Tips for a Canadian Rocky Mountain Wedding in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper
Tip #24 – Work with the existing decor of your venue.
One of the best things about choosing the rocky mountains for your wedding destination is that there are so many amazing venues to choose from. Whether you’re wanting a lavish ballroom wedding or a rustic mountain lodge, the rocky mountains have it all! When you’re deciding on a venue, it’s not only important to think about your budget and guest list, but also the level of formality of you are wanting. Are you wanting an ultra-formal wedding or casual and laid-back affair? Let your interests and personality help guide your decisions.
Venues in the mountains vary dramatically from classic and elegant: think the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel; to the quaint and intimate, Bear and Bison Canadian Country Inn. There are rustic mountain lodges such as; the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and ski-in lodges such as Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, and there are upscale, contemporary locations such as the Grande Rockies Resort. Truly there are locations to suit every personality, style, and budget.
When you’ve chosen your venue, it’s important to work with the existing decor. It’s easier and less expensive to enhance the existing venue than it is to completely redesign the space. For some couples, redesigning the space can be a good compromise, especially when one person wants a ballroom and the other a mountain lodge. However, it can be challenging to make a rustic mountain lodge, complete with stone fireplace and log furniture look like a contemporary space. Not that it’s impossible to create dramatically different event spaces within an existing space. Beautiful and incredible transformations of venues are possible, but they may cost your bottom line.
When you are looking to change an existing space dramatically from a rustic venue to a beautiful ballroom, you may need to rely on extensive drapings, florals, and linens to achieve your transformation. You may also need some extra dollars in your budget to make this a reality. For most couples, it’s better to choose a venue they’re comfortable with and enhance its features.
Balance is key to working with the venue of your choice. A balance of rustic and elegant can work beautifully together. Include pretty, elegant elements, but also incorporate natural elements such as twigs, pinecones, stones, wood and other earthy items. Modern and contemporary can also work well together in a rustic space. Choose simple, modern arrangements to highlight your space. Even ballrooms can look beautiful with a nod to nature or to the mountains. Whatever your style, there’s a perfect wedding venue waiting for you in the mountains.
elegant, rustic wedding decor via Souder Photography
natural decor via Love this Day
Grande Rockies Resort via Naturally Chic
rustic chic via wedding chicks
Banff Springs Hotel Ballroom via Naturally Chic
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort via the Vagabond Lodge
Banff wedding planner Naturally Chic (hello@naturallychic.ca) can assist you with all your planning needs, or visit our sister site Canadian Mountain Chic for more wedding inspiration!