Here in Oregon we had an uncharacteristically beautiful October. Blue skies and temps in the 60s and 70s are a reminder that fall can be the perfect time to host your wedding. Here are some ways to incorporate a fall feel into your wedding.
During the summer it's best to stick to cool, refreshing cocktails but fall begs for a warmer beverage. Here is a DIY Apple Cider Cocktail from Green Wedding Shoes that is sure to wow your guests. Plus, the alcohol is added after the cider is already concocted, making this an easy one to offer as a non-alcoholic choice as well.
Whether your wedding falls on the day of Halloween or any time around it, here are some ideas on how to incorporate a little bit (or a lot) of this holiday into your event!
The first idea is a rather simple one, but can add just the right touch and keep your guests talking. You can use these as drink toppers, dessert toppers, or anywhere that needs a bit of webbing!
Here are six Portland wedding venue locations that we love that allow you and your guests to have music and dance way past the typical 10pm venue deadline.
The first venue is Castaway Portland, a historic warehouse turned event spot in NW Portland that can hold up to 400 guests. Castaway has a great patio; if more outdoor space is needed, their neighbors Pomarius Nursery and Versailles Gardens can be rented. This venue allows for indoor music and dancing until late, depending on your preference and the 12-hour total event time limit. Both garden areas can remain open late as well, allowing guests to have cocktails and continue celebrating in these outside locations, though outdoor amplified music must conform to City of Portland ordinances.
Our second venue is the World Forestry Center, located in Washington Park. They offer many different indoor and outdoor combination options at this venue, which is only one of the many reasons we love them. You can choose to have their beautiful tent and enjoy the outdoor plaza, right next to Cheatham Hall, a great option for an indoor space. You and your guests can enjoy the outdoor area until midnight with amplified music, which makes for great late night dancing – a rarity in Portland. There is also the option of moving to one of their inside spaces.
Under the Radar is a blog series on Portland Wedding Coordinator, showcasing cool new or little-known Portland wedding venues that I’ve stumbled across recently. Many of our Under the Radar wedding ceremony and reception venues are ones you won’t yet find in the popular wedding guides. If you use one of these sites, please let them know you heard it here first!
This week, we’re pleased to present to you Mazamas Lodge. The lodge has a maximum capacity for 120 for indoor events, and a large outdoor space for additional seating, or for ceremonies. Located right in Government Camp, with convenient access to the main strip of shops and restaurants, as well as Ski Bowl, Timberline Lodge, and Collins Lake Resort. This lovely rustic lodge offers a wonderful level of privacy and seclusion, and a 24-hour rental period, rather than a typical 4-6 hour period at many event venues. They do have exclusive on-site, in-house catering, but with an exclusive-use contract weddings are welcome to bring their own alcohol. It’s a lovely place for a summer mountain wedding. In winter, access is hike-in, so usage would be very limited. Finally, the upstairs sleeps 76 guests in (non-private) dormitory-style bunk beds, along with three private rooms.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Their office is only open Friday through Monday, so send an email or give them a call at 503-272-9214 if you’re working on your Mt. Hood-area wedding this weekend!
Next up on Under the Radar: Villa Catalana at Rare Plant Research. This one is really great, so stay tuned!
Having a wedding is stressful enough. Add in health issues and different physical abilities, and the normal four- to eight-hour long celebration can prove to be a real strain. That’s why I’m so glad I stumbled across this blog post from Offbeat Bride that gives some great pointers to think about, from the bride’s point of view.
We also have a post from a while back, about checking for accessibility issues at your wedding venue, so all of your guests can enjoy the festivities. You’ll find it here: Accessibility in a Wedding Venue
Are you making any specific accommodations for yourself or your guests at your wedding? How did you get what you needed from your venue or vendors? Please share in the comments.
