FALLen in Love

You’ve FALLen in love, so why not get married in the FALL?  At the Ranch, we host weddings all summer long, but we also love hosting Fall weddings. Fall at the Ranch is one of the best times of the year because you can see the colors changing in the leaves and the hot days are coming to a close. Have you always wanted a Fall wedding but felt it may not be the best time of year for an outdoor celebration? Keep reading to find out why an outdoor Fall wedding at Quaking Aspen Ranch could be everything you’ve ever wanted!

At the Ranch you’ll be surrounded 360° by nature, including tall, lanky aspen trees filled with leaves, natural grasses of all sorts, and the East Rosebud river. When summer comes to an end, the trees and grasses begin changing color and the river has lost most of its might. The river bottom is accessible which makes for an amazing photo op of the bride and groom standing on the river bottom with the lush foliage of the riverbank surrounding them. All summer long the trees are full with green leaves, but by mid- September you will see them starting to fall and change color to burnt orange, golden yellow, and crimson. 

Quaking Aspen Ranch has many outdoor summer activities to offer, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Most of the activities can also be enjoyed during the Fall months, like biking, hiking, shooting and horseback riding. Montana Fall’s cool off, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a dreamy outdoor wedding. This season also allows you to tie in cool weather activities to your big day. For instance, why not host a bonfire at your reception for you guests to roast s’mores and keep warm? It’s rare to get to enjoy a bonfire while at a wedding, so make yours extra memorable by gathering all your friends around the fire to sing songs, dance and snack on s’mores. With the cooler weather, you could offer custom scarves or blankets for your guests to keep warm or have a gourmet hot chocolate bar set up for everyone to enjoy (Perhaps, spiked for the adults and marshmallows for the kids?). With the upstairs loft space, there will be plenty of space for your guests to enjoy themselves inside as the night cools off. Set up a rustic photo booth in the space, which would leave you and your guests with lasting images of beautiful celebration, host a wine/whiskey tasting or offer pumpkin painting, a very Fall-like activity! You could supply small pumpkins and paint for all your guests to get creative and leave with a piece of art they can display in their home the rest of the season! It would be unique and memorable.

Do you have a vision for your Fall wedding? If so, we will make it happen. When I think Fall decorations I think pumpkins, hay bales and leaves. My imagination runs wild with all the ways we could “Fall up” the place, from incorporating dark hues of reds, oranges and greens, to lining the isle with hay, pumpkins and colorful leaves. Your centerpieces could be pumpkin/gourd filled with accents of the color changing foliage. Plus, pinterest has +1000 different ideas for Fall decor, making the possibilities limitless.

Many are afraid of the cooler weather thinking it might be too cold for dresses and sandals, but we see it as an opportunity to take advantage of Fall style. Use this as an excuse to get the long-sleeved dress you always wanted, or accessorize your gown with a shall. Fur is very trendy right now, and you’ll be warm no doubt. Instead of sandals or stilettos, wear a pair of your favorite boots! You will be more comfortable anyways and walking on the uneven terrain will be much easier. As your bridal party goes, the men will be comfortable and warm in their suits/ tuxes rather than roasting through the ceremony with the mid-July sun beating down on them. The bridesmaids can accessorize their outfit just as easily too in order to be warm! Don’t worry about your guests either, boots, sweaters and coats can keep them warm, and with the style trends of Fall clothing, they’ll be sure to be comfortable, warm and looking sharp. If you don’t believe me, please go search “Fall Wedding Style” on Pinterest right now!

​One of the reasons I love Fall so much is the sweet treats that tend to take over the world when October hits! Hello, pumpkin spice everything… Think of all the different dessert you could have at your reception that are nothing like a traditional wedding cake. In case you’re not sure I’ll name a few: substitute cupcakes for hand PIES. Yes, miniature pies in multiple flavors, there is a bakery nearby that makes them! PUMPKIN rolls, cake or cookies. Most people like pumpkin spice so these will be a hit for sure. An open bar for hot chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, or coffee will give your guests something to keep their hands warm!

Your Fall wedding at the Ranch can be everything and more than you’ve ever hoped and dreamed of! Check out Quaking Aspen Ranch on Pinterest for more ideas on Fall wedding decor and style.