Even before the moment the question’s popped, many people start daydreaming about their wedding day. Once engaged, there are so many details to decide on and plans to make. One of the biggest and first decisions is choosing the location and venue for your wedding.
The location of your wedding impacts not only you, but it also affects your guests. You want them to enjoy attending your wedding and the events that surround it as well. Selecting a perfect location can truly elevate your wedding and make it a fun-filled and unique experience.
Landing on a location that appeals to everyone is important. If you are asking your guests to travel for your wedding, you’ll want it to be to a beautiful locale with plenty for them to do. If you just so happen to live nearby a great option, you’ll want to make sure all of the details are in place so that you and your guests can enjoy the area and your wedding to the fullest.
The Scenic Temecula Valley – A Wine Lover’s Dream
The Temecula Valley is a stunning choice to celebrate one of the most momentous occasions of your life. This one of a kind region has something to offer everyone and it’s beauty and amazing weather are unmatched. This peaceful area embodies everything that makes Southern California both relaxing and invigorating.
An Ideal Location
Nestled within the rolling hills of the sunny west coast, Temecula is in an ideal location. With easy access to both Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s a perfect place to host your wedding. Getting there via both airports is simple and convenient.
About an hour from the beach, a stay in Temecula is the perfect opportunity to take in the expansive crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean. The area is also a nature lover’s paradise with mountains, forests, and hiking trails all nearby. You and your guests will enjoy the diverse wildlife and attractions all within reach of the area.
The Perfect Climate
Stressing over wedding day weather is a worry that plagues many couples. Planning a wedding in the Temecula Valley can put your mind at ease. The amazing and consistent weather is perfect for an enjoyable event.
The area enjoys sunny days and breezy, starry nights all throughout the year. The dry climate is perfect for planning your outdoor wedding. Plus, the warm weather ensures that you’ll be able to get the most out of the abundant nature in the area.
Creating a Temecula Experience for Your Guests
Sure, your wedding is your big day. However, you’re also hosting your friends and family. It’s important to be mindful that you make it an amazing event for them as well. They have traveled from near and far and will be more than grateful for the experience and memories.
Hosting a Getaway
The trick to throwing a successful destination wedding is to think of it as hosting a getaway. Whether you live in the Temecula area or are also traveling there yourself, you’ll likely have wedding guests arriving from areas all over the country.
Make an effort to make your guests feel welcome, no matter how far they have traveled. It will make your wedding a more enjoyable occasion for everyone. Think of ways to make getting to and from your wedding convenient to make every moment full of love and fun.
Unique and Convenient Transportation
Traveling about the area can be an experience in and of itself. Look for unique ways to get your guests from their hotels to all of the amazing attractions that the Temecula Valley has to offer.
Everything from cable car outings to a luxurious limo ride can add to your memorable occasion. It will turn the time spent shuttling around to event settings an exciting part of the experience. Your guests will arrive at your wedding locale safely and in style.
Provide Options
Remember that your guests might be traveling with different needs and budgetary restraints. If you’re not footing the bill for their trip and stay, it’s important to provide a wide array of options to your guests.
Consider reserving blocks at various hotels in the area. Look for rooms at different price ranges and with various amenities. You can also work with a rental agency to recommend area rentals for larger families or those that need pet-friendly accommodations.
When organizing activities, keep the same mindset. Plan things that both allow guests to either splurge or save when enjoying the region. A high-end wine tasting may be a great option for some, while others might want to save some cash and enjoy the areas beautiful hiking trails. A wide variety of group activity options allows everyone to participate, no matter their budget.
Adding a Must-Do Wine Tour to Your Experience
When in wine country, including a wine tour in your wedding weekend plans is a must. Whether you love a crisp Chardonnay or an earthy Cabernet Sauvignon, the amazing Temecula Valley wineries have a wine that you and your guests will surely love.
Perfect for Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Looking for a fun idea for your bachelor or bachelorette party? A wine tour is a perfect activity! It will give your wedding party a chance to get to know each other and create lasting memories.
You’ll learn about wines with your best friends as you take in the views of sprawling vineyards. The lush grapevines are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon spent with the ones you love. Plus, you’ll enjoy some amazing vino along the way.
A Great Way to Take In the Countryside
A guided wine tour is a perfect and safe way to take in the countryside. Sit back and relax as your driver shuttles you along to some of the areas best wineries. You’ll travel through the scenic hills as your guide navigates to your next wine tasting.
Using a tour guide ensures that you don’t miss a thing. They know the area and can recommend other activities and sightseeing opportunities. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and mingle with other wine enthusiasts.
Unique Area Accommodations
Luckily, the Temecula Valley has a wide array of accommodation options. There is truly something for everyone. It’s a good idea to provide a shortlist of optional choices to guests so they can stay with other guests if they wish.
There are hotels in town for those wanting to explore the streets on foot. Hotels in Old Town allows for history buffs to explore the rich past of the area. For more modern options, you can add hotels in Uptown to your list.
Wine country area accommodations give guests great access to the wineries and golf courses. They also provide a more peaceful feel amongst the rich countryside. These are a great option for the nature lovers on your guest list.
For guests looking for the ultimate in luxury, you can recommend one of the area’s full-service resorts. With stunning blue pools and relaxing spas, these guests can indulge and enjoy their getaway.
Remember that your guests’ needs are different. Luckily everything from bed and breakfasts to vacation rentals are scattered amongst the valley. There are even pet-friendly options for those that wish to bring their furry friends along.
Pay Attention to the Details
As with any big event, the overall outcome is a combination of well thought out details. Whether you’re a Temecula native or arriving in the area just days before your wedding, careful planning will ensure your event’s success.
Secure Amazing Vendors
Your vendor selections can make or break your event. Make sure you do your research and choose wisely. The quality of everything from your music to your florist can be a gamechanger.
Look for referrals and online reviews, especially if you don’t live in the Temecula area. If you are local, ask around for recommendations. Even unmarried friends have likely been to a wedding where they have experienced an awesome deejay or have seen a friend’s stunning wedding photos.
Your music creates the atmosphere. Whether you are going with a live band or a diverse playlist, make sure you choose carefully. This vendor will also likely serve as the emcee for the event, announcing things like the toasts and first dance. Make sure they are experienced in this task to keep your event running smoothly.
A wedding set in the valley allows for some creative decor. Find a florist that shares your vision and can run with it. Their expertise can create the vibe you are looking for whether it be traditional glamour, shabby chic, and whimsical charm.
You may be staying off-site from your wedding venue. Transportation is important for both you and your wedding party. You might also want to provide transportation for your guests so everyone can have a safe, carefree time. Look for a fun transportation vendor that makes the trip part of the event experience.
Carefully Select Your Menu of Food and Wine
Your guests are going to have access to some amazing wines. Make sure you choose your selections wisely. You’ll also want to create a menu that reflects the quality of these wines and pairs well. Fortunately, the venues in the Temecula area are well versed in selecting both of these and can guide you.
Not all of your guests will enjoy dry and earthy reds. However, some may also be turned off by sweet and light white wines. Make sure to offer a wide range of wine selections to please all of your guests’ palettes.
Appetizers and entrees are a huge part of your event. You want them to pair well with the amazing wines available. Many times, a venue will close the bar during dinner and toasts. Consider offering table wines so guests can self pour at dinner along with their meals.
The rule of red wine with red meat and white with fish and poultry is outdated. However, you want to make sure the flavors in the wines you choose pair well with foods and match the intensity of the flavors.
Bold meals pair well with robust wines like a fuller-bodied Cabernet or a Zinfandel. Going with a less intense meal like roasted chicken or a vegetarian dish? Look for smoother reds like Pinot Noir or Petite Syrah.
Offering a white wine at the table is also a great idea, especially in warm Southern California. With these, the same flavor reflecting rules apply. Look for a fuller Chardonnay or a dry Sauvignon Blanc to pair with heavier dishes. Light entrees like salads go best with light wines like a Reisling or Pinot Grigio.
Don’t forget, it’s a celebration! And that means you have to have a good bubbly! Great sparkling wine is perfect for celebratory toasts. Bubbly fruit wine can make the perfect companion for your delicious wedding cake.
Plan for an Unforgettable Party
Most importantly, plan for a wedding that you won’t forget. You’ll want to capture the memories and results of your planning. After all, it’s one of the biggest moments of your life.
Make sure you communicate your wishes with your carefully selected photographer. If there are any special guests or moments that you want to be captured, let them know. You want to have these images to treasure for years to come.
Your guests are going to have an amazing time. Find little ways to make it even more special and memorable. Personalized favors create a special touch. A wedding website where guests can share photos and event highlights allows the fun to continue long after your big day.
Not Just Wine: Area Attractions for All Guests
The Temecula Valley area is brimming with amazing attractions and activities. Though it’s known for its number of wineries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Young and old can have a great time during their visit to the region.
Things to Do For All Ages
You may be leery of inviting children to your wedding because of the locale. However, Temecula Valley is also a great travel destination for kiddos too. There’s plenty to keep them busy and happy during their visit.
They can visit the Sugarplum Zoo and Chocolates to enjoy a sweet treat and pet a Capybara, zebra, and other animals. At Pennypickle’s Workshop – The Temecula Children’s Museum, your youngest guests can learn about science through fun, hands-on activities. They can even learn about horses and take a ride at The Green Acres Ranch.
Attractions to Appeal to Many Interests
Temecula Valley isn’t just for wine lovers. There are diverse activities for your whole group. No matter your guests’ interests, there is an attraction they will love.
If you are looking for a tasting of another variety, check out Galway Spirits. Their distillery offers tours and even special events, perfect for your group. You can take a break from the vino and enjoy their high-quality bourbon and vodka. Is beer more your pace? These are several craft breweries in the area to sample a hoppy flight.
Temecula is also a paradise for foodies. Not only do many of the wineries offer great menus, but the area also has a ton of amazing dining options. From ethnic cuisine to traditional steak and seafood joints, there’s something for all of your guests’ palettes.
The Southern California landscape is famous for its lush, natural areas. Outdoor activities are the perfect opportunity to enjoy them. Check out the hiking trails with options for all ability levels. Or, take it all in from above in a memorable hot air balloon ride.
The atmosphere in Temecula Valley will wow your guests and make your big event even more special. From live music shows to stunning sightseeing, all of your senses will be delighted. The rich area will ensure that all of the days surrounding your wedding will be full of fun and adventure.
Prepping for Your Big Day
In the days and weeks leading up to your wedding, you’ll likely be focused on last-minute details and decisions. If you’re traveling, make sure planning for your trip is also a priority. This planning will eliminate last-minute stress and panic.
Brushing Up on Your Wine Knowledge
You’re going to be hanging with friends and families in one of the best wine regions in the world. It’s important that you not only enjoy the wine but that you can discuss it with your group. This will make the whole experience much more enjoyable and help you discover new wines that you love. Brush up on the different characteristics of wines and the ways to describe them.
One of the most obvious is the sweetness of the wine. You probably already know if you prefer a sweeter wine. While whites are typically sweeter than red, they can vary greatly. Even specific varieties have varying sweetness levels.
When you are tasting wine, the first thing you should note is the color. Reds can range from light to dark shades. Words to describe the color of red wine include ruby, garnet, and purple. Whites can be discussed as having amber or pale yellow hues.
The next thing you should do is carefully swirl and sniff. The aroma is very important and can be a good indicator of the taste. Reds can smell anywhere from smokey to earthy. White wines can fill your nose with sweet, springy notes of citrus fruits and floral scents.
When tasting wine, allow your taste buds time to absorb it to get the full range of flavors. Take a few sips to get a good feel for the taste. Reds can often be described as jammy with notes of berries or peppery with underlying tobacco-like flavors. You can discuss white wine with words like oaky or fruit-forward.
The acidity of the wine is how balanced the flavors are. This is a deeper concept when wine tasting. The acidity can range on a scale from high to low. It can also be described as thin, fresh, or crisp.
When discussing the body of the wine, you’ll be talking about the feel of the wine in your mouth. Bold reds can often be described as bog-bodied. On the other hand, light-bodied white wines can be described as mellow or delicate.
You’ll have a great time trying wine and discovering your preferences. You and your guests will learn from the wine experts in the area and come home with more knowledge of wine and great memories.
What to Pack
If you aren’t from the area packing ahead of time is a smart move. Use this checklist to ensure you don’t forget any vital items. Balance packing light with bringing along everything you need. Even if you are local, forgetting an important item on your wedding day can cause delays and frustration.
For Your Wedding
- Wedding Rings
- Gown and Accessories
- Tux and Shoes
- Guest Favors
- Garter
- Reception Outfit (if changing)
- Extra Shoes
- Cake Decor
- Programs and Menus
- Display Signage or Photos
- Ring Bearer Pillow
- Copy of Your Invitation
- Place Cards
- Container to Collect Cards
- Wedding Party Gifts
- Phone Charger
If You’re Traveling
- Enough Outfits for Your Stay (a good mix between dressy and casual)
- Sweater or Jacket for Cool Evenings
- Swimsuit and Sandals
- Comfortable Shoes for Outdoor Activities
- Medication and Vitamins
- Toiletries and Makeup
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray
- Curling Iron or Flatiron
- Venue Contracts and Paperwork
- Vendor Contact Info, Details, and Contracts
- Your Marriage Certificate
- Sewing Kit
- First Aid Kit
- Maps and Travel Guides for the Area
- Wine Guide for Reference
Enjoying Your Special Day
You’ve already taken the first step towards an unforgettable wedding, choosing the Temecula Valley as your backdrop. The stunning scenery and amazing wine will combine to give you and your guests a great time. The area has so much to offer your entire group and provide a memorable and entertaining experience.
Remember to enjoy your big day to the fullest. All of your planning will have paid off in a truly remarkable occasion. You’ll create joyous memories of your Temecula Valley wedding that will last a lifetime for you and your friends and family.