Mountain or Enchanted Forest Weddings

With a Mountain or an Enchanted Forest theme being one of the most popular wedding design concepts for 2013-2014, these creative and adventurous weddings might be just for you! If you are one to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or other outdoor activities, getting married in the mountains or in a forest, may be perfect for you. 

Planning a mountain wedding isn’t for everyone and definitely requires a professional's assistance. Planning the appropriate logistics for a mountain or enchanted forest wedding, can be enormous and the cost is often double that of a city wedding. Everything will need to be transported to the wedding site, from tables, chairs, and linens to tents, flowers and music; and the delivery charges can be huge! Although, if the mountains are your you ideal wedding and reception dream, all the planning and work will be worth it!

Selecting the Location

 If you decide a mountain or forest wedding is right for you, finding the right location is the first priority. You might choose a mountain meadow, a hidden forest, a guest ranch, a clearing beside a lake or a mountain top.  The Lake Tahoe region offers so many mountain and forest wedding possibilities! Be sure to check with the local Park Service to arrange for any necessary permits. Liane McCombs Wedding & Event Planning is the #1 wedding planner in the Lake Tahoe area, offering you creative and exciting destination wedding possibilities!

If you want your wedding to be casual, you might use existing picnic tables and fire pits. If the wedding will be more formal, delivery trucks will need access to the area, to deliver equipment. Check for the availability of electricity, water, and restrooms. You may need to rent portable generators and portable restrooms and haul water for drinking, cooking and clean-up.
Be sure to have a back-up plan, in case of inclement weather. In the mountains, daily showers can be common, as is wind, from gentle breezes to strong gusts. At higher elevations, when the sun sets, it gets cold quickly, even in July. Therefore, unless you plan a daytime wedding, you may need to rent a tent, with a heating system. Make sure all guests know how to dress for the possible colder evening weather. Be prepared, and bring a basket of shawls or blankets, to keep guests warm.

Once you find that perfect setting, a permit from the U.S. Forest Service or your State Parks and Recreation Department may be required. You can find out by checking at the city hall in the nearest community.
Food
Every wedding needs food, but what you serve is your choice. Many mountain restaurants offer catering service. Most small town bakers don’t provide wedding cakes, though they may offer alternative desserts, such as pie or cobbler. If you hire an experienced wedding coordinator, just about anything that you want, can be created for this magical day!

All trash and debris will need to be removed from the site, so bring several large trash cans and bags. Arrange with your caterer for trash removal. If they are unwilling, you will need to hire or arrange someone else to take care of that task. You may need to transport the trash to the nearest town for disposal.
Music
 
If your location has no electricity, hiring a band may be your best choice. There are several choices from which to choose, but a Blue Grass band might just be your perfect choice!
Be Prepared

Cellular phone service is not available in many mountain areas. Therefore, someone needs to know how to contact you, either on a land line or by driving to your location. You might leave your contact information with a ranger station, a store or a lodge near the wedding site so delivery trucks and guests who are lost can find you.
Make lists of everything you will need and check them carefully. You won’t be able to run to a well-stocked grocery store or rental center to pick up forgotten items. (And don’t forget insect repellent.)
Don’t be surprised if, attracted by the of smell food, four-footed guests come calling. To prevent a possible disaster, left-over food and dirty dishes should be securely locked in bear-proof containers and placed in a covered truck or out away from your tent. Then, if a critter visits, the tent or tables won’t be destroyed.
Guest Considerations
To accommodate guest needs, contact hotels, motels, cabins, lodges and RV parks in the area and block rooms. Then, send save-the-date cards six months or more before the wedding and include the accommodation information. That way, guests can choose lodging that fits their needs and budgets.
Encourage guests to dress appropriately. Formal dresses and heels are generally not appropriate. However, you may not want guests arriving in hiking shorts, so recommend acceptable attire.
Be Creative
Take advantage of the location! If the ceremony occurs near a river or lake, the bride might arrive by canoe. If wagons are available, consider transporting guests to the ceremony by horse-drawn wagon. 

Ask your photographer to be on the lookout for special moments, such as deer wandering by or the moose in the river. Above all, go with the flow. Be flexible and don’t stress over the details. Instead, be prepared to make changes as circumstances occur and relax and enjoy the wonders of nature.

Planning a mountain or enchanted forest wedding presents unique challenges and requires careful planning and attention to detail. However, with professional guidance, you will be able to create a memorable event unlike any other and make memories to last a lifetime.

Liane McCombs Wedding & Event Planning

775-786-1730

lianemccombs@gmail.com

Voted Northern Nevada's #1 Wedding Coordinator

Wedding Wire's 2013 Bridal Choice Award Winner

Lake Tahoe Wedding Designer,Coordinator & Planner

Photography by 
Marielle Hayes Photography 
Jon M Photography