Planning a wedding is an exciting time for engaged couples. It can also be extremely stressful. The sheer amount of decisions that need to be made and the seemingly endless options available can be paralyzing even for extremely organized couples who have a fairly clear idea of what they want from their wedding. For those who don’t, where do you even begin? It can get overwhelming. After all, not everyone has been keeping a scrapbook of their dream wedding since they were little.

If you’re ready to plunge headlong into planning a wedding, the most productive first step you can take is to visit a wedding expo or a bridal convention, like the Las Cruces Bridal and Events Showcase in Las Cruces, New Mexico on January 27, 2019. If you’re in the area, this event is not to be missed! It’s certainly more productive and more helpful than starting a Pinterest board or crawling through wedding websites, bridal magazines and books.[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][minti_image img="20916"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][minti_image img="21070"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][minti_spacer height="35"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][minti_image img="20915"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][minti_image img="20916"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][minti_spacer height="15"]The earlier you are in your wedding planning stage, the better. Before you even settle on a wedding budget, a theme, or even a date, the Las Cruces Bridal and Events Showcase will go a long way in helping you shape your vision for your wedding. This one-day event would have all the wedding professionals and suppliers you will need in one roof, from florists, catering, designers, entertainment, events spaces—you name it, it’s all there. Having this rare chance to connect with some of them and see what they have to offer will help couples whittle down their options. It can help couples craft their own wedding checklist, book and hire people and venues in advance, and generally lessen the stress of wedding planning. With so many things to consider—a wedding invitation, dresses, decor, vows—planning a wedding will get much simpler and easier as you slowly and surely narrow down your options.

If you have settled on a wedding in Las Cruces, you’re in luck. There’s no dearth of beautiful event venues, sought-after wedding suppliers, and activities for your guests in this picturesque area. To help get you started, below is a curated itinerary, suggestions, and things to consider for your own wedding. Allow this to help guide you as you begin your wedding planning journey.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Places to See Before the Wedding (That also Double as Venues)

[minti_spacer height="15"]This part is often overlooked in favor of big-ticket items like the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony itself, and the reception. But a well-thought-out pre-wedding itinerary is important, even more so if you have guests visiting from out of town. Pre-wedding activities will not only set the mood for the event, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with select people before things get too hectic. If anything, your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness.[minti_spacer height="25"][minti_image img="20896" align="center"][minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Sonoma Ranch Golf Course

[minti_image img="20897" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"][vc_column_text>This award-winning golf course in Las Cruces is not just for the fathers of the groom and bride and their golf buddies. Nestled on the foothills of the Organ mountains, novices and pros alike will find things to love in this great place, whether it’s a round of golf, a session at the driving range, or a delicious meal in the Sunset Grill clubhouse.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Where to Stay

[minti_spacer height="15"]Some might prefer to host guests and visiting family in their own homes but the less stressful option is to book them a room at a nice hotel. This will give everyone privacy and the freedom to rest, and come and go as they please. Your guests will have an easier time planning their own itinerary, and the couple and their immediate family will have fewer things to take care of.[minti_spacer height="25"][minti_image img="20899" align="center"][minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Hotel Encanto

[minti_image img="20900" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"]It’s always a good idea to opt for a hotel with personality and some local flavor. After all, your guests are here for a wedding, not a business trip. Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is teeming with a Spanish and Mexican Colonial ambiance. This enchanting place is big on history and tradition but features modern and luxurious amenities luxuries. It’s also conveniently located near bustling city sites and attractions.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Where to Hold the Church Ceremony

[minti_spacer height="15"]Beach weddings, garden weddings, destination weddings, and getting married in unexpected settings are all the rage, but there’s something to be said about a good old traditional church wedding. It’s not only a nod to your faith and family traditions, but the grandeur of getting married in a church is the perfect choice for couples who want to keep it classy and timeless.[minti_spacer height="25"][minti_image img="20901" align="center"][minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Historic Basilica San Albino Catholic Church

[minti_image img="20902" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"]Getting married in a church is great, but getting married in a church steeped with a rich history is even better. The Historic Basilica San Albino Catholic Church, established in 1852, is one of the oldest missions in the Mesilla Valley. The stately Romanesque architecture was built on the foundation of the original adobe edifice. This grand old church needs very little by way of decorations and is a worthy backdrop for an elegant and timeless wedding ceremony.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Where to Have the Reception

[minti_spacer height="15"]Most couple’s biggest splurge when it comes to the wedding is the reception, which includes the rent for the space, lights, sounds, and everything else that will turn the venue into the wedding reception of their dreams. Because of the cost, and the fact that it can make or break the entire wedding experience for the couple and guests, your venue requires careful consideration.[minti_spacer height="25"][minti_image img="20903" align="center"][minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Rio Grande Winery

[minti_image img="20906" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"]What better way to thank your maid of honor and bridesmaids, as well as the rest of the wedding party than a trip to the Rio Grande Winery in the historic town of “Old Mesilla.” With the majestic Organ Mountains as a backdrop, arrange for your friends and family to go on a sophisticated wine tasting treat. We can’t think of a better way to cap off a memorable wedding and a better way to unwind and destress than going through old mission churches, orchards, and vineyards, a glass of wine on hand.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage  Museum

[minti_image img="20898" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"]Here’s something for the kids and the young at heart. The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum features 47 acres consisting of corrals filled with livestock, exhibits, beautiful gardens, spaces for interactive demonstrations. It promises a fun-filled day for its visitors of all ages. This is especially great for families with young kids that will need to be entertained.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Grapevine Plaza

[minti_spacer height="15"]Grapevine Plaza is among Southern New Mexico’s most popular and sought-after reception venues—and for good reason. It offers a fantastic setting, all the amenities the couple and the wedding party will need, delicious dining options, and a surprisingly reasonable rate. If you have a tight budget to work with or if money is no object, you’ll find Grapevine Plaza to be a great fit. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor party, an intimate affair of a large gathering of friends and family, Grapevine Plaza is versatile enough to accommodate different wedding themes and wedding party sizes. Their staff is attentive and well-versed in the art of customer service, which will be a comfort to any frazzled bride-to-be or wedding planner.[minti_spacer height="25"][minti_spacer height="15"]With our gorgeous New Mexico backdrops there is no shortage of great places to get married, and great venues to hold the reception. Below are just a few suggestions to check out when planning your big day:

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What To Do After The Wedding

[minti_image img="20905" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"]The wedding is over, but the fun shouldn’t stop. The couple might be well on their way to a tropical honeymoon by this point, but they can make arrangements to extend the fun for their guest. This is especially thoughtful if a lot of the guests are out-of-towners, or if they simply want to do something special for their friends and family who helped to give them the wedding of their dreams.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Dripping Springs Las Cruces New Mexico

[minti_image img="20908" align="center"][minti_spacer height="15"]There are plenty of great wedding venues to choose from, hotels you can book, and activities you can prepare ahead of time for your guests. Options abound in picturesque Las Cruces, New Mexico. These are just a few suggestions. If you are the hands-on type and you want to be involved in the nitty-gritty of planning the wedding, this is a good start. If you want to sit back and be as relaxed as possible, you can follow this guide a tee or take it to a professional wedding coordinator for some tweaking. Make your wedding truly personal and reflective of who you are as a couple. Don’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of the planning. A wedding is just the first step, after all.

Best wishes and have a great nuptials. More importantly, have a great marriage![minti_spacer height="25"][minti_spacer height="15"]For the outdoorsy and adventurous type, Las Cruces is an absolute haven. You can arrange for your thrill-seeking guests to go on a hike in the picturesque area of Dripping Springs. It features hiking trails gorgeous rocky peaks, canyons, and open spaces with wildflowers, beautiful flora, and exotic wildlife. This place is open all year round, except on winter holiday. The park is family friendly as well and is ideal for large families with kids. Picnic sites can be reserved in advance.[minti_spacer height="25"][vc_row bg_color="#dd3333" top_padding="25" bottom_padding="25"]

Enjoying the Best of Las Cruces, New Mexico

[minti_spacer height="15"]Whether you’re a newlywed having said “I do” in Las Cruces, or you're still in the middle of planning your wedding, you can gain inspiration from all there is to do beneath the endless blue skies of The City of Crosses. If you’re interested in experiencing the great outdoors, shopping in Old Mesilla or the Farmer’s Market, touring one of the many wineries in the region, or sampling local cuisine at one (or all) of our many authentic Mexican restaurants, you’ve come to the right place.

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