We are honored that Rocky Mountain Bride asked us to be a contributing writer for their summer 2010 magazine. You can find our article “Do’s and don’ts for your mountain wedding” on page 12. The article also shows off one of our Beaver Creek weddings from last fall featuring fabulous photographs by the very talented Karie Mclain Photography.
For the next week, we are focusing on the do’s and don’ts of mountain weddings in Colorado. Whether you have lived in Colorado your whole life or are having a destination wedding here, there are unique circumstances and logistics for mountain weddings.
Hair and Make-up - Be realistic about your hair and makeup options. While a Colorado mountain wedding can be a dream come true, wind, cold and rain can do damage to hair and makeup. When planning a mountain wedding, take the elements into consideration before choosing your hair style. For an outdoor ceremony, seriously consider an updo. This tried and true style will keep you looking polished all night. If you are determined to wear your locks down, invest in a stylist to spend the day with you touching up your makeup and hair so you do not have a tangled and messy hairstyle by the time you enter the reception.
Your Guests - Do plan to entertain your guests. A mountain wedding is definitely more work than a wedding in Denver or in your hometown. You are not only inviting guests to your wedding, but you have also invited them on vacation. Plan activities at the ski resort, a welcome reception complete with smores, an easy day hike or other simple activities where your guests can spend time with you without breaking their budget.
Wedding Week Activities - On the other hand, don’t feel obligated to plan every minute. Guests are on vacation too. Do provide them with activity options and a short itinerary for the week so they know where to find you. However, definitely allow them time to explore on their own. Your wedding website is a good place to list local activities for your guests.
Guest List - Don’t expect everyone you invite to attend. Traveling is expensive, especially to some of the mountain towns in Colorado. Because of this, expect a certain percentage of your guests to decline your invite. While this can be initially disappointing, it will make for a much more intimate celebration.
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1. Dress in a way that makes you feel good. If you are most comfortable in jeans, wear your favorite pair. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to dress but keep in mind that extra tight or extra baggy are not going to be your best choices for photos. Generally, solid prints with fun accessories photograph well. Bold prints and patterns tend to take over the focus of the photo.
2. With #1 in mind, you also want to dress in a similar style to your fiancé. If you wear jeans, he shouldn’t be wearing a suit.
3. Can’t decide on one outfit? Bring a few. It’s okay to change mid-way through the photo shoot. Two outfits are good. Five are too many.
4. Wear make-up. Even if you don’t usually wear any, at least consider mascara and lip gloss. The camera makes your everyday make-up seem like you aren’t wearing any so add a little extra on the day of your engagement photos or splurge on a professional to apply your make-up.
5. Bring your pet. If your dog is a big part of your life, bring your furry friend for a few photos.
Your Colorado wedding photographer will have more tips and advice for you to look and feel your best for your engagement photo session.
Save the Date Events is a Denver, Colorado wedding planning and design firm. We offer exceptional award winning professional consulting and design service for Denver weddings, Aspen weddings, Vail weddings, Beaver Creek weddings, Breckenridge weddings, Boulder weddings and beyond. Save the Date Events | 4500 West 38th Avenue, Suite 100 | Denver, Colorado 80212. 303.550.9261.