We’ll be the first to tell you that a winery is the perfect location for any event, but when it comes to weddings, a winery is a superior choice. Depending upon the winery you choose, you could exchange vows among stellar landscapes, sweeping views, and of course, have limitless options for some of the best wine for you and your guests. If you and your partner are true-blue wine-lovers, here are a few tips on planning a wedding at a winery.
Winery Wedding Planning and the Pandemic
During the height of 2020, over half of weddings were canceled or postponed. Moreover, 31% of weddings were virtual pre-vaccine. Whether you had a virtual, online wedding or had to cancel your plans, you’ll be pleased to know that restrictions are starting to loosen when it comes to public gatherings.
Even so, variants of the virus are still looming in couples’ thoughts when tying the knot, and still a valid consideration when gathering people together for the ceremony. Therefore, check with the winery for pandemic procedures and practices before moving forward with your wedding plans.
You may also want to plan a smaller wedding if you are concerned about the pandemic, and have it live streaming so extended family members and friends can still be a part of the event without having to physically attend.
Deciding on The Location
Of course, we’re here to tell you some of the finest wineries for weddings are located right here in Napa Valley. If you are a local to the area, you likely know about the advantages of being immersed in extraordinary vineyards, fresh organic ingredients and exceptional wines.
If you’re not familiar with Napa, we invite you to make your event a destination wedding and visit the top winery luxury spaces in Napa Valley. Ultimately, which winery you choose is up to you and your partner, as well as your needs and expectations for your big day. That said, here are a few additional things to consider when choosing and planning a wedding at a winery.
Consider a Sustainable Venue
In many instances, wineries pride themselves on producing fine wine in eco-friendly, sustainable ways. For example, Odette Estate Wineries and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery are both ecologically minded in their wine-making processes. When you’re researching your wedding venue, check with the winery first to make sure they abide by sustainable practices.
Furthermore, around 40% of waste that comes from big events such as weddings wind up directly in landfills. You can keep your wedding less wasteful by choosing eco-friendly options such as using digital invitations instead of paper invites. You might also make sure all of your dishware is either reusable or biodegradable. Both of these are small but effective ways to reduce waste which is a happy side-effect of throwing the perfect winery wedding.
Outsource Locally
The restaurants and wineries in Napa Valley have a treasure trove of fresh resources and ingredients to choose from. Therefore, the most obvious option when catering for your wedding is to select local food service providers. This not only supports local business, but it also ensures you and your guests are getting the freshest food possible.
Pair Food Wisely
While we’re talking about using local restaurants and caterers for food – we should also mention the importance of pairing your menu with the right wines. If you’re a wine aficionado, you likely already know which wines will perfectly pair with your menu. However, the experts at the winery where your wedding will be held should be able to help you make good choices for your guests. You may also want to include suggestions on menu cards or signs that recommend certain wines with your wedding menu items.
Consider the Setting for Photos
A big factor in any wedding is getting those cherished photos so you can revisit the memories from your big day for years to come. With this in mind, it’s important to assess the scenery and setting of wineries you’re researching for your wedding. To explain, you can take advantage of natural landscaping to get those gorgeous wedding photos you want. A winery that has a built-in backdrop of amazing views will make your photos all the more grandiose.
In conclusion, your wedding should be that special day when everything you envision should be a reality. While planning a wedding at a winery isn’t always easy, we hope these suggestions help you make better decisions so your big day goes off without a hitch.