Do's and Don'ts of Gorge Weddings

 

There’s a lot of information on the web about wedding best practices. It can be an overwhelming amount of absolute no-no’s, must do’s, and grey areas. We’ve compiled a helpful list of do’s and don’ts specific to the gorge wedding experience.

 

Do plan ahead

• We cannot stress this enough. The gorge is a wedding destination hot-spot. Vendors and venues book up fast.

• Procrastination will land you booking with your plan B and plan C choices.

• Encourage guests to book accommodations ASAP as they will fill quickly, especially on the weekends. This is extremely important at peak tourism times in the gorge...Summer!

  • Help them out by providing several options.

 

Don’t include registry information on the invites

• Leverage technology to help you! Include a link to your website, yes you have to use one. There are lots of comprehensive sites that will be helpful to you and your guests.

• Give guests a Call to Action so there’s no questions about where and how to find information about the wedding.

  • Example: “Visit our website for more detailed information about this joyous occasion”.

  • Example: “Visit our website for information on the ceremony, accommodations, and more”.

 

Do an open bar

• Rather than having your guest spend time in line paying for drinks, have an open bar!

• Choose a few signature cocktails for the cocktail hour then serve beer and wine to save a few pennies.

  • The gorge has award-winning beer and wine.

• Consider a white bar (vodka, gin, rum), it’ll have enough options to keep everyone happy and won’t break the bank either.

 

Don’t forget to feed your vendors

• They’ve worked long hours to make your day run smoothly.

• Happy fed photographer(s) > Hangery photographer(s)

• Some caterers offer discounts for vendor plates.

 

Do send thank-yous no later than one-year post-wedding, any longer is considered poor etiquette and doesn’t exactly convey gratitude.

• Some say within three months but, it’s better to send genuine thanks, rather than a rushed impersonal card.

 

Don’t assume you can decorate with whatever you want, however you want.

• Some venues have certain restrictions.

• Understand the venue's guidelines for decorations before investing in or renting decor.

 

Do offer vegan and vegetarian options

• It’s inclusive and courteous to your guests.

• It’s Oregon.

 

Don’t get a haircut too close to your wedding day. Looking at you guys.

 

Do think about DIY

• If you’re crafty and have excellent time management skills, awesome! Save some money and create your own decor!

  • Host a wedding party craft night.

• Know your limits, we’re not all crafters.

  • Making your own place settings in that chicken scratch simply won’t do.

 

Don’t forget to try on your wedding dress a week before your wedding day

• This is critical if you’re traveling to the gorge for your wedding.

• If you can even find a place to do last minute alterations in the gorge it will cost you. You don’t need that kind of stress on your wedding day.

 

Do hire local vendors

• Avoid incurring vendor travel costs by hiring local, everything you need is right here.  

• This area is a wedding destination, vendors in the gorge are industry leaders.

  • They won’t disappoint.

 

The most important Don’t is don’t sweat the small stuff. You can’t control everything that happens that day so, do your best to roll with it. The most important Do is do have fun and celebrate! You’ve worked hard to plan this special day, in a beautiful place, now enjoy it with your spouse, friends, and family.