Ranch Weddings 101 - Part I

We here at Pick Me Floral and Events love Ranch Weddings. It's kind of like the chicken and the egg question for us. Do we love them so we live here or did we start to love them because Rami and I both live in Tabernash, Colorado. We are not really sure.

So I decided to put together a lot of my inspiration boards for weddings I have designed over the last few years and create Ranch Weddings 101 - a step by step guide to throwing a sasstasstic Colorado Ranch wedding. These pictures are a combination of personal archives (wow, I have those now!) and online research. Enjoy!!


Absolutely mandatory for sassy ranch weddings are the following - gorgeous barn adorned with big heavy muslin curtains, a gentle smattering of hay (which also saves your shoes from mud!) and handpainted signs. Make your own or check out Etsy. . .

Lighting, lighting, lighting. I can not stress it enough. Lanterns, gas light bulbs, chandeliers, twinkle lights, uplighting, chinese lanterns, LED lights, candles. . ..pick your poison. This will have one of the largest impacts on the mood you are creating . . .therefore most of these options will weigh heavily on your decor budget. Call us . . . we have some secrets . . .

I absolutely adore everything about this picture. The chandeliers . . . the tablescape . . . absolute perfection.

Okay, the pictures above and below are to jump start your creativity. What did you love as kid? Smores, bobbing for apples (although this is super messy. . .maybe this should be a rehearsal dinner kind of activity) horseshoes, . . .make something fun and unique. It's a ranch wedding!!! Stop being so serious.

Do you have a bar that you can set up outdoors for cocktail hour? It doesnt need to be lemonade but make a signature drink (that can be made in bulk for speed of service!) in an alcoholic and non-alcoholic option. Something yummy and colorful that your guests can grab while they walk around with their date as they revel in the scenery. Serve in mason jars adorned with a bright straw, swizzle stick or a little piece of paper with your moniker (or western ranch -style brand).

Fill containers on the bar with the appropriate garnish in your color scheme (lemons, oranges, apples or limes) and you are done. Just make sure you have a bartender so no one overserves themselves . . .

Stay tuned for the next installment where I will warn you about kitchsy overkill . . .

Kara Delay, Pick Me Floral and Event Design

Colorado Ranch Destination Wedding Planner