The Four Seasons of Weddings in the Napa Valley

by Rebecca Feeney

There's never a bad time of the year for professing ones vows in the wine country. But, if you'd like a little more insight into the essense of a wine country wedding during the different times of the year, here are my thoughts as a wedding planner...

Spring

For April, May and June weddings, the garden roses, French tulips, parrot tulips, sleek calla lilies are fabulous. The hillsides encasing the valley are vibrant green, the new buds are maturing on the vines, and there's an exhilarating sense of fresh newness.

It can be chilly once the sun goes down, and yes, there's a small chance of rain, but I still love spring weddings. The pragmatic side of me says, make sure you have an indoor or tented back up plan, and tell your guests to bring wraps or jackets.

Summer

Summertime in the valley just isn't long enough. We all just want those weeks of sunny early mornings and farmers market heirloom tomatoes to go on and on. Summer time weddings in the wine country boast fabulous fresh menus and long evenings of dancing under the stars.

Summers can be very warm, so ceremonies after the heat of the day (4pm or so) are a good idea. Provide lots of shade with parasols and market umbrellas and have beverage bars for guests upon arrival complete with lemonade, juice and maybe a spritzer.

For summer weddings, I like venues that allow guests to stay long after 10 p.m., the sun already sets so late, and we don't want the amazing wedding day to end too early.

Fall

The Wine country starts really showing off in the fall. The vineyards start turning into hues of gold, amber and red. The days shorten, the sun sets earlier and outdoor dining and warm candlelight has special impact.

The fall table settings and personal bouquets have powerful beauty and subtle combinations. For example, sweet pearl colored roses and dark chocolate cosmos. Autumn grape leaves, huge dahlias and seasonal berries look great both on tables and carried up the aisle.

There's really no downside to an early fall wedding (end of August-mid October). Well, maybe getting stuck behind a gondola of fresh cabernet fruit on Highway 29 is a pain, but we look past that. Fall/Harvest time is the new wedding season in the wine country. Plan on reserving early for the fall...lodging, rehearsal dinner spots and neat things to do book up fast.

Winter

Winter weddings in the wine country are cozy and warm. There's nothing like a great cab and an elegant 3-course meal in front of the fire to get your marriage started off in style. Places like the Culinary Institute of America make for a great winter wedding and a cozy place for your rehearsal dinner might be Merryvale's cask room, where you'll be enveloped by the smell of their wonderful cabernet and the warm glow of candlelight as your loved ones gather around one long table to feast and celebrate.

Call Rebecca at Custom Event Group for a free consultation:
(707) 968-9445