How to Plan the Perfect Alaska Wedding: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Planning the perfect wedding in Alaska can be an exciting but daunting undertaking. At AKHappenings, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with weddings in this beautiful state. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the wedding planning process and ensure a flawless celebration!
Photo by: Theresa McDonald Photographer
Step 1: Define Your Vision
Before diving into the details, sit down with your partner and define your wedding vision. Discuss your priorities, such as the type of ceremony, guest count, budget, and style. This clarity will serve as a key foundation throughout the planning journey.
Step 2: Set a Budget
Establish a realistic budget that aligns with your vision. Consider all expenses, including venue, catering, florals, wedding decor, an Alaskan wedding planner, transportation, beauty services and entertainment. Keep in mind we offer wedding packages in Alaska that can help you streamline costs while ensuring a memorable experience.
Step 3: Choose the Perfect Date
Selecting the right wedding date in Alaska is crucial. Consider factors like the season, weather, and personal schedules. Choosing the ideal season for your Alaska wedding is essential. Alaska's weather can be unpredictable, so understanding the unique characteristics of each season is crucial for your planning process.
Summer: Alaska's summer offers the warmest weather, with long daylight hours. The chances of slightly more predictable weather make it a popular choice for weddings. However, be prepared for occasional surprises, as Mother Nature always has her plans.
Winter: While winters in Alaska are snowy and very cold, they bring a magical atmosphere to your wedding. Snow-covered landscapes can create a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. With the right preparations, you can have a stunning winter wedding during this season.
Fall and Spring: The fall colors are MAGICAL in Alaska! However, these seasons can be brief and uncertain, with snow arriving early in the fall and sometimes lingering until late spring. The weather in Seward Alaska and other costal towns such as Homer typically experience milder temperatures and less snow but can be prone to rain. Consider these seasonal variations when planning your wedding and be open to the possibilities each season presents in the unique Alaskan landscape.
When choosing your ideal date don’t forget to be sure that any “must-have” or preferred vendors including photographers planners, and venues, are available on your chosen date.
Step 4: Hire a Wedding Planner
Partnering with an experienced Alaska wedding planner who understands the local industry is a valuable step in ensuring your wedding day unfolds seamlessly. At AKHappenings we possess a deep understanding of the local wedding industry, and we will help you source the best vendors and ensure every detail is in place.
We offer everything from Full Service wedding planning packages where we will be your dedicated guide throughout the entire wedding planning journey and handle every aspect of your wedding, to partial wedding planning packages for those who have some aspects of their wedding already figured out but need assistance with fine-tuning your plans, source top-notch vendors, and ensure that everything falls into place to month of coordination for those who want a professional touch to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day, we step in during the final month, create a comprehensive timeline, coordinate with all vendors, and oversee the logistics to guarantee a stress-free wedding day for you.
Regardless of the level of service you choose, our goal is to source the best vendors who align with your vision and budget. We highly recommend reaching out to us at AKHappenings as early as possible in your wedding planning journey. By doing so, you'll have a head start in securing the best vendors and creating a well-organized wedding day. Early planning allows us to tailor our services to your unique vision and preferences, ensuring every detail is perfectly aligned with your dream wedding. We understand that your wedding is a reflection of your unique love story, and we take pride in ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. With our expertise by your side, you can be confident that your Alaska wedding will be a celebration to remember.
Step 5: Secure Your Venue
Alaska offers a diverse range of wedding venues, from scenic outdoor spaces to cozy indoor options. Work with your wedding planner to find the perfect location that complements your vision. Be sure to book your venue well in advance, as Alaskan venues are limited and tend to fill up quickly.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dream Team
Building the ideal team of vendors for your wedding day is an essential step in the planning process. It’s important to be strategic and intentional in your selections to ensure your vision comes to life. Once you've set your budget, picked a date, and secured your venue, it's time to assemble your dream team. Typically, starting your vendor search about 1-1.5 years before the wedding is a good rule of thumb. Booking early not only secures the best professionals but also reduces last-minute decision-making stress. With this being said, we are very flexible and work with couples wherever they are in the planning process. Once we planned an entire wedding in six weeks! Consider the following wedding tips to assemble a dream team of wedding vendors.
Budget Consideration: The first and most important step in building your ideal vendor team is to define your budget for each category of vendors. This budget will serve as the foundation for your wedding planning process. It's vital to be realistic about your financial limits and priorities.
Choose Professionals: When selecting your wedding vendors, always opt for professionals who specialize in their respective fields. While it might be tempting to involve friends or family to save costs, relying on experts ensures a smoother and stress-free experience. Professional vendors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, adding value to your special day. I always recommend working with LOCAL vendors as they are specialized in their expertise within Alaska. If you are considering an Alaska Destination Wedding, and are planning from afar this is especially important!
Finding Trusted Wedding Vendors: We always give our clients a resource guide to help them choose from preferred and trusted professional vendors. If you are planning your wedding independently or with another Alaska wedding planner, explore social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Many wedding details you adore are brought to life by a team of talented vendors. Save the details that resonate with you and visit their websites for more information. Additionally, be sure to check our Google Reviews and read up on what past clients have said for any vendors you are considering.
What to Look for in Vendors: When browsing through wedding vendors there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, check if they have a professional website, as it reflects their experience and professionalism. Delve into their portfolio and "About Me" page to understand their style and see if it aligns with your vision. Be sure that you don't overlook potential red flags like poor communication, lack of reviews, or the absence of online galleries.
Interviewing Potential Wedding Vendors: Once you've narrowed down your list, scheduling consultations with key vendors like photographers, florists, and caterers is crucial. A face-to-face meeting (or zoom/facetime if you are planning a destination wedding in Alaska) helps establish clear expectations, assess your comfort level with the vendor, and eliminate wedding day stress. Prepare a list of questions, and consider bringing a mood board to ensure effective communication.
Step 7: Create Your Guest List
Creating your guest list is an important step in the wedding planning process. It requires balance between staying within your budget and accommodating your top priorities. Your budget is a critical factor in determining the size of your guest list. The number of guests directly impacts various aspects of your wedding, including the venue size, catering costs, the amount of wedding decor you need and more. Keep in mind how you want your wedding day to “feel.” Do you envision an intimate gathering with only close family and friends, or is it important to invite a larger circle of acquaintances and colleagues? Your priorities will guide you in making decisions about who to include on your guest list. Once you have narrowed down your guest list it will be time to send Save the dates (typically 9-12 months in advance) and then your wedding invites (2-4 months before your wedding date, depending on several factors.) We always recommend putting your RSVP deadline 6-8 weeks before your big day!
Step 8: Personalize Your Wedding Decor
When personalizing your wedding decor for your big day, consider elements that resonate with your style and relationship. For example: Do you share a favorite color? Are you wanting a themed wedding? Have you always wanted to incorporate your pet into your wedding day?
One of our favorite parts of the wedding planning process is picking decor and designing tablscapes. If you're on the hunt for ways to make your wedding feel exceptional, unique, and personal, keep these ideas in mind! These wedding decor ideas are the perfect additions to your inspo board.
1. Reception Tent: Transform your reception tent into a dreamy space by adding draping and greenery to the ceiling as well on the tent poles. Feeling extra fancy? Hang bulbs from the ceiling of the tent to really personalize the space.
2. Trivia Cocktail Napkins: Personalize paper cocktail napkins with fun info about your love story, these act as great conversation starters for guests.
3. Incorporate Your Hobbies: If you share a hobby or passion, incorporate it into your table decor. For example, use fishing gear, books, or sports equipment as centerpieces.
4. Message in a Bottle Centerpieces: Incorporate the "message in a bottle" concept into your centerpieces. Each bottle can hold a heartfelt message to your guests or share special memories from your relationship.
5. Mood Lighting: Customize the ambiance with mood lighting. Whether it's a romantic sea of candles or energetic disco balls, custom lighting sets the perfect mood for your venue.
Photos by: Corrine Graves
Step 9: Ensure Smooth Logistics
As you approach your wedding day, it's important to take a closer look at the logistical details to ensure your big day runs smoothly and without any hitches. Here are some crucial wedding logistics you shouldn't forget:
Vendor Items:
Be sure to double check all your vendor-related details. This includes completing any necessary questionnaires, providing your final photography shot list and MC notes, and ensuring that you've arranged any additional items your vendors may require, such as tables and chairs, flatlay materials and more. Don't overlook the importance of planning for vendor meals if they are part of your contract.
Wedding Details:
Double-check that all your stationery items, from invitations to place cards, are printed or created as planned. Finalize your table numbers or names and, particularly if you're serving a plated meal, ensure that meal indicators are included on your seating or escort cards (we like to use little infographs of cows, plants, fish etc..) These indicators are essential for the caterer to efficiently serve each guest's chosen meal.
Guest Count and Seating Chart:
Remember to include yourselves in your guest count and consider your placement in the seating chart. It's a common oversight but an important one. Additionally, don't forget to account for children when arranging for kids' meals, booster seats, and highchairs.
Wedding Day Prep:
Gather all the items you'll need for your personal preparations, including your accessories and any unique touches you plan to include. Clarify who will be responsible for various aspects on the wedding day such as bringing the bar ice (this often get’s overlooked), ensuring a smooth flow of activities and allowing you to relax day of.
By addressing these key wedding logistics, you'll be better prepared for a seamless wedding day. Careful planning and organization are essential to make your celebration a success.
Step 10: Marriage License
During the excitement of planning your dream wedding in Alaska, don’t overlook the legal paperwork! Applying and obtaining your marriage license is an essential part of the process to ensure your marriage is recognized legally. Our team at AKHappenings is here to guide you through the process, explaining all the necessary steps along the way. We'll ensure that you complete the marriage license application at the right time and help you secure all the required paperwork well in advance of your wedding day. With our support, you can focus on the exciting moments of planning your wedding, knowing that all the legalities are being taken care of.
Step 11: Enjoy Your Journey
Above all, remember to savor every moment of your wedding planning journey. You're creating lifelong memories in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Trust our expertise to guide you through this process and make your dream wedding in Alaska a reality.
Photo by: Theresa McDonald Photography
Wedding packages in Alaska
Whether you’re looking for a massive party, or just hope to spend a peaceful day celebrating this milestone together with your guests, I offer several Alaska wedding planning packages. Cheers to your love, your commitment, and the start of a very special period of time in your life!
