June Wedding in Alaska: What to expect
Here’s a little of what to expect for you June Alaskan wedding.
What Local, Alaskan flowers are available for your June wedding?
It is my absolute joy to work with local Alaskan flowers both from my urban farm right here in Anchorage, and from other farmers in the Matanuska Valley and the Kenai Peninsula.
Here is a brief list of what may be available for your June wedding: tulips (early), peonies (late), ranunculus, columbine and stock.
June is still considered spring in Alaska, so please know that depending on our winter snowpack and spring weather we may have more or less than what’s listed above.
Honestly, flower variety is limited in June. But your wedding can still be amazing floral-wise. If there is not enough variety locally, I can order from other farmers in Washington, Oregon and California.
Below are all examples of flowers that may be available for your June wedding.
What’s the weather like in June in Alaska?
While we all hope your wedding day is the most magical day possible, weather can be unpredictable.
The last few summers have been warm and dry in the early part of our summer. But be prepared for hot sun or cool rain. If we are to get thunderstorms, they usually occur in the month of June.
If you or your guests are traveling, please pack layers for warmth. Can you find a shawl to wear over your dress? Can guests pack a light jacket if your event is outdoors?
What are the best wedding venues in Alaska?
While there is no best wedding venue, there are so many amazing ones.
I’d pick a location that best represents the feeling you most desire. Mountain resort, seaside cottage, river lodge, city hotel or forest hideaway. Alaska has them all!
A mountain elopement is doable in July, just be prepared for hiking through snow. Seaside or sailboat elopements could be perfect this time of year.
See our full blog on the best Alaska Destination Wedding Venues HERE.
Below is a sailboat elopement at the end of June 2022. Bride has a Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet. Photo courtesy of Megan Rai Freeman, planning by Alaska Wild Hearts and sailboat charter by Rez Bay Sailing.
Read the full blog on this sailboat elopement HERE.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst:
The most majestic locations in Alaska can be made challenging by relentless mosquitos. Don’t overlook this when planning your wedding. Offer screened-in areas and natural bug repellents if you’re getting married during mosquito season ( roughly late-May through mid-August).
Here are a couple of natural bug repellents I love: All Terrain Herbal Armor, Murphy’s Naturals, Natrapel, Off Botanicals and Greenways Organic to name a few. You could order a few of these and have them handy for your guests to use.
In June, be prepared for unrelenting sun. The sun in Alaska can feel extra intense due to its lower angle in the sky.
I recommend that folks have adequate shade just in case there is a hot spell, especially for those that are more sensitive to heat. Don’t forget your sun bock if you’re outdoors.
Keep your flowers out of the sun, unless you’re actively taking photos. If your arch flowers or other floral installations are sitting in the sun, have a spray bottle and mist them periodically with water.
The couple below lucked out with their weather on the top of Mt. Alyeska. When I delivered flowers for this couple at the Alyeska Hotel the wind and rain was intense.
The clouds lifted and the rain thankfully let up for their ceremony. Just to cover their bases, they had a back up plan in place for their ceremony and umbrellas for the guests.
Photo courtesy of Corrine Graves. Bright and cheery Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet with yellow ranunculus, stock and campanula.
Wildfire smoke can be a bummer. Wildfires can happen any time during the summer.
Most of our state is covered in dense forests and smoke can travel hundreds of miles in any direction. Every handful of years we will get a major smoke event in the area. Be aware that this could occur. Have a back up plan for individuals that are sensitive or elderly.
If there’s smoke near your venue, have masks on hand for those that are more sensitive and/or be prepared to move your event indoors.
By the off chance that there is a wildfire near your venue, be alert to local weather and travel information. Occasionally traffic can be stalled or blocked if a wildfire is in the area.
This is not meant to scare you! I just want you to be aware so you are not surprised or caught off guard. If you prepare your mind ahead of time, nothing will ruffle you.
Now that you know what to expect, you can prepare for and envision your perfect day. Because no matter what happens, your day will be perfect. You got this!
Want to find out what your wedding flowers may cost? Go here to read all about it: What Do Wedding Flowers Cost?
Micro-wedding at The Salted Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska
Nicole and Garrett were wed at the beach adjacent to Salted Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska.
I had the great pleasure to create florals for their special day.
Nicole wanted a lush, partial arch with a white to rust ombre tone. The end of July is the perfect time for Alaskan flowers. Peonies are still fresh and beautiful. And dahlias are just beginning to bloom.
Look closely and you will see the lovely “Dreamcatcher” dahlia, along with a very cool carnation. I know carnations have a bad reputation, but some of the more modern colors are truly amazing.
Floral Details by Kristian Irey
Eucalyptus and magnolia greenery, although not from Alaska, is beautiful, sturdy and versatile. I love how the rust undersides shade perfectly with the orange-peach dahlias.
And look how rain, or ocean mist, can make your wedding flowers even more gorgeous.
There is a silver lining to everything.
Kristian Irey did an expert job on photographing this wedding.
A Signature Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm Bouquet
Nicole’s bouquet was loaded with different floral varieties in the true Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm style. Campanula, orlaya, cosmos, peonies, dahlias, phlox, strawflower, carnations and magnolia made for a stunning bouquet.
The Salted Roots Cabins
The Salted Roots Cabins is a picturesque location just outside Seward, Alaska. They have beautiful modern cabins to rent out for the bridal party and guests.
The front area can be covered in a tent and set up for a reception and ceremony.
Across the road from the cabins, is the beach. This is another lovely locale for a ceremony. Nicole and Garrett chose to have their ceremony there.
Weddings here are small (around 50 guests) and intimate.
Inside The Salted Roots Cabins
The inside of the Salted Roots Cabins is clean and modern and filled with light.
It is the perfect place to get ready for a wedding, alongside your most beloved attendants.
Going the extra mile for your wedding guests
Nicole and Garrett wanted to do something a little extra special for their guests.
At my step brother’s wedding, the couple hand wrote letters to each guest expressing their gratitude to each person and how much they meant to them.
I shared this idea with them and they loved.
Here you can see the son of the groom reading his handwritten and personal note. This is so touching.
I know each guest always wants more time and more connection with the couple. This is a fabulous way to give your guests that extra care and attention.
Read our full blog on going the extra mile for your wedding guests HERE.
Evening Campfire at The Salted Roots Cabins
The grounds of The Salted Roots Cabins is cozy, intimate, gorgeous and truly Alaskan.
They have a fire pit and a sauna all nestled under a towering temperate rainforest canopy.
Alaskan Beach Wedding Photos
Alaskan beach wedding photos are my absolute favorite. A white dress always looks so dramatic and stunning.
Even on a cloudy day the pictures are gorgeous.
Kristian Irey Photographer
All photos courtesy of Kristian Irey.
Bateau Bridal Boutique - A Local Anchorage Bridal Shop
I recently had the pleasure to speak with a local bridal shop owner, Tara from Bateau Bridal Boutique.
Her appointment-only boutique has been around for 9 years and occupies a cozy 1947 era home in the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage, Alaska.
Tara loves looking for quality, integrity and story when shopping for designers to add to their bridal dress collection.
She strives to create a shopping environment that is thoughtful in price points and has gorgeous options for all body types.
Her customers appreciate attention to detail and she prides herself on being able to give her customers one on one customer service.
Keep reading to learn more about Bateau Bridal Boutique and to get some helpful hints on shopping for your wedding gown.
Learn more about Bateau Bridal Boutique: https://www.bateaubridalboutique.com/
Tara, owner of Bateau Bridal Boutique.
What does the dress shopping or dress buying experience look like inside Bateau Bridal Boutique?
Bateau Bridal Boutique offers private appointment-only service. Tara wants to give you a personalized experience.
You get to pick the music you want to listen to and then she’ll encourage you to talk about what you’re looking for in a dress and your overall vision for yourself as a bride.
If you know you need a dress but are not quite sure what you’re looking for, Tara and her thoughtful staff can help. After serving brides for over 9 years, she knows all the right questions to ask in order to help you find exactly what you want.
Once you’ve settled on a few dress options to try, you’ll be invited to try on the dresses privately and then come out to display yourself to your guests and Tara’s staff.
It’s always fun to dress shop with friends and family but she recommends inviting a max of 3 or 4 others to come shopping with you. This way you keep it intimate and personal and don’t get overwhelmed by too many opinions.
How do you recommend someone find the perfect wedding dress?
Tara says that for most people, once they put on their dream dress they just can’t stop smiling and they don’t want to take it off. Once this happens, you’ve found the one.
When I went shopping for my wedding dress, after trying on what seemed to be countless dresses I wondered, how do I know when I’ve found the one?
My aunt gave me this advice: once you put on your wedding dress, you’ll just know. You will feel so amazing and happy.
She says that a lot of brides want to take off dresses pretty quickly. If, on the other hand, you find yourself lingering in a dress and not wanting to take it off, you may have just found the one.
Go into dress shopping with an open mind. You may think you want one thing but actually fall in love with a different style.
This totally happened to me. I had envisioned a modest and simple looking gown but ended up falling in love with a Vera Wang gown with layers and layers of frilly tulle. It was nothing I had envisioned.
Once on, I couldn’t stop smiling. I has found the one!
Tara says to give yourself a lot of time so you’re not rushed.
And once you have found the one, be happy and move on. Decision fatigue can be real. So have your own back after each wedding decision. Make a choice and be done!
A gorgeous dress from Bateau Bridal Boutique.
Ok, you’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams. Now what?
Once you’ve found your dream dress it’s time to special order it in your ideal size. Unless of course you happen to buy off the rack - meaning they have your style and size in stock.
Most likely, even when ordering your ideal size, you will need to get it tailored in order for it to fit perfectly.
Tara is able to refer to local tailors who can expertly alter your gown once you’ve found the one.
What do bridal gowns cost?
Bateau Bridal Boutique offers plenty of dresses right off the rack for under 1,000.00.
More than half their inventory is under 2500.00 and otherwise range from 1,500.00 to 4,000.00.
Some of the brides I work with shop outside of Alaska for dresses. Why should they come to you instead?
Tara said that in the past, people had the mindset that they have to leave AK to find something new and different.
She wants people to know that they may be able to find the same dress in her store.
Tara and her staff travel outside to go to market in order to get the most fashion forward gowns.
She wants brides to know that they don’t have to travel to find a dress. You really don't have to fly out of state. You can shop locally for dresses, accessories and tailoring.
You can support Alaskan businesses and find an amazing wedding dress.
Learn more about Bateau Bridal Boutique: https://www.bateaubridalboutique.com/
When should brides start shopping for a wedding dress?
Make sure to shop for your dress 9-12 months in advance.
You want to make sure you can order in the one you want if need be.
You’ll want to start tailoring your dress 8 weeks before your event.
Do you have any general dress do’s and don’ts to share with people?
Tara thinks the biggest thing to remember is to be happy with your body the way it is. If your weight goes up or down a tailor can fix the dress.
Buy a dress that fits you now. It can always be altered again later.
And here’s my own funny dress sizing story: I was sized for my dress in a midwest heat wave with temps around 100 degrees. I then came back to Alaska to get married on a particularly cold July day that was in the 50’s.
That’s a big temperature difference!
Unfortunately for me it meant my dress was almost falling off during the wedding. Little did I know that my body tends to swell in the heat. In retrospect a tailoring appointment a few days before the wedding, in Alaska, would have been ideal.
She agrees that getting sized in the right climate is important.
As a final thought, Tara wants every woman (of every size and shape) to feel good and beautiful.
I love this. Because truly, we are exactly who we are supposed to be. We shouldn't be smaller or bigger, shorter or taller.
Being ourselves is our biggest gift to the world. If I see you feeling beautiful in your body, it will inspire me to feel beautiful as well.
Learn more about Bateau Bridal Boutique: https://www.bateaubridalboutique.com/
Wedding gown from Bauteau Bridal.
Salted Roots: A Favorite Micro-wedding Venue in Seward, AK
I was thrilled to speak with Kelly Ann, co-owner of Salted Roots Cabins recently.
If you’re not familiar with Salted Roots, it is a collection of cabins just outside Seward. Kelly Ann says it feels truly remote without actually being remote - it is easily accessed by road from the town of Seward, AK.
They opened their doors in 2020 right when COVID was starting to shut things down. What a wild time to open a business! Yes, Kelly Ann said, “bad luck to say the least”.
But whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger, right?! Thankfully, they were able to count on lots of local Alaskan visitors to keep their lights on.
A view of the 4 cabins that make up Salted Roots property.
I know for me, 2020 was a very busy year of booking local cabins and camping out.
In late July of this year I drove down to Salted Roots to set up for a micro-wedding. Micro-weddings are perfect for this venue as the cabins sleep a total of 20 people and a guest count of up to 50 is allowed.
It felt cozy, intimate, and magical. Having access to the beach was enchanting and completely romantic.
Booking at Salted Roots.
Couples wanting to reserve this space for weddings need to be booking ahead by about a year and a half.
They require booking out all 4 cabins, plus an event fee. This guarantees you’ll have the place just for you and your guests on your wedding day (or days).
If you are looking for additional accommodations for your guests, Kelly Ann can give you a list of neighboring properties that have lodging. There are many!
Booking out all the cabins gives you the entire property to use including a gravel beach-front ceremony space, parking, space for 20x20 event tents and a sauna.
When booking, 50% of the total is due at time of booking. On Jan 1st of the event year, you will owe the remainder of your booking fee.
Highlights that Kelly Ann wants you to know about? Their over-the-top European-style wet-room-bathroom and kitchen. Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it?
The couple brings inspiration to their cabin designs from extensive travels they’ve done across the US.
After seeing these cabins in person I cannot wait to book a personal winter retreat here!
European-style wet-room bathroom inside a Salted Roots cabin.
Future Plans for Salted Roots.
Looking to the future Kelly Ann and her co-owner husband Matt have lots of plans. They’re converting an old German bus into another fun and beautiful sleeping space.
In addition, they are developing an indoor event space (because you never know with Alaska weather!) and a commercial kitchen.
After taking over the Flamingo Lounge in downtown Seward, they hope to offer catering for their guests' weddings. They are super excited to blend the two businesses.
Until then, they highly recommend getting food trucks for fun wedding food.
I love this idea. For my stepbrother’s wedding they hosted a night-before-dinner (sort of like a groom’s dinner) with a local food truck. It was super fun, delicious and memorable!
The interior space in a Salted Roots cabin.
What wedding couples absolutely love Salted Roots?
Kelly Ann thinks it’s the creative couple who wants more of a DIY experience.
That said, if you don’t want to plan each and every detail she highly recommends going with a local planner or day-of coordinator. True North Events and Wild Hearts Events are two that Kelly Ann would recommend.
I wanted to know from Kelly Ann what was one thing she wanted guests to know most about her venue.
She said, “It’s a work in progress. We’re on phase one right now. Phase two and three will bring a commercial kitchen with an indoor event space. The space is best for DIY couples. Salted Root provides the canvas for couples to make it what they want. It is personal, dynamic, unique, and flexible.”
Looking for Other Alaskan Wedding Vendors?
For couples still looking to book out additional services, like a photographer, for their wedding I’m here for you. I’ve worked with many other wedding professionals and have excellent suggestions.
There are so many fabulous wedding photographers in Alaska.
Two of my all time favorites are Lauren Roberts Photography and Joshua Veldstra Photography.
Kelly Ann highly recommends Bare Bones Creative, The Adams Co and Emily Jordan Photography.
Check them all out - looking at their galleries will give you a really good idea about their individual styles. I’m sure one will resonate with you.
Advice from a Wedding Pro.
Now that I’m in the wedding industry I love thinking back to my own wedding.
It was lovely and there are a lot of things I would probably do differently today. After all I am a slightly different person than I was back in 2012.
I was curious what Kelly Ann had to say about this.
Did she have one big mistake she would re-do to make her past wedding even better?
Yes, there was one thing. While she said her wedding was “pretty much 5-stars”, she does wish she had booked an extra night at her lodging venue post-wedding. She says having one more night just for the newlyweds would have been amazing, rejuvenating and much appreciated.
She wants couples to know that there can be a bit of a come-down after all the build up and excitement of the wedding day. Having an extra day of self-care can transform the transition into your new marriage.
In addition, here’s something we both have come to realize: while a wedding feels like it’s just for the couple, it is really an event you are putting on for all your most beloved.
You are the host and planner. Keep in mind that you are creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you are bringing all your favorite people together to celebrate.
How many opportunities do we really get to bring all these people together? What a blessing!
Next Steps!
Book Salted Roots here: https://www.saltedrootsalaska.com/specialevents
The A-framed at Salted Roots in Seward, Alaska.
What is a floral installation? Wedding Floral Pieces Defined
This blog is to help define all the wedding flower terms out there. So when you hop on a call with me or another florist you know exactly what we’re talking about.
A la Carte Wedding:
Florists throw around this term often. It usually refers to a couple who chooses to order their flowers piece by piece and not as part of a package.
In my floral design business, most of my weddings are completely custom and thus a la carte. I do not offer packages since each couple has unique desires for their florals.
When talking to your florist, ask them to define this for their particular business. There are no stupid questions!
Full Service Wedding:
This terms usually applies to someone who wants delivery, set up and take down for their wedding florals.
Folks who choose a full service option usually want centerpieces or tablescapes set up and ceremony flowers. That could include an arch, alter flowers and aisle flowers.
In my design business any couple can add on delivery, set up and take down for orders over 3,000.00.
Wedding flowers for less than that are picked up from my warehouse studio.
When talking to your florist, ask them to define this for their particular business.
Cascading bouquet using Alaskan Grown Flowers.
The Bridal Bouquet:
This is arguably the most important wedding flower piece. The bridal bouquet is held by the bride in pre-ceremony pictures and of course accompanies the bride down the aisle.
I do want to emphasize that not only a bride can carry the bridal bouquet. Groom’s Bouquet anyone? And of course in a queer wedding, there can be one, two, or none of these gorgeous flower pieces to adorn part of the couple.
In fact, I think we need a new name for this piece. Shall I suggest “Wedding Bouquet”?
This bride opted for single flower dahlias for her bridesmaids. It is stunning, simple and luxurious. Photo credit: Joshua Veldstra Photography
Wedding Party Bouquet (AKA Bridesmaids Bouquet):
The bouquet that anyone in the wedding party chooses to carry for the wedding ceremony.
Usually the women carry these. But increasingly, anyone on either side of the couple can carry a bouquet.
Boutonniere:
A small cluster of flowers and foliage designed to be pinned to the coat of a man in the wedding party.
Who gets a boutonniere? Usually any significant man in the couple’s life: fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers, and men in the bridal party.
Gender is not a qualifier for a boutonniere! Feel free to break the rules here.
Corsage (pin-on):
Often couples choose to honor their mothers or other significant female figures in their life with a pin-on corsage.
These tend to be larger and slightly more elaborate than a traditional boutonniere.
Corsage (wrist):
A similar idea to the above but made to be worn on the wrist. I’ve seen women in a bridal party wear these in lieu of a bouquet.
Wrist corsages can be a bit more elaborate then pin-ons.
Who gets a corsage? The answer is there are no hard rules here but usually I see couples get them for their mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters.
Again, this can be for any significant woman figure they want to honor.
Altar Flowers:
Flower arrangements that are placed at the altar or the place where the couple is to exchange vows.
Altar flowers can be arrangements in low or elevated vases. They can be placed on the floor or set up on pillars or other structures.
Altar flowers can also include installations and arches and anything else you can imagine fo accompany you or to give you an amazing backdrop while you exchange vows.
Aisle Flowers:
Flowers to adorn the chairs, or benches along the aisle leading to the altar.
Flowers and foliage can also run the length of the aisle in a garland type of arrangement.
A full arch near the reflection pool at Raven Glacier Lodge. Photo credit: Joshua Veldstra Photography
Arch Flowers:
Often couples want a backdrop to their wedding ceremony.
Arches make your ceremony extra special and provide a stunning addition to any of your bride and groom pictures and ceremony pictures. These can be simple and small or elaborate and full.
Floral Installation:
The word “installation” encompasses many different elaborate arrangements: floral chandeliers, any sort of hanging floral piece, arches, floral walls, your imagination is the limit here!
Installations are most commonly used as a backdrop for the ceremony or at the reception.
Chuppah:
The chuppah is a four posted canopy covered with cloth for a Jewish wedding. Flowers usually adorn the front and can be almost any size.
Mandap:
A traditional four posted canopy for a Sikh wedding, covered with cloth and traditionally adorned with 4 floral arrangements, one on each of the four posts.
A centerpiece for a sweetheart table or anywhere else you might want a pop of flowers.
Centerpiece:
Any floral arrangement to decorate the reception tables.
These can vary greatly by size or style but they usually are placed on every table in your reception area.
Bar Arrangement:
The bar is a highly used place at your wedding reception!
Couples often choose to dress it up with a larger floral arrangement.
Welcome Arrangement:
When guests enter your reception area or wedding space there is often a welcome table with photos, cards, gifts, table numbers, guest lists and a more elaborate floral arrangement.
A simple and full sweetheart table arrangement with a floral installation backdrop.
Sweetheart Table Arrangement:
If the couple is choosing to dine at a sweetheart table you’ll need some decoration for your table-for-two. This can be small to large. Simple to elaborate.
Head Table Arrangement:
If you and your wedding party are dining together at a head table, you’ll need to decide how to decorate.
You can choose almost any style of floral piece for this table.
Garland:
Foliage bundled together and spanning the length of a table. These are usually used on longer, rectangle tables. They can also flow over the end and toward the floor.
Garlands are traditionally just foliage but having a sprinkling of loose flowers in them is also beautiful.
Tablescapes:
This is a loose term to define anything to decorate your reception tables.
Tablescapes can include: candles, bud vase groupings, garland, loose flowers, loose foliage and small or larger vase arrangements.
Couples can also choose to add fruit, stones, shells, fabric runners, or anything else that they can imagine being beautiful.
Hey, it’s me Greta! Your wedding floral designer. I cannot wait to talk to you about your flowers. Photo credit: Lauren Roberts
There you have it! This is meant to empower you and not overwhelm you.
Feeling overwhelmed? I can help.
Inquire by clicking the button below so we can set up your free floral consultation.
I can help you find out what you really need to get the most amazing wedding planned.