We had the pleasure of engaging with Marci Bogs from One Fine Day Events, a distinguished authority in luxury planning, design, and private estate expertise based right here in Tahoe. We sought their invaluable insights on orchestrating the ideal Lake Tahoe wedding, and we’re thrilled to present their expert tips!
1. Clarify Guest Count and Budget
Begin by envisioning your guest list. Identify those you absolutely cannot imagine celebrating without and compile their contact details. Discuss this list with your partner and family—it’s a pivotal factor shaping your decisions. Equally important is determining your budget. Whether it’s $50,000 or $300,000, this figure will guide every subsequent choice.
2. Collaborate with a Planner
Why a planner? A skilled planner becomes your wedding ally, advocating for every detail. A Full Service Planner not only scours venues but ensures your core priorities remain central. Whether your focus is budget, design, or guest experiences, they’ll expertly navigate you toward the right vendors and elements to realize your wedding vision.
3. Plan Two Special Weekends
For a destination wedding, allocate at least two weekends during your engagement to the planning process. The first weekend revolves around venue tours—aim for visiting a manageable number, perhaps five, with your planner’s guidance. More venues might overwhelm and exhaust you.
The second weekend is dedicated to tastings (catering and dessert), design mockups, and hair and makeup trials. It’s also perfect for a final venue walkthrough and tweaking your timeline with the planner. While these elements can sometimes fit into a day, investing a full weekend in fine-tuning your plans is often beneficial.
4. Secure Accommodations Thoughtfully
Quality lodging for guests is crucial. In Tahoe, consider securing accommodations across three tiers: a resort, a mid-level hotel (like Springhill Suites in Truckee), and an affordable option. Create room blocks or booking discounts linked on your wedding website, clearly stating when the specially reserved rooms become available.
5. Craft a Weekend of Experiences
Express gratitude to your guests and enhance their destination experience by planning a weekend of events. Consider hosting a welcome party in place of a rehearsal dinner, allowing all guests to join. Opt for a local restaurant’s private room or venue buyout, or utilize one of the secured hotels. Post-wedding, plan a relaxed day to connect further—Lake Tahoe offers splendid options like a day on the lake.
