Welcome to the "Denver Wedding Guide 2024"! If you're planning a wedding in the Denver area and looking for the best local vendors and planning tips, you've come to the right place.
Whether you're a Denver native or an out-of-town couple looking to tie the knot in the Mile High City, our guide is here to make your planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible. So sit back, relax, and start scrolling for some serious wedding inspiration!
Start by determining your budget:
Having a clear idea of how much you are able to spend on your wedding will help to guide your decision-making and ensure that you are able to stay within your means.
Determining your wedding budget can be a bit tricky, but here are a few steps to help you get started:
- Determine your overall budget: Start by figuring out how much money you and your partner are comfortable spending on your wedding. Take into account any contributions from family members, and keep in mind that the average cost of a wedding in the US is around $33,000.
- Prioritize your expenses: Decide which elements of the wedding are most important to you and allocate a larger portion of the budget to those items. For example, if you want to have a top-notch catering service, you may need to allocate more money towards food and drink.
- Create a detailed list of expenses: Make a list of all the expenses that you anticipate having for your wedding, including venue rental, catering, wedding attire, photography and videography, flowers and decor, music and entertainment, wedding planner or coordination, invitations and favors, etc.
- Get quotes: Start getting quotes from vendors and venues to get a better idea of the costs involved. Compare prices and services to find the best value.
- Adjust your budget as needed: Once you have a rough idea of your expenses, adjust your budget as needed. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses can come up, so it’s always a good idea to set aside a contingency budget.
- Stick to your budget: Once you have your budget set, try your best to stick to it. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a wedding and overspend, but it's important to remember that the budget is there to help you stay on track.
Hire a wedding planner
A wedding planner is a professional who helps couples plan and organize their weddings. They can assist with a variety of tasks, from finding the perfect venue and vendors to managing the budget and timeline.
One of the main benefits of hiring a wedding planner is the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced professional handling the logistics of your big day. Wedding planners are skilled at coordinating all of the different elements that go into a wedding, and they can help to alleviate stress and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Ashlee Voda is the owner of Mrs. Planner Weddings and has been planning weddings since 2010, from Dallas to Austin to Denver. She currently lives in Colorado and is able to travel to any venue desired by the couple. Ashlee believes in working with the couple to plan their wedding, rather than planning for them. She enjoys working with locations that have a lot of natural beauty to offer as the backdrop for the big day. Ashlee believes in narrowing down all of the great options to create a unique event for two people celebrating their love with their favorite people. Planning can start right after the engagement or just before the main event, and different pricing is offered based on when Ashlee is brought into the planning process. Curating this special day brings Ashlee so much joy and feels honored to be a go-to resource for the couple.
Contact: Ashlee Voda
Ashlee@MrsPlanner.com
Choose a venue
Finding the right venue is often one of the first and most important steps in the wedding planning process, as it will determine the overall style and feel of your wedding.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a venue for your wedding. Some important things to consider include:
- Location: Think about the convenience and accessibility of the venue for you and your guests. You may also want to consider the surrounding area and whether it offers any additional attractions or amenities.
- Capacity: Make sure the venue can accommodate your expected guest list. You'll also want to consider whether the venue has sufficient parking or transportation options.
- Style: Consider the overall style and feel of the venue and whether it fits with your desired wedding theme.
- Cost: Determine your budget and consider whether the venue fits within your price range. Be sure to also factor in any additional fees or charges that may be associated with the venue.
- Availability: Check the availability of the venue on your desired wedding date and find out if there are any restrictions or requirements for booking.
Once Upon a Time Events is a gorgeous venue with a 40 mile view, a beautiful barn, a lot of sitting areas and decks, grassy areas for games, etc., and an outdoor ceremony site. The place is available from 10 am until midnight. Only one wedding is held per day, making it very private. No tours are held during wedding days and You can bring in your own vendors. Pricing is $4,250 for a Saturday, $3,950 for a Friday or a Sunday and $2,750.
Lark & Janine, Owners
Once Upon a Time Events, LLC
Lark: 303-596-4838
Janine: 720-838-7608
Start researching vendors:
Look for vendors who offer the services you need and fit within your budget. This may include caterers, florists, photographers, and more.
There are many factors to consider when looking for wedding vendors. Some important things to consider include:
- Quality: Look for vendors who have a proven track record of producing high-quality work. You can ask for references or reviews from past clients, or look at examples of the vendor's work.
- Style: Consider the overall style and aesthetic of the vendor's work and whether it fits with your desired wedding theme.
- Services and packages: Find out what services and packages the vendor offers and whether they meet your needs. You may also want to consider whether the vendor is willing to customize their offerings to meet your specific requests.
- Cost: Determine your budget and consider whether the vendor's prices fit within your price range. Be sure to also factor in any additional fees or charges that may be associated with the vendor's services.
- Availability: Check the availability of the vendor on your desired wedding date and find out if there are any restrictions or requirements for booking.
- Personality: It's important to choose vendors that you feel comfortable working with and who you feel understand your vision for your wedding. Consider whether the vendor's personality is a good fit for you and your partner.
In the following sections, we will discuss the most important vendors that you should be searching for as you plan your wedding. From photographers and florists to bakers and DJs, these vendors will play a critical role in the success of your big day. It's important to choose vendors who have the skills, experience, and style to bring your wedding vision to life. We will provide tips and insights on how to find the best vendors for your specific needs and budget, and help you navigate the process of choosing the right team to make your dream wedding a reality.
Wedding Cake
A wedding cake is an important element of any wedding celebration. As a centerpiece decoration and the main dessert, the wedding cake plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of the reception.
Not only does a wedding cake add visual appeal to the reception, but it also serves as a sweet treat for guests to enjoy. Choosing a delicious and visually appealing wedding cake can help to make your reception even more memorable.
In addition to its decorative and culinary functions, a wedding cake can also serve as a meaningful symbol of the couple's commitment. Cutting the wedding cake together is a traditional way for the newlyweds to celebrate their union and can be a special moment in the wedding ceremony.
Overall, a wedding cake is an important and integral part of any wedding celebration, and it's worth taking the time to choose a cake that fits your style and tastes.
Made by Hand Cakes specializes in creating beautiful and delicious wedding cakes in Denver. Each of their cakes is made with the highest quality ingredients, including gourmet flavors and modern and elegant designs. Whether you're looking for a traditional tiered cake or a more contemporary design, Made by Hand Cakes has the skills and creativity to make your dream wedding cake a reality. They pride themselves in their attention to detail and the quality of their cakes, so you can be sure that your wedding cake will be a delicious and beautiful addition to your special day.
Website: www.madebyhandcakes.com
Instagram: @madebyhandcakes
Email: taiane@madebyhandcakes.com
Wedding food
Food is an important aspect of any wedding, as it not only nourishes the guests but also adds to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the celebration.
There are many different options for wedding food, from formal sit-down dinners to more casual buffet-style meals. Some couples choose to serve a variety of hors d'oeuvres, while others opt for a more traditional multi-course meal.
In addition to the main meal, many weddings also include other culinary elements such as a wedding cake, desserts, and a bar or drinks service. These can be tailored to the couple's tastes and preferences, and can be as simple or elaborate as desired.
It's important to choose a catering company or individual who can provide the type of food and service that you envision for your wedding. Be sure to consider the style and theme of your wedding, as well as any dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have.
Overall, the food at your wedding is an opportunity to showcase your tastes and create a memorable culinary experience for you and your guests.
Wedding decoration
Wedding decoration refers to the decorative elements used to enhance the overall aesthetic of a wedding ceremony and reception. This can include flowers, lighting, linens, chair covers, and other items used to create a visually pleasing atmosphere. The specific decorations chosen will depend on the theme and style of the wedding, as well as the preferences of the bride and groom. Some popular wedding decoration styles include traditional, rustic, bohemian, and vintage.
Now and Forever Vintage Furniture & Church Pew Rental offer a collection featuring a blend of vintage and antique furniture pieces with a touch of rustic-Bohemian flare. Upholstered settees, sofas, and chairs, church pews, steamer trunks, rugs, and decor are available, they have a little something for everyone!
Owner- Monique Gonzalez Koyias
Phone: (562) 882-5622
Website: www.ColoradoVintageFurnitureRentals.com
Wedding florist
A wedding florist is a professional who specializes in creating floral arrangements for weddings. The florist works with the couple to design and create beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, and other decorative elements using a variety of flowers and plants.
The wedding florist plays a key role in the overall look and feel of the wedding, as flowers can add color, texture, and fragrance to the ceremony and reception. The florist works with the couple to choose flowers that fit their style and budget, and can help to bring the couple's vision to life.
In addition to creating floral arrangements, a wedding florist may also be responsible for delivering, setting up, and maintaining the flowers on the day of the wedding. They may also offer additional services such as lighting design or rental of decorative elements.
Choosing a wedding florist is an important decision, as the flowers will be a key part of the wedding decor and can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the event. It's important to find a florist who understands your vision and has the skills and experience to bring it to fruition. Be sure to review the florist's portfolio and ask for references before making a decision.
Flowers by Solana aims to reflect the beauty of a couple being joined in marriage through the flowers that surround them. Dating back to the Victorian era, flowers have been used to communicate and they aim to bring connection and storytelling through the flowers used. When couples utilize them for their big day, they receive beautiful arrangements along with a detailed description letter for the flowers used and what they mean. They create more than just bouquets for brides, they reflect a love story to be held in the bride’s hands.
Flowers by Solana
Email: flowersbysolana@gmail.com,
Website: www.flowersbysolana.com
Phone number: 7202585961
Wedding photograph
Wedding photography is the art of capturing the memories and emotions of a couple's big day. Wedding photographers use a variety of techniques and styles to produce beautiful and timeless images that tell the story of the wedding.
In addition to taking formal photographs of the ceremony and reception, wedding photographers may also capture candid moments and details from throughout the day. These can include getting-ready shots, photos of the bridal party and guests, and other behind-the-scenes images.
Choosing a wedding photographer is an important decision, as the photographs will be a lasting reminder of your special day. It's important to find a photographer whose style and approach align with your own and who you feel comfortable working with. Be sure to review the photographer's portfolio and ask for references before making a decision.
Overall, wedding photography is a key component of any wedding and an investment in preserving the memories of your big day for years to come.
Zia from ZIA photography specializes in artsy and nature inspired wedding/elopement portraiture. Her editing style is bold and emotional. She loves to work with the elements and pay special attention to the small details.
Website:www.ziaphoto.co
Instagram: @ziamei.photo
TikTok: @ziamei111
Facebook: /ziamei.photo
Alisha Brown is another amazing photographer. She uses prompts that are fun and movement oriented to make sure she captures pure, genuine photos that are timeless and can be looked back on for years to come.
Website: alisha-brownphoto.com
Email: alisha.brown.photo@gmail.com
Instagram: @alishabrownphoto
Live music
Live music can add an extra level of excitement and energy to a wedding ceremony and reception. There are many different options for live music at a wedding, from solo musicians to full bands or orchestras.
One of the benefits of having live music at a wedding is the ability to customize the music to the couple's preferences. Live musicians can play a wide range of music, from classical to modern pop, and can often accommodate requests for specific songs or styles.
Live music can also add a personal touch to the wedding, as the musicians can interact with the couple and the guests and create a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
In addition to the ceremony and reception, live music can also be incorporated into other parts of the wedding, such as the cocktail hour or the dinner.
Overall, live music can add an extra level of elegance and enjoyment to a wedding, and is a great way to personalize the event and create a memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
Shilpa is a wedding/event musician and plays viola and piano, but is also able to put together an ensemble of the customer's choice. Through the business, customers receive live music at their event to the highest caliber and can request any song to be performed before and during the event. Shilpa is able to play songs of any genre, ranging from classical to R&B.
You can contact her through Instagram @shilpatheviolist, her website shilpatheviolist.com, or email s.ravoory1@gmail.com.
Another amazing musician is Beth Wilberger. She plays all styles and you can contact her though her email bethmusic1@comcast.net or her website www.kaleidoscopemusicstudio.com
Dj and Photo Booth
A DJ (disc jockey) is a professional who plays music and provides entertainment for events, such as weddings. A DJ is responsible for selecting and playing songs that are appropriate for the occasion and creating a festive atmosphere. They may also be responsible for making announcements, such as introducing the wedding party or directing guests to different areas of the venue.
In addition to playing music, many DJs also offer additional services such as lighting design or hosting trivia games or other interactive activities.
Choosing a DJ for your wedding is an important decision, as the music and entertainment can greatly impact the atmosphere and enjoyment of the event. It's important to find a DJ who has a wide range of music and can accommodate your tastes and preferences. Be sure to review the DJ's portfolio and ask for references before making a decision.
Overall, a DJ can be a valuable addition to a wedding, helping to create a fun and memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
Marty, owner of Amaezing Entertainment, has been a DJ in the Denver area for around 20 years and recently added the latest 6 foot mirror touch screen interactive photo booth.
Website: www.amaezingentertainment.com
Overall, planning a wedding in Denver can be an exciting and memorable experience. With the right planning and the help of local vendors, you can create the perfect wedding that reflects your unique style and personality. Whether you're looking for a traditional ceremony in a grand ballroom, or a rustic-chic celebration in the mountains, Denver has something to offer for every couple. Be sure to explore all the options available to you, and don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your wedding decor, catering, and entertainment. Remember to also factor in the time of year, as the weather can play a big role in your final decision. With the right planning and a little bit of creativity, you can create a wedding day that you and your guests will always remember.
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