Wedding & Event the
weeklypaper
5.12.10
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Planner
The ambiance of the Wood River Valley By KATHLEEN L. TURNER
lanning to say “I do” sometime soon? Or coordinating the “talk about” party of the year? If the Sun Valley area is your perfect backdrop, here are some inside tips on getting you from initial concept to final toast with confidence and kudos. Location: If you’ve chosen the Wood River Valley as your dot on the map, that says that you love the outdoors, the mountains and the laid-back lifestyle. Within this unique framework, you might be surprised to learn that there are so many simple and sophisticated options. Aside from the quintessential Sun Valley Resort, there exists a world of choice here, with many locations that vow to deliver rave reviews, no matter what the occasion. We’ve got a number of beautiful mountain gems with stunning panoramas and pretty wildflowers. We’ve got gorgeous, lodge-like club facilities and casual ranch-style accommodations. We’ve got breathtaking mountain views and lush gardens with dramatic water features. What’s your pleasure? Dive into our list and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Timing: We also have seasons here. All of them. Some are shorter than others, but all are beautiful in differ-
ent ways and all lend themselves to individual preferences. While summer is undoubtedly the most popular season for both weddings and events in the Wood River Valley, elegant plans can be designed around just about any of our fabulous winter sports. And, if you’re into extremes, we’ve got that, too. With outfitters and suppliers that provide for every need on the mountain, on the river, in the backcountry, or nestled into one of the handsome resort area lodges, the sky is virtually the limit. Nibbles: Whether you’re envisioning a formal dinner for hundreds, or a small, casual affair for a dozen of your closest friends, the quality de cuisine here is stellar. Caterers and restaurants here are used to handling extraordinary details while attending to elite international travelers and high-end businesses. Whatever you can dream up, they can provide. Many are creative in their own right as well, having published cookbooks or style guides, and can suggest their very best food-to-event pairings. If you’re organically inclined, the Valley has choices that will delight there as well, with a broad selection of farmers and ranchers investing in low-profile chemistry, complemented by intuitive and creative chefs. Services: Not used to planning without a net? There are event planners here, as well as helpful local suppliers, with expertise in every facet of throw-
COURTESY Photo: INGRID HALL
ing a party, especially décor, music and activities. From elegant tents and jaw-dropping florals, to never-forgetit celebrations on horseback or skis, check our pages for the style that fits your dreams. Gilding the Lily: Clothes may make the man, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and jewelers here have just the right rings and things to create a lifetime of Sun Valley memories. Custom settings and unique lines, as well as traditional settings, are beautiful ways to ensure lasting reminders of your special event. Details: If you’re traveling to the Sun
Valley area from another state, why bring it with you? It’s all here waiting, from paper goods and invites to tuxedoes and makeup, hair stylists and spas to bankers and financial advisors, your needs can be met and exceeded by businesses and services used to working with sophisticated clientele. From the initial planning stages, make your life simpler by placing event details in the hands of locally based professionals that have the expertise, knowledge, products and connections to create the perfect event for your exquisite day in the sun. twp