How to get started planning your Big Day!

Photo by Elizabeth Butler Photography

First, thank you for choosing Painted Lakes Ranch to host your big day! We love weddings and look forward to watching your dream wedding unfold!

Now that you have your venue and your date reserved, you are all set to start streamlining your Big Day, so things go smoothly.

Consider the following to start:

• Venue options: Choose DIY or all-inclusive.  If you have an idea of what vendors to use, and you have the time to pull everything together yourself, then DIY works out to be a great choice.  If you aren’t sure how to organize it all, and your schedule is busy, consider using our wedding coordinator and all-inclusive packages.  We can take care of everything for you!

• Budget: Use our Budget tracker included in your Planning Book (provided upon booking) to list pricing and keep up with costs.  Once you know how much you have available to spend in each area, begin your search for vendors.  Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and in the case of your big day, there are some things you shouldn’t choose solely based on price. 

• Decide how many guests you can afford based on your budget. The catering is the biggest consideration that will affect your budget. Will it be Street Tacos or Steak?

• Choose your wedding party.  Who do you want by your side at the arbor?

• Create a wedding website or group to keep your guests updated.

• Book onsite cabins if you have out of town guests attending your wedding. You can book any onsite cabins that are available at www.airbnb.com. Just do a quick search for Painted Lakes Ranch. Remember to block off a group of hotel rooms if additional rooms are required. 

• Pick out the perfect dress! Have fun!

• Choose your color pallet. Consider the time of year and your favorite colors! Don't feel limited, choose what YOU like! Will you want silk flowers or fresh flowers...or maybe a mix? Consider how many bridesmaids you have, moms, grandmas, and even the flower girls. You will need boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, dads, grandpas and officiant. Will you have escorts? Make a list!

  • Choose your vendors.

    • DJ. The DJ makes the party! Make sure you choose an energetic DJ that understands when to crank it up, and when to slow it down. One that will help execute your agenda so your wedding runs flawlessly.

    • Photographer. Choose a photographer that has photos that you love. Make sure to discuss the importance of how many hours you need them, and have a list of family and who needs to be in each photo.

    • Caterer. PLR requires a full service caterer, so choose one that is available to setup, serve and clean up.

    • Flowers. Find examples on pinterest and send them to your florist to ensure she sees your vision the same way you see it. Remember, you will need bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids plus a throw away, boutteniers for the groom and groomsmen plus the officiant, an arrangement for the arbor, centerpieces for the tables (don't forget the head table), and a basket and flowers for the little flower girls.

    • Videography. Having a video of your big day will allow you to revisit the memory of your big day forever!

    • Day of Coordinator. This position is crucial! Coordinators put out all the fires on your wedding day so YOU are not stressed. Your coordinator will create a timeline and help with the flow of the wedding, make sure vendors are where they need to be and guide you thru the day! If you do not have a coordinator, the day will be hectic.