding with lots of guests to celebrate with, while others prefer a more intimate and small gathering with only their closest family and friends. It’s important to consider what is most meaningful and important to you and your partner when deciding on the size of your wedding.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to plan a large or small wedding:

  1. Budget: Consider how much you are willing to spend on your wedding. A larger wedding with more guests will typically have higher costs for things like venue rental, catering, and decorations.
  2. Personal preferences: Think about your ideal vision for your wedding day. Do you prefer a more intimate gathering with close family and friends, or a larger celebration with a big guest list?
  3. Guest list: Consider how many people you actually want to invite to your wedding. If you have a large circle of family and friends, a bigger wedding may be more appropriate. However, if you prefer a more intimate setting, a smaller wedding may be a better fit.
  4. Venue options: Take into account the size of the venues you are considering. Some venues may be better suited for larger weddings, while others may be more intimate and suitable for smaller gatherings.

Advantages to a larger wedding:

  1. More guests: A larger wedding allows you to invite more friends and family members, creating a more festive and celebratory atmosphere.
  2. Greater diversity: With more guests comes greater diversity in terms of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, enriching the overall wedding experience.
  3. More opportunities for connections: A larger wedding provides more opportunities for guests to connect with each other, potentially forming new friendships and strengthening existing relationships.
  4. Increased support: A larger wedding means more people to celebrate with and offer support during the wedding planning process and on the big day.
  5. More choices for vendors and venues: With a larger guest list, you may have more options when it comes to choosing vendors, venues, and other wedding-related services.
  6. Enhanced entertainment options: A larger wedding allows you to consider more elaborate entertainment options such as live music, dancers, or other performers to keep guests entertained throughout the celebration.
  7. Bigger party (woo-hoo!): A larger wedding typically means a bigger party with more energy, excitement, and memorable moments for everyone involved.

Advantages to a smaller wedding:

  1. Intimacy: A small wedding allows for a more intimate atmosphere, where you can comfortably interact with all your guests and have meaningful conversations.
  2. Cost-effective: With fewer guests, you can save a significant amount of money on the venue, catering, decorations, and other wedding expenses.
  3. Less stressful: Planning a small wedding is often less stressful and complicated than organizing a large event. You can focus on the details that matter most to you and avoid the pressure of accommodating a large guest list.
  4. Personalization: With a smaller guest count, you can personalize your wedding to reflect your personalities and preferences more easily. You can also spend more time with each guest, creating a more memorable experience for everyone.
  5. Easy logistics: Smaller weddings are generally easier to manage in terms of seating arrangements, transportation, and overall coordination. It’s simpler to handle logistics and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day.
  6. Greater flexibility: A small wedding offers more flexibility in terms of venue choices, date availability, and other aspects of your wedding planning. You may have more options to explore and create a unique setting for your special day.
  7. Focus on what matters: With fewer guests, you can focus on the most important aspects of your wedding day, such as celebrating your love and commitment with your closest family and friends. The emphasis is on quality interactions rather than quantity.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to plan a large or small wedding is a personal one and should reflect your own preferences and priorities. Consider what is most important to you and your partner, and plan a wedding that aligns with your vision for your special day.

The Pros and Cons of Weekday Weddings

Prime wedding dates book up very quickly these days, thanks to all of the weddings rescheduled because of the pandemic. This means that more and more couples are considering weekday weddings. If you’re one of them, here are some important factors to consider.

The Bright Side:

You can save money. Saturdays are still the gold standard for weddings, so choosing any other day of the week offers significant savings. Not only will you save money, but your guests may save money, too. Getting married on a weekday allows guests who are traveling from out of town to take advantage of cheaper hotel dates. They can also often find better deals on flights with midweek travel.

You can book your special date without worrying. If you have a specific date in mind – like the anniversary of your first date or Mom and Dad’s wedding anniversary – often it can mean waiting years for that date to fall on a weekend. But if you open yourself up to a weekday wedding, you might be able to celebrate that special date right away! It also allows you to get married on a numerically-significant date, like 4/24/24, that doesn’t fall on a weekend.

You’ll have greater choice in vendors. With so many weddings postponed from 2020 through 2022, more couples than usual are planning their wedding for 2024. That means landing your first choice vendors may not be easy — but choosing a weekday wedding reduces the competition. Couples who get married on a weekday can get the best-of-the-best, since most venues and vendors are usually available outside of the weekend. For a smaller wedding, choosing a weekday may make it easier to reach a venue’s minimum guest requirements. Weekends are always in demand. Having a Wednesday wedding not only means your preferred vendors are probably available but also that they may be more willing to be flexible with minimums and restrictions.

You’ll have extra party days. Turn your wedding into an all-weekend affair! Kick off with the main event on Friday. A Friday wedding also adds a second day to gather with guests and continue the celebration, and opens up Sunday for travel for out-of-town guests. If you’re planning a destination wedding, your guests may have been planning on making a bigger trip out of your wedding anyway, so hosting the main event during the week gives them extra time to enjoy the location as tourists.

You’ll probably have a smaller guest count. This may be positive or negative, depending upon who you ask, but if you are trying to reduce your guest list, a weekday wedding is a natural way to provide a more intimate experience.

The Not-so-Bright Side:

You may get some surprising no-shows. If you’re considering a weekday wedding, you’ll want to make sure before locking in the date that everyone who absolutely has to participate can make it work.

You may have to start later in the day. It’s likely most of your guests will be coming straight from work, so consider having the ceremony start at sunset or later in the evening to allow time for getting ready and smooth travel to the venue.

Guests may have to leave the festivities early. Don’t expect guests to party all night long; most will have to work the next day. Schedule your most important reception events first, like the meal, the toasts, the first dance, and the cake cutting. That way, your guests can experience as much as possible before they have to leave for an early-morning wake-up call.

You should be prepared for last-minute cancellations. Weekdays can be more unpredictable; work meetings can come up unexpectedly or run late, short-notice business trips can happen, commutes can be brutal with almost no warning, or kids’ events end up taking priority. Plan for last-minute drop-offs if unavoidable complications land on your guests at the last-minute.

Some vendors may not have their A-teams available. You may find that some venues may not be set up for weekday event as large or complex as a wedding, since most of their wedding and banquet staff are usually only available on the weekends. This is even more common if you choose a seasonal destination, because local businesses and restaurants may be closed or have earlier hours on weekdays (usually Mondays and Tuesdays). Be sure to ask whether your venue is prepared to host events throughout the week before you lock in your location.

The Bottom Line:

All things considered, the up side for a weekday wedding probably outweighs the down side. Saving money, picking the date you want, having a wider choice of venues and vendors are all outstanding benefits. Sure, your guest list may be shorter than you expected and the party might end a bit earlier, but does a wedding with just your closest family and friends actually sound so bad?

The Sunny Side of Rainy Weddings!

A rainy wedding day may not seem ideal, but inevitably it will happen, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Before you let clouds and rain sour your big day, tr to think of inclement weather as a good thing. Here are some positives to make that a bit easier:

FAQ About Rainy Day Weddings

Is it good if it rains on your wedding day?

It can be a good thing after reading the following tips. As with most events in life, it’s all in how you look at it!

Does rain on your wedding day mean fertility?

This has always been a fairy a tale to wish good luck, but the weather on your big day probably has no bearing on fertility.

What to do if it rains on your wedding day?

Embrace it! There are plenty of positive points to help you change your mindset.

Does rain on your wedding day bring good luck?

Old wives’ tales will tell you that rain brings good luck. However, that most likely stemmed from giving rainy day brides comfort.

Is rain on your wedding day ironic?

This is a fun question! Although Alanis Morissette sang about it in her song, it’s not really a situation of irony.

Rain on Your Wedding Day: 7 Positives

There are many different theories about what rain on your wedding day means. Some say that a rainy wedding is bad luck. However, others believe it’s good luck and signifies that your marriage will last.

So while your number one wedding fear might be having precipitation, it could be a good thing!

  1. Rainy weddings make for one-of-a-kind photos.

The mist and soft lighting that a rainy day provides can look romantic and is hard to create on a sunny day. Not to mention, umbrellas and rain boots could be fun props for your wedding day!

  1. Your wedding flowers are less likely to wilt.

If you’re planning a summer wedding or are getting married in a hot climate, you may be shocked to find out that many centerpieces end up with heat and wilted flowers by the time your reception starts!

On a rainy day, this doesn’t happen! Cooler temperatures, overcast, and humidity make flowers happier.

  1. Allergies and pollen are reduced if you have rain on your wedding day.

If you or members at your wedding suffer from allergies, a hot sunny day can kick your allergies into high gear. Rain reduces the pollen in the air, so if you are getting married during allergy season, a little rain can improve your wedding day.

  1. Rainbows are possible, depending on what time it rains on your big day.

hat comes after an intense thunderstorm and downpour? You guessed it, rainbows! In case a rainbow wasn’t the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony or reception, that’s just one more reason.

  1. Your wedding vendors will handle things with more care.

One positive side to wedding day rain is that your vendors will go above and beyond to make things go perfectly. After all, they want to keep you happy on your big day, so many will take extra precautions to ensure things go well.

  1. Rain on your wedding day can signify good luck.

In many cultures, a rainy day wedding signifies fertility and cleansing, and many cultures welcome rainy wedding days. So if you get some drops on your big day, remember that this slight drizzle is a sign of good luck.

  1. Inclement weather will make for a memorable day.

We’ve all attended fair-weather weddings. However, folks will definitely remember your big day if it’s rainy. Wet weather can add an element of fun as you overcome challenges.

Rain on Your Wedding Day – What to Do.

If you have planned an outdoor wedding, you may be crossing your fingers and just hoping that the rain won’t wash away a year or more’s worth of planning. However, remember that you can do a few things beforehand to help handle a rainy wedding day.

  • Talk to your venue. See if you can relocate your ceremony and reception and what your options are.
  • Embrace the rain. Roll with the punches and remember that rain isn’t the worst thing on your wedding day.
  • Stay positive. Nobody wants to feel like your parade is being rained on, but don’t forget to stay positive. Whether it’s light showers or a full-blown storm, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fabulous wedding!

A wet wedding day might at first seem like a disaster. However, I hope this will help you find the sunny side to a rainy wedding day!

So Many Reasons to Love a Winter Wedding!

(Many thanks to https://www.wedgewoodweddings.com/blog/7-reasons-winter-wedding for these terrific insights!)

Looking for a secret weapon to a stunning, dramatic, and magical wedding? Look no further. The answer is…wait for it…Winter! From snow-capped mountains to easier planning, you’ll warm up to these unique winter wedding advantages. If you’re a sucker for holiday movies and sipping hot toddies in front of a roaring fire, then you’ll fall in love with the perks of a wintertime wedding. It won’t be long before you’ll find yourself saying ‘I do’ to snow-kissed nuptials.

Wedding Cost

Let’s be honest: budgets are sexy! So, what better reason to tie the knot during the cooler months than some big ol’ price savings? If you play your cards right, you can save up to 20% on venue rental costs for off-season dates.These savings make it possible to choose the pricey photographer of your dreams, treat your guests to an open bar, or splurge on that one-of-a-kind princess style wedding dress, all without going over budget. Even better: put those savings towards a romantic getaway with your new spouse for a trip you’ll never forget. You may also find some amazing incentives from your venue and vendors to choose a winter wedding date: perhaps a complimentary champagne toast, free linen upgrades, or a discount on your ceremony fee. Most couples will find there’s a lot more bang for your buck with a winter wedding, and it’ll pay off long after you say I do.

Date and Vendor Availability

Winter weddings have a clear advantage when it comes to the availability of wedding dates, venues, and vendor selection. There’s simply less competition, which puts you in the driving seat! You’ll be able to assemble your A-team to pull off the wedding you’ve always imagined, without sacrifice.

Guest Experience

Social commitments tend to stack up in the summer months, leading to what we call wedding season ‘fatigue.’ When every weekend is filled with a party, wedding, or camping trip — it’s wonderful — but also exhausting! You can reduce stress on yourself and your entire guest list by choosing an off-season date. There are so many advantages for you and your guests! First: you’ll save money! Travel and lodging tend to be more affordable during this time, making room for extras like a spa day or special dinner out. Second: more energy! Both you and your guests will bring so much more enthusiasm and energy to your special day, culminating in an all-night party, or epic brunch wedding fiesta.

Dramatic Color Palettes

Whether it’s the middle of June or tail-end of January, you can choose whatever colors you want to celebrate your special day. The winter months, however, create the absolute perfect backdrop for moody, romantic colors. Think deep burgundy and sage, black and gold, dark turquoise and blush.

Unique Ambiance

Winter carries a uniquely romantic vibe whether you’re in a snow-capped wonderland in Colorado or lush green oasis in California. It’s a time dedicated to family gatherings, feasts, staying warm by the fire, and slowing down — perfect for celebrating love. Most people will tell you: there’s just something in the air this time of year.
Add to that, the gorgeous seasonal looks that deck the halls all season long. Make sure to ask your venue team what they love about winter decor — perhaps it’s silver and gold glamour, natural and whimsical with pine needles and berries, classic red and white with lace accents, or moody bohemian with rich jewel tones. These styles will only enhance your own vision and might save you a pretty penny on decor — enough to splurge on those stunning vintage chairs!

Creative Ideas for Winter

The winter weather and festive season set the perfect scene to incorporate amazing creative wedding ideas you love. We love a hot cocoa bar for your guests, a post-wedding sledding party, or a color palette featuring rich hues and textures inspired by the holidays. It’s also a wonderful excuse to go all-in on a theme wedding that’ll be extra-special on a winter backdrop. Here are eight wedding theme ideas to get you started: Ice Queen, Starry Night, The Nutcracker, Santa’s Reindeer, Beauty & The Beast, Harry Potter, Evergreen Forest, Great Gatsby.

Supporting Local Wedding Vendors

Wedding venues and professionals are one of the industries that have been hit hardest during the COVID-19 crisis. With the wedding industry essentially paused for the time being, these businesses still have overhead costs to maintain and little to no business to help them stay afloat. While we know that our industry is not alone in this hardship, we believe it is our duty to help ensure we all make it to the other side: for our couples, our employees, and all our vendors. By choosing an off-season date, you would be helping your venue and vendors get back on their feet during this difficult time.