About Tucson
Tucson is Arizona's second-largest city with breathtaking mountainous views. It's no wonder that the city attracts the outdoorsy crowd as well as astronomers and artists. Tucson enjoys 350 days of sunshine each year and in fact, it's considered the nation's sunniest city.
The unique desert locale also makes it a popular choice for boomers looking to retire and tourists in general. The wide, open spaces are alluring to cyclists, rock climbers, runners, and hikers. The city's food scene is also taking off and Downtown Tucson is the place to go for delicious treats.
Except for July or August when downpours might happen at any time; the city is a wonderful choice for outdoor occasions. It's worth considering a Tucson wedding venue for your impending nuptials.
Wedding Options in Tucson
Whether you have already booked a wedding venue in Tucson or haven't started the tour yet; it's important to have a checklist guiding the process. With the expertise of wedding vendors in Tucson, you can access the different components needed to set the tone for your big day.
- Decorations
Perhaps you've always dreamt about a fairytale wedding or envision saying "I do" during a casual event. You might prefer a grand, lavish occasion or a dreamy destination function attended by a small number of guests. That describes the style you want for your big day and decorations can help deck out your chosen venue to set the right tone. That includes flowers, centerpieces, tableware, table runners, and even napkins.
- Invitation and Place Cards
The excitement for the big day starts when the date is set and the invitations are mailed. Once invited guests have RSVPd, there's the task of coming up with a table plan and you'll need place cards to let everyone know where they should be on the day. After the wedding concludes, it's always a great sentiment to send out thank you cards. It's also a charming touch to include welcome signage at your Tucson wedding venue.
- Wedding Cake
The wedding cake commands attention, perhaps even more than the rest of the menu items at the reception. Beyond just being a much-anticipated dessert, the wedding cake is yet another decor piece and it should be compatible with your overall theme. Generally, a three-tier cake can serve up to 100 people while a five-layer plus cake might be required for more guests. Just be sure to consider the weather because buttercream, whipped cream, and meringue don't do too well under hot conditions.
- Entertainment
Whether you are having an informal, religious, or non-religious ceremony; you'll need music to set the tone. Music is played at different segments of the ceremony, starting from the moment guests arrive at the venue and settle down. The processional segment when the bridal party and the woman of the hour walk down the aisle also required appropriate music. Finally, recessional music plays when the newlywed couple leaves the ceremony venue.
- Wedding Favors
If your budget allows it, send off your guests with wedding favors. There are plenty of inexpensive options ranging from edible items or small thematic keepsakes. The token is appreciated particularly in the case of a destination wedding in Tucson.
Wedding Companies in Tucson
The main reason why you want to hire a Tucson wedding planner is simply to have a professional handle the more time-consuming responsibilities. Planners schedule appointments, hire the right vendors, and essentially oversee the finer details involved in putting together your big day.
- Perfectly Planned Celebrations & Design
This top-rated planner is who you need to organize your wedding. With 19 years of experience, Perfectly Planned Celebrations & Design have excelled at offering a range of wedding planning services. That includes handling the decorations, linen rental, personalized accessories, lighting, and floral design.
- Crain + Co
If you envision a timeless and classic celebration, Crain + Co is the planner who can make it happen. They believe in telling stories as part and parcel of creating personalized and unique experiences. Their specialization is putting together destination weddings in Arizona, non-profit fundraisers, and other special celebrations.
- Jane Castle Events
Since 2015, Jane Castle Events have been the go-to planner when it comes to producing successful events. They have perfected the art of fine-tuning everything behind the scenes and the process continues even once your occasion is in full swing. To sum it up, this planner will deliver an amazingly personalized function to mark your special milestone.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Tucson
Tucson is a melting pot of Native American, Hispanic, and American heritage. The sunny retreat allows you to see folks from all walks of life but at the same time, it has its share of shortcomings. It's important to know the good and bad in relation to planning a wedding in Tucson.
Advantages
- Pleasant weather
It's almost always sunny in Tucson and the city doesn't experience high humidity levels like in California. The higher altitude compared to Phoenix also makes a difference, and the weather is significantly better.
- Amazing outdoor spaces
The striking desert spaces offer opportunities for hiking, sunset photography, and outdoor weddings. Tucson isn't overtaken by sand as you would think, but there are forests of cacti surrounding the city.
- Delectable cuisine
They say that you've never had good Mexican food, outside of Mexico, if you haven't indulged in the delicacy in Tucson. It should give you ideas about the direction to go with your wedding menu.
- The cost of living is low
Compared to most other cities, Tucson is quite affordable and it's also reflected through the real estate market. It won't be difficult to find suitable and cost-effective accommodation for out-of-town guests during your nuptials.
- The quality of air is great
Tucson boasts of having the best air quality in the U.S. The city is also ranked as one of the country's cleanest metropolitan areas.
Disadvantages
Driving in Tucson isn't a pleasant experience
The city is served by two major highways, that is Interstate 10 from the north to the south and Interstate 19 from South Tucson. Talks about setting up a light rail system are still in the works, and therefore, you want to make appropriate transport arrangements for your event.
- It's quite hot
Sometimes temperatures can soar to an all-time high in the area, given that it's in the Sonoran Desert region. Dust storms are also a common occurrence, and something to have in mind when planning an outdoor event.
- You'll need an AC to survive the hot summers
Swamp coolers prove only effective around April and May. An AC is more effective in beating the summer heat but it comes at an increased cost.
- Parking can be limited
Not all of the areas in Tucson have easy-to-find parking. Keep this in mind as you plan the wedding and ensure guests have options.
- Reptiles can strike at any time
Being a desert, Tucson is home to diverse species of reptiles and you'll encounter them everywhere. That's why you want to plan well when securing an outdoor wedding venue in Tucson.
Famous Locations in Tucson
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
To get in tune with the Tucson landscape, head down to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The establishment has a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum with displays showcasing the Sonoran Desert ecosystems. The live animal presentations are a highlight worth watching.
- Saguaro National Park
The Saguaro National Park is another area that provides a close encounter with the Sonoran Desert. It's where you'll see the tallest cacti species in North America, the saguaro cactus. The park also has hiking trails that provide great opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Old Tucson Studios
Old Tucson is a Western town built in the 19th-century style. It dates back to the 1940s and has served as the backdrop of numerous Western films. Guided tours are available taking visitors around the location featuring sets used for iconic films.