Image Credit: Alante Photography, Flowers: Floressence, Planning/Design: New Creations
Sponsored by The Rainier Club
The Pacific Northwest is home to some incredibly picturesque outdoor venues. With sweeping water views, the forever smell of pine, and sunsets that take our breath away, who wouldn’t want our region’s natural beauty as the backdrop for their big day? Despite its majesty, the PNW also graces us with looming clouds and unpredictable drizzles, resulting in the need for couples to act quickly to secure an outdoor venue in the popular summer months, when the weather is more likely to cooperate.
If you're planning a wedding during a season of unreliable weather, or would simply like the peace-of-mind of an indoor reception, know you don't have to give up those elements of nature that make the Seattle-region truly shine. For couples who want the natural beauty of the outdoors, no matter the weather, there are several details you can incorporate into your indoor wedding day to get the best of both worlds.
1. Think Green
A visually stunning wedding isn't complete without floral bouquets and table arrangements, but adding potted trees, plants, succulents, vines and garlands can bring the natural landscape of the Emerald City into any indoor space.
Image Credit: Left: La Vie Photography , Flowers: Bella Rugosa; Right: Brandon Patoc Photography, Flowers: Kaleb Norman James Design
2. A Nod to the Sea
Highlight the natural bounty of our region by bringing the coast to you. Offer an oyster bar at cocktail hour or a seafood buffet instead of a charcuterie or cheese table. And, to show love to the vegetarians on your guest list, there are several local farmers and fruit growers who can transport your guests to the orchards of Yakima and the farms of Snohomish with their seasonal offerings.
3. Star Light, Star Bright
If your indoor venue doesn’t offer sunset views, or space to spot that first star at twilight, bring Seattle’s dewy, soft light inside. Hanging strings of lights overhead, overindulging with candlelight, and adding small twinkle lights to centerpieces and unexpected nooks and crannies, gives a whimsical and romantic ambience to the ceremony and reception.
Image Credit: Left: La Vie Photography, Flowers: Aria Style; Right: O'Malley Photographers, Flowers: Valley & Co Events
Pay homage to a summer night staple, the campfire, by getting creative with a fireplace. A roaring fire not only exudes romance, but it stands as a great gathering place for guests, and lends itself to fun, late-night fare. Keep your guests fueled for late-night dancing with a s’more station paired with an espresso cart, or make the fireplace the centerpiece of dinner with fire-roasted plank salmon.
Image Credit: La Vie Photography
5. Give the Gift of Mother Earth
Send your guests home with a parting gift that gives them a piece of the outdoors. Coasters made from recycled wood, succulents or plants, which can also can double as your table centerpieces, or jars filled with small shells, sand and sea glass collected from your favorite beach, can keep your wedding alive for your guests long after the last dance concludes. If favors aren’t your style, consider donating in your guests’ honor to your favorite environmental organization.
Image Credit: Left: Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry, Flowers: Black House Flowers
The Rainier Club, located in the heart of downtown Seattle, has been hosting brides, grooms and their loved ones for more than 100 years. Take a virtual tour of the historic brick mansion, or visit their Facebook page.
Image Credit: Below: Jake Holt Photography, Flowers: Floressence
