Behind the Wedding Weekend: What Your Planner Really Does at Alta Lodge

You’ve spent months making decisions, pinning inspiration, adjusting your guest list, and dreaming of that mountain-view “I do.” But once wedding weekend finally arrives, have you ever wondered what your planner is doing behind the scenes to bring it all to life?

Spoiler alert: It’s a lot more than fluffing your dress and cueing the DJ.

We plan full-weekend weddings at Alta Lodge all the time, and let me tell you—this venue is magic. With the full buyout option, guests get to stay on property, the mountains become your backdrop, and your entire weekend can happen on-site or at nearby resorts. But to make that seamless, stunning, high-end experience happen? That takes a team, a plan, and a lot of logistics. Here’s what we’re really doing behind the scenes:

Thursday: The Calm Before the (Organized) Storm

We arrive with checklists in hand, cars loaded with your signs, welcome bags, snacks, slippers, signage, and any extra goodies you’re providing. We unload, set up lobby treats, stage the welcome bags, and prep the guest experience. Everything we place has a purpose—it’s part of your story and sets the tone for the weekend.

Friday: Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner, and Welcome Party Vibes

We run the ceremony rehearsal so everyone knows where to stand, when to walk, and what to do with their hands. We coordinate timing with your officiant, photographer, and bridal party—and we make sure the ring bearer isn’t holding a Hot Wheels car when it’s his time to shine. Then we help set up your welcome party and/or rehearsal dinner and manage everything from flow to decor to any last-minute additions.

Saturday: Wedding Day = Game Day

This is where the magic and the logistics come together.

Here’s just a glimpse at what’s happening:

• Vendor Load-In: From florists to lighting teams to the live band, we manage every vendor’s timeline, arrival, setup space, and needs.

• Ceremony Setup: You might be sipping mimosas, but we’re making sure your arch is centered, the wind won’t knock your candles over, and your chairs are straight and clean.

• Guest Experience: Water stations set? Welcome signage in place? Ushers know what to do? All us.

• Bridal Attendant: We’re by your side making sure you stay hydrated, stick to your photo list, eat something real, and don’t lose your veil in the breeze.

• Logistics + Design Decisions: We’re making calls in real time—adjusting placements, fixing wrinkles, swapping out linens when needed. You’d be surprised how often someone needs to track down an extra boutonnière or find a safety pin.

• The Flip: At Alta Lodge, your outdoor ceremony turns into your reception space, which turns into your dance floor. It’s a tight turnaround—and we’ve mastered it. We direct the “flip” with the venue staff and vendors while you’re enjoying cocktails or soaking in the sunset.

• Reception Flow: Once dinner and toasts are rolling, we keep the timeline tight and the transitions smooth—from first dance to cake cutting to the after party.

Sunday: Brunch, Pack-Up, and Last Goodbyes

While you’re still basking in the newlywed glow over brunch, we’re back on-site coordinating florals, setting tables for that final farewell meal, and packing your personal items into our cars and yours. From signage and gifts to cake knives and leftover bubbly, we account for everything so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

So yes, your wedding is one epic day—but for our team, it’s a full-blown production across four days. We’re there before your first guest checks in and after the last centerpiece is boxed up. We help make your vision a reality and make it feel effortless.

The truth? You shouldn’t have to think about logistics, timelines, or backup plans. That’s our job—and we’re in it for the plot, the details, and that mountain-top magic. As the best wedding planner in Utah, we know what it takes to make an Alta Lodge Wedding magical.

Planning a full wedding weekend? We’d love to help you design it from the welcome drinks to the farewell brunch—one (logistically sound) detail at a time.