Looking for the next big wedding theme? Rustic weddings, beach weddings, and low-key backyard weddings are things of the past. If you’re the kind of couple who’s always down for an adventure, consider tying the knot in the desert. It may seem like a counter-intuitive idea, given the heat and the sand that may get stuck, err…everywhere. But with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and the retiring golden sun to set the mood, your big day in the heat will be hard to forget.
Read on to know how you can achieve a picture-perfect desert wedding.
1. Dress and decorate appropriately
The first order of business: your wedding dress. You don’t want to be a sweaty bride on your most special day so it’s best to use lightweight fabrics like chiffon, organza, or lace. The desert is also the perfect venue for you to show a little bit of skin. An off-the-shoulder or backless dress is not only fashionable, but it’s also breathable, perfect for the desert heat.
For the neckline, you can choose between a V-neck, or sweetheart neckline, all of which can help you stay fresh throughout the ceremony. Choose a silhouette that’s easy to move around in, such as an A-line or sheath cut. Loose styles such as these will make sure that you’re good to go for all the walking and dancing.
For the décor, pick items that have weight to them so they won’t get blown by the wind. For example, the place cards should have holders or paperweights instead of just being cardboard folded in half. You can go light on the décor to highlight the beauty of the scenery. You can just add a few accent pieces, like aisle markers, table centerpieces, and a floral arch.
2. Mind the sun
You want to take advantage of the sun and not let it be the cause of your wedding blunders. If you’re set near the mountains, they may hide the sun when it gets too low on the horizon. The lighting may affect the turn-out of your wedding photos.
Ensure a picture-perfect wedding by taking note of the sunset time on your chosen day and what the sun looks like when it sets on your venue. Work with a wedding photographer in Utah, Arizona, or any other desert state since they’ll have enough experience working in such a setting. Chart the sun’s position and movement throughout the day and inform your photo and video team so they know under what conditions they’ll have to work.
Also, pay extra attention to which direction your guests will be facing during the ceremony. It’s understandable that you want the setting sun as a backdrop as you exchange vows, but if it means your guests will be directly facing the sun during the event, you might want to rethink your decision. Chances are they’ll be squinting the entire time so they may not appreciate your special moment.
3. Inform your guests
It’s likely that this is the first time your guests will be attending a wedding in the desert, so they may not know what to expect. After picking your location, provide them with as many details as possible regarding the logistics and timeline of the event.
One of the important particulars you have to disclose is attire. Given the terrain of your venue, would it be better for the ladies to wear open-toe sandals or closed-toe heels? And the temperature in the desert typically drops at night, so you want your guests to be prepared for the cold if you’re planning to have your reception after sundown.
Consider renting a big tent that matches your motif to protect your guests from the harsh sun, since it may be hard for them to endure the entire ceremony in the blistering heat. But this still depends on what time the event will take place. The important part is you inform the invitees about sun exposure or non-exposure so they can arm themselves with sunscreen, wide hats, and sunglasses.
There are no strict guidelines when planning a desert wedding; it’s really about taking the concept and making it your own. It’s up to you and your spouse-to-be to embrace the trend and use it to achieve your dream wedding.
