If you’re planning on tying the knot in the Boone, Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis or Banner Elk area, Congratulations!!! The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina offer endless possibilities for a once in a lifetime destination wedding. Here are some things to think about as you are putting together the details of your Big Day.
Weather
– As you probably know, the weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable. Make sure that your guests know to dress appropriately for the season and are prepared for independent variables. Even in August it can get chilly quick when the sun goes down. It’s also important to have a solid rain plan if you are planning an outdoor wedding.
Shoes
– Unless you are planning on going straight from a church ceremony to an indoor reception without “passing go”, leave the stiletto’s at home! The mountain terrain is rocky, uneven, unpredictable and it’s just not practical. Wedges or a thicker heel are a much better option if you don’t want to wear flats. Make sure that your bridesmaids keep that in mind as well. If it’s a casual affair, think about placing a bucket of flip flops by they dance floor for guests who didn’t get the memo.
Booking Vendors
– The NC High Country is a destination wedding location. Since most weddings take place April-October, wedding vendors and especially wedding venues book up fast for those months. You’ll want to try and book your venue at least a year in advance if at all possible. Stay flexible with your date until you see what availability your favorite venues can offer. Also think about whether you would consider a Friday or a Sunday if the venue that you want is not available on a Saturday.
Transportation
– First of all, tell your guests not to rely solely on their GPS. They are often wrong and even if they do get you there, they sometimes take you a much longer route. Be sure to have really really really good directions on your invites. Have a few people that are familiar with the area look over them to make sure that they are accurate. Depending on how far your guests are staying from the ceremony and reception sites, it might be prudent to arrange some form of transportation. There are several companies in the area that provide transportation specifically for weddings and large events.
Wind
– Yes wind gets it’s own category. The main reason I mention this is because if you have an outdoor reception you’re going to have to find some way to keep those table cloths down. Even if it’s just a little breezy it the wind in the mountains can pose quite a dilemma. You also need to let your florist know if it is an outdoor reception so that they keep that in mind when arranging the centerpieces. If you’re a DIY bride putting together you own centerpieces just be sure that they are not top heavy.
Guest Accommodations
– Everyone knows that the Summer is “peak” wedding season but they might not be aware that the Fall in the NC Mountains is the busiest season of all. Not just for weddings but for tourism in general. The changing leaves bring people from all over the world to the High Country. There are also ASU football games to take into account and all sorts of fairs and festivals. My best advice is to make guests aware of that fact when you send out Save the Dates. You don’t have to give them all of the specifics but at least give them a heads up that hotels and cabins book up quickly, especially in the summer and fall, so they will know to make arrangements way in advance.
Feel free to contact me directly if you have further questions or need a wedding planner or coordinator to help you put together all of the pieces so that you can relax and enjoy both the planning process and your wedding day in style!
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