Planning A Ranch Wedding: Tips For A Perfect Day

Planning a ranch wedding can be a lot of fun, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider the weather and how it will impact your attire and the comfort of your guests. You'll also want to think about the venue and whether you want to incorporate any Western décor or a more eclectic look. A ranch wedding usually includes a classic farmstead meal, with plenty of farm-to-table options like steak and locally grown vegetables. Finally, don't forget the little details that will make your guests feel extra special, such as parasols or pashminas.

Choosing a venue

If you're looking for a venue with breathtaking natural beauty and a secluded atmosphere, Slide Ranch, 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, could be a good option. This non-profit organisation offers three unique venues for ceremonies and receptions, and you can bring your own caterer and alcohol without any corkage fees.

Beltane Ranch in Sonoma County, California, is another option, offering a variety of memorable ceremony locations that can accommodate any couple's preferences.

When choosing a venue, it's also important to consider guest accommodations and wedding costs. You might also want to think about the type of meal you want to serve. For a ranch wedding, a classic farmstead meal is a must, with plenty of farm-to-table options like steak from a nearby cattle farm and locally grown, in-season vegetables.

Weather considerations

Don't forget the details that will make your guests feel extra cared for, like parasols to offer shade, or pashminas for when it cools off after the cake cutting.

It's also important that you and your bridal party are comfortable. Keep in mind that a big, heavy ball gown will be extremely hot in the warmer months and might make it hard for you to hop on a horse for photos. Similarly, your partner might melt in a full tux (not to mention look out of place).

Wind can be a big killer, so think about the weather and your venue and how it relates to what you're wearing—that includes your shoes and veil. Outdoors, you'll be wobbly in high heels, and if it's too windy, your veil will be standing up parallel to the ground!

Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, there are a few things to consider when planning a ranch wedding. Firstly, it's important to keep the weather in mind. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, expect to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Have a game plan in place for any weather situation, including logistics like air conditioning, bug spray or a tent for rain. You could also offer parasols to provide shade for your guests, or pashminas for when it cools off after the cake cutting.

In terms of food, it's not a ranch wedding without a classic farmstead meal. Offer plenty of farm-to-table options, like steak from a nearby cattle farm and locally grown, in-season vegetables. For casual cowboy fare, consider a mini-taco bar or a nacho-and-queso station. You could also incorporate honey and in-season fruits from local farms into your desserts.

For drinks, pitchers or beverage dispensers of lavender-infused lemonade and sweet tea are refreshing options that are sure to please both young and old. Galvanized buckets filled with bottled water and soda are perfect choices for a vintage celebration. During the cocktail hour and reception, offer local wine and locally brewed beers to infuse the party with regional flavour. If you're having a weekend-long celebration, you could kick off the party with cocktails at the "saloon". You could even have a signature drink, like local honey and Southern whiskey.

If you're looking for a full-service caterer, there are companies that specialise in ranch weddings and can craft the perfect event for you. They can help with everything from the shower to the rehearsal dinner, reception, and after-party. You can also bring your own caterer and alcohol to some venues, but be sure to check the rules and regulations of the state and venue.

Decor and attire

When it comes to decor and attire for a ranch wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider the weather and your venue, and how these factors will impact what you wear. For example, if you're planning an outdoor wedding on a ranch, expect to get up close and personal with nature. Have a plan in place for any weather situation, from air conditioning and bug spray to a tent for rain. You might also want to offer your guests parasols for shade or pashminas for when it cools off after the cake-cutting.

For your attire, comfort is key. If you're getting married in the warmer months, a big, heavy ball gown will be extremely hot and might make it difficult to hop on a horse for photos. Similarly, a full tux might be too warm for the groom and could look out of place. Instead, opt for lighter, more breathable fabrics and consider the type of shoes you'll be wearing. If you're outdoors, avoid high heels as you might find yourself wobbling on uneven terrain.

When it comes to decor, you can create a carefree, eclectic look by mixing and matching chairs, china, and napkins in complementary colour tones. Or, if you want to embrace the ranch theme, incorporate desert blooms like cacti and wildflowers into your bouquets and centrepieces. You can also bring in natural elements like wood slices or burlap for a rustic touch.

Overall, the key to planning a successful ranch wedding is to embrace the unique setting and incorporate personal touches that reflect your style. Don't be afraid to mix and match, and most importantly, ensure that you and your bridal party are comfortable and prepared for any weather eventuality.

Guest accommodations

When it comes to guest accommodations, it's important to keep in mind the weather and the venue's location. If the ranch is outdoors, expect to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Have a game plan in place for any weather situation, including logistics like air conditioning, bug spray, or a tent for rain. You might also want to consider offering your guests details that will make them feel extra cared for, like parasols to offer shade, a stylish bar cart with pre-wedding sips, or pashminas for when it cools off after the cake cutting.

Additionally, keep in mind that a ranch wedding doesn't have to be dripping with Western décor. You can mix and match chairs, china, and napkins (all in complementary colour tones) to create a carefree, eclectic look. Or, you can incorporate desert blooms like cacti and wildflowers into your bouquets and centrepieces.

Finally, when planning guest accommodations, it's important to consider the comfort of your guests. A big, heavy ball gown might be extremely hot in the warmer months, and a full tux might be uncomfortable and out of place. Instead, opt for attire that is comfortable and weather-appropriate.

Frequently asked questions