Randi Davies Randi Davies

Planning a Perfect Spring Wedding in Idaho: Tips from Sunnyside Farm

March, April and May Weddings in the Boise area

bride and groom standing in field of tulips and flowering trees in idaho

Springtime in Idaho is nothing short of magical, making it one of the most beautiful seasons to say “I do!” At Sunnyside Farm, nestled among the rolling hills and alfalfa fields, spring brings with it blooming flowers, lush greenery, and that perfect mix of warm days and crisp evenings. If you're considering a spring wedding, here are some helpful tips to make the most of this stunning season at our venue—or anywhere in the Gem State.

1. Embrace Idaho’s Natural Beauty

Springtime in Idaho is all about the rebirth of things in the garden. After a long winter, everything starts to come alive. March can still be a little cold and you won’t see much garden color, but April’s warm days really help things along. You will find daffodils, tulips, forsythia, lilacs and several flowering trees. By May, the trees have all leafed out and by the end of the month you will start to see peonies and roses. We love seeing these natural elements from our surrounding landscape incorporated into the couple’s wedding decor. Pastel Tulips and vibrant lilacs not only look stunning, but smell amazing.

rustic pergola adorned in beautiful spring white flowers and greenery at Sunnyside farm in weiser idaho

2. Prepare for Idaho’s Unpredictable Weather

Spring is a beautiful time in Idaho, but the weather can get crazy. We highly recommend choosing a venue with an indoor facility. We’ve seen some couples chance it and hope to rent a tent if the forecast is looking rainy or windy, but they can be hard to come by when everyone else in the valley is doing the same. We have a large 40x90 barn that works perfectly if the weather doesn’t cooperate. And if the day turns out to be lovely, the perfect set up is ceremony in our lovely garden space and then move to the barn for the reception.

3. Add a Personal Touch with our In-House Decor in Spring Themes and Colors

A spring wedding in Idaho wouldn’t be complete without some personalized touches, and our “Something Borrowed Room” is packed with thousands of décor items at no extra charge! You can create a one-of-a-kind wedding that reflects your style without breaking the bank. From rustic lanterns to elegant table settings, we’ve got everything you need to bring your spring wedding vision to life. We also have an assortment of pastel runners and napkins.

pastel lavender wedding decor set up in the rustic barn venue in Idaho

4. Go with Seasonal with Food and Drink

Think of all the things coming to life in the garden in the spring and incorporate those into your seasonal menu. Peas, new potatoes, asparagus, strawberries, etc. Use edible flowers and fruit for garnishes. Imagine sipping on a refreshing strawberry cocktail or a light rosé while soaking in the springtime atmosphere with your loved ones.

5. Better Rates for Spring Dates

Most venues will offer an off-season discounted rate for March weddings and possibly April weddings as well. At Sunnyside Farm we offer March weddings at a $1000s off the normal rate. If you book a weekday, you will pay even less.

beautiful gardens at Sunnyside farm in weiser idaho, a garden and barn venue near boise idaho

We’d love to help you bring your spring wedding dreams to life. Whether you’re looking for that perfect outdoor ceremony spot or a rustic barn reception, Sunnyside Farm has it all. We still have some March and April dates available. Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning the wedding of your dreams!

Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues for more wedding inspo.

Read More
Randi Davies Randi Davies

5 Regrets brides have on their wedding day… {continued}

#5 Having an Open Bar at your Wedding

Here’s the last post of “5 common regrets brides have on their wedding day”. Number 5 on the list - Having an Open Bar at your Wedding.

Your wedding days will be one of the most magical days of your life. From the venue, to the gathering of friends and family, to the dinner and drinks. Having an open bar may seem like the best way to go but there are some things to consider. Now keep in mind, this is a very regional idea. There are some areas of the United States (and world) where an open bar is pretty much the only option. Your guests might revolt if you go another direction lol! But here in Idaho, where our venue, Sunnyside Farm & Events is located, it is very common to have a cash bar or combination (open to a certain dollar amount and then cash bar).

We love the idea of a combination bar and there are a few different ways you can do it. Some couples will opt for an open beer and wine bar and then have cocktails available for purchase by the guests. Some couples will decide on a certain dollar amount and have an open bar until the tab reaches that amount and then it becomes a cash bar. We’ve also seen couples give each guest one or two tokens for free drinks and then after that it is a cash bar. This helps keep costs down but still allows your guests to have a few drinks on the couple and then they can pay for anything beyond what is offered.

If you are still set on an open bar, here are some things to think about:

1. It can be very expensive.

While the idea of unlimited drinks sounds fun and exciting, you’d be surprised how fast that tab can add up. We see it time and time again, when the bar is open, people will keep ordering and be very wasteful. When we clean off tables at the end of the night it’s pretty shocking how many full beverages we throw away.

2. The Party Can Get Out Of Control

While an open bar can certainly liven up the reception, it can also lead to some less-than-ideal situations. When alcohol flows freely, it’s easy for some guests to go overboard. You may end up with people behaving in ways you didn’t anticipate — from awkward to downright embarrassing. Trust me when I say, this is pretty common.

3. Your Paying for Unused Alcohol

At the end of the night, you might find that a lot of alcohol you paid for goes untouched. Weddings are big social gatherings, and not every guest will drink as much as you anticipate. Offering an open bar means that you’ve paid for more than some guests will even want, and that’s money you could’ve put toward other things, like your honeymoon or an upgraded photographer.

With a cash bar or a set number of drinks per guest, you only pay for what’s actually consumed, ensuring you don’t waste your budget.

4. The Hangover Factor

Depending on what you have planned for the following day with friends and family who are visiting from out of town, you definitely don’t want to be feeling miserable from overindulgence. An open bar will most likely encourage drinking too much and leaving everyone unable to function well the next day. You can refer back to Part 1 of this series to see all the ways drinking too much can affect your wedding day and the day after.

bride and groom kissing at reception during bubble exit in the beautiful garden space at Sunnyside farm and events a premier boise wedding venue

Instead of an all-out open bar, consider offering a more thoughtful approach with a limited selection of drinks that reflects your taste. Starting next year at Sunnyside Farm, our Sunnyside Sips bar service gives you the option to customize your drink offerings. Choose a few signature drinks, a selection of beers and wines, or offer a combination hosted/cash bar. We also take care of all the details — from garnishes to mixers — so you can rest easy knowing your guests will be taken care of, and the party won’t get out of hand.

An open bar might seem like a crowd-pleaser, but in the end, it can add unnecessary stress and cost to your day. Choosing a more curated bar option can help you keep the day about what matters most while still offering your guests a great experience.


Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues for more wedding inspo.

Read More
Randi Davies Randi Davies

5 Regrets brides have on their wedding day… {continued}

#4 Hiring a Friend to Photograph Your Wedding

Here’s Part 4 of “5 common regrets brides have on their wedding day”. Number 4 on the list - Hiring a Friend to Photograph Your Wedding.

Weddings are magical days filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments. From the first look to the last dance, each moment is precious, and capturing it all through photography is one of the most important investments a couple can make. While it may be tempting to ask a friend with a decent camera to capture your big day, there are several reasons why this might not be the best idea. In this blog post, we'll dive into the pitfalls of having a friend photograph your wedding, and why hiring a professional is worth every penny. Now, let me say that if you have a friend who has a successful photography business, who has photographed wedding before, this may not apply to you. :)

Bride and groom laughing during maid of honor speech in rustic barn venue near Boise Idaho

1. Professional vs. Amateur

One of the most compelling reasons not to hire a friend will be their lack of experience. Wedding photographers have expertise in the flow of the day, varying lighting situations and how to handle a multitude of scenarios that can present themselves. Your friend may have a decent camera, but without this in-depth knowledge and skill set, it can be a recipe for disaster. Some venues will have full sun ceremony spaces, or darkly lit indoor spaces. Having a camera with advanced settings, knowing how to use them, and having the correct lens will be essential in capturing beautiful portraits.

Wedding professionals know how to work under pressure, capture flattering angles and move large groups of family members around quickly and efficiently. This takes a lot of experience to become proficient and doesn’t happen overnight.

Fun Fact: We hired a pretty high end photographer for our wedding waaaaay back in 1990. He came and took our portraits and ceremony pics but had to leave and sent his assistant to capture the reception. You can clearly tell who took which images. My mom is still mad about it. lol!

2. Emotional Pressure on Friend

While your friend may offer to take your wedding photos, it does put a lot of pressure on them and eliminates them from participating in your big day as a guest and enjoying themselves. But the big issue can be if the images don’t turn out as you expected or if key moments are missed. This can put a strain on the friendship. You don’t want your wedding day memories to become a point of contention between you and someone you care about. By hiring a professional, your friend will be able to enjoy your wedding day without the added pressure.

3. Limited Experience with Wedding Photography

Let’s say you have a friend who is an amazing landscape/nature photographer or who does the most beautiful newborn portraits. Wedding photography is a whole different ball game. You have to be on your toes and ready to capture posed, candid, and event photography. It’s a long day, carrying heavy equipment and many times you end up managing the timeline as well. You want to make sure you hire someone with ample experience in all of th above so your wedding day runs as smoothly as possible.

4. Lack of Equipment and Backup Plans

I actually used to be a wedding photographer from 2008 - 2022. It was a lot of fun but it was really expensive, as I had to own two of everything. Two high end, expensive cameras, two flashes, multiple lenses and memory cards. Your friend most likely owns one decent camera, but what happens if it malfunctions and there is no back up camera. Or if during your reception in a darkly lit barn, their flash goes out. These are all things to consider, especially when it’s wedding photos that can’t be retaken.

5. Editing and Post Processing Expertise

Taking the photos is only half the battle, there’s an enormous amount of work that goes into editing. A seasoned photographer had it down to a science and will spend hours color correcting, retouching and delivering perfect photos in the highest resolution. They will know how to enhance lighting, remove distractions and ensure you and your partner look your best. An amateur may deliver over or under exposed images or poorly cropped images, leaving you disappointed. Hiring a professional who has up to date editing programs with an advanced skill set using them will provide you with unforgettable photos.

6. The Importance of Consistency

I always recommend asking to see a photographer’s entire gallery of a few different weddings. It’s honestly pretty easy to get a few good posed images, but what about walking down the aisle, candid moments with your guests, the dreaded family photos (lol!) or the dance party? Those can all be extremely challenging to capture effectively. Hiring a photographer who consistently delivers entire galleries with top notch photos is a slam dunk.

7. Capturing Special Moments You Didn’t Even Know Were Happening

One of the greatest skills of a professional wedding photographer is capturing those little behind the scenes moments you weren’t even aware of. Everyone will know to capture the vows, kiss, first dance etc. But what amount that little moment between and your dad before he walks you down the isle, the close up of the tear rolling down mom’s cheek while dancing with her son, the flower girl twirling around in her cute dress before walking down the isle, etc. Most photographers have captured enough events that they know to be on the lookout for these special moments.

Dad tying son's tie at his wedding in a beautiful wooded location in the Treasure Valley

While it may seem like a good idea to have a friend photograph your wedding, the potential downsides far outweigh the short-term savings. From a lack of professional expertise and equipment to the emotional pressure it places on your friend, the risks are too high. Your wedding photos are an investment in your memories, and it’s worth hiring a professional to ensure that those memories are captured beautifully and preserved for a lifetime.

So, do your future self a favor—hire a professional photographer, and let your friend be a part of the celebration instead of behind the camera. You’ll thank yourself when you look back at those stunning photos years from now!

Next up … No. 5 - Having an Open Bar

Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues for more wedding inspo.

Read More
Randi Davies Randi Davies

5 Regrets brides have on their wedding day… {continued}

#3 Not Hiring a Videographer

Here’s Part 3 of “5 common regrets brides have on their wedding day”. Number 3 on the list - Not Hiring a Videographer

Your wedding day is one of the most important and cherished moments in your life. You’ve spent months (or maybe even years!) planning every detail—choosing the perfect venue, designing the decor, picking out the ideal dress, and curating a guest list of the people you love most. It’s a whirlwind of emotions and experiences that you’ll want to relive for years to come.

While photography is often top of mind when it comes to documenting your wedding, there’s another key piece of the puzzle: videography. Photos are wonderful at capturing still moments, but nothing brings the atmosphere, energy, and emotions of your wedding day back to life quite like a video. In this post, we’ll explore the many reasons why hiring a videographer for your wedding is one of the best decisions you can make.

Groom and Bride in intimate garden setting  near Boise Idaho

1. Relive the Day in Full Motion and Sound

Your wedding day will go by faster than you expect. Between the excitement, the nervous anticipation, and the constant flow of events, it’s easy to miss out on small moments. Hiring a videographer ensures that you don’t just capture the highlights but the entire essence of the day—complete with movement and sound.

Imagine being able to watch your first look over and over again, hearing your partner’s voice tremble as they read their vows, or watching the hilarious and heartfelt speeches from your loved ones. A wedding video allows you to revisit these moments, hear the laughter, see the joy in your guests' faces, and even catch details you might have missed.

2. Capture Emotions and Atmosphere

Photos are great for freezing specific moments, but they can’t capture the way emotions build over time. Videography does this in a way that is unmatched. From the nervous smiles before walking down the aisle to the tears during the ceremony, and the laughter on the dance floor, a wedding video captures the feel of the day.

A videographer has the skill to tell your wedding story with emotional depth, weaving together the special moments in a way that creates a narrative. This storytelling ability gives you something that feels truly personal and unique to your relationship and wedding.

3. Immortalize Your Vows and Speeches

One of the most memorable parts of your wedding day will be the words that are spoken—your vows, the speeches from family and friends, and maybe even the toasts during the reception. These moments are deeply personal and heartfelt, and while photos can capture reactions, they can’t preserve the words themselves.

A videographer can record your vows in full, allowing you to revisit those meaningful promises year after year. Imagine sitting down on your anniversary and rewatching the exact moment you said "I do" and hearing the joy in your voice. Speeches, too, are often filled with anecdotes and wisdom from the people who know you best. Preserving these in video form ensures that these moments aren’t just remembered but experienced again.

Bride and Groom in rustic barn, string lights and chandeliers in Treasure Valley I daho

4. Capture the Unexpected Moments

Weddings are filled with candid, unscripted moments that are often the most treasured memories. Maybe it's the flower girl doing an impromptu dance during the ceremony, or a funny moment during the reception that no one could have planned. While photographers are great at capturing some of these, videographers can document them in real-time, adding an extra layer of richness to your wedding memories.

A good videographer will anticipate these moments and be ready to film them, so nothing slips through the cracks. Years from now, when you’re watching your wedding video, it’s often these unexpected, spontaneous moments that will bring the biggest smile to your face.

5. Share the Day with Those Who Couldn’t Be There

Unfortunately, not everyone you care about may be able to attend your wedding. Whether due to health, travel constraints, or other circumstances, some guests may have to miss out. Having a professional wedding video allows you to share the magic of the day with them in a way that photos just can’t replicate.

Many videographers can provide edited highlight reels or full-length videos that can be easily shared with family and friends. This means that even those who couldn’t attend will still get to experience the joy, emotions, and love from your wedding day as if they were right there with you.

Bride and groom having first dance under our rustic pavilion dance floor surrounded by large boulders, trees and bistro lights in our intimate garden setting rural Idaho.

If hiring a professional videographer is just not in the budget, at the very least, have your phone on a tripod so someone can hit that record button and capture your ceremony. You could also ask a friend to capture some candid content throughout the day so you can preserve some special memories on video.

Next up … No. 4 - Having a friend (non-professional photographer) take your photos.

Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues for more wedding inspo.

pleasantpasturesevents.com

1908grand.com

The Barn at Twiggy’s

Yellowbrickon 39

Celestialfarms 22

Read More
Randi Davies Randi Davies

5 Regrets brides have on their wedding day… {continued}

#2 Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Here’s Part 2 of “5 common regrets brides have on their wedding day”. Number 2 on the list - Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Let's face it, you’ve been stressing, planning and anticipating this day for a long time. It’s only natural that you would want to have a few drinks to celebrate that your wedding day has finally arrived. This will be one of the most important days in you and your spouse’s life together. A day filled with joy, love and celebration with friends and family. However, it’s a long day and if you aren’t deliberate in moderating your alcohol intake, things can escalate quickly into being an unforgettable day for the wrong reasons. Here’s some reasons to keep drinking to a minimum:

  1. You want to remember every moment.

    There will be so many memorable moments on your wedding day and you will want to remember all the details of every one; getting ready with your friends and family, the ceremony, vows, first dance, cake cutting and toasts. Alcohol can affect memory and the last thing you want is to have hazy recollections of the day. You will want to be completely present in each and every moment and detail.

  2. Avoid unwanted embarrassment.

    Weddings are often recorded by professional videographers and guests with smartphones. Too much alcohol can lead to behavior you might regret later. We’ve seen a few times where over-drinking has lead to awkward moments, for example, slurred speeches, stumbling on the dance floor or not cooperating during photos.

  3. The risk of an emotional rollercoaster.

    Weddings are an emotional day all on their own, and alcohol can amplify feelings. Too much alcohol can lead to crying, being overly sentimental or even irritability. Small disagreements or stressful situations (like weather or logistical hiccups) can seem much worse if you’ve been drinking. By limiting your alcohol intake you can keep your emotions in check.

  4. Ensuring smooth logistics.

    Weddings involve tight schedules and coordination with vendors. Alcohol can slow down your response times and lead to misunderstandings or forgotten tasks. Your ability to manage the flow of the day is crucial. Vendors will check in with you throughout the day and evening so clear decision making abilities is key.

  5. You don’t want to get sick.

    Drinking too much can upset your stomach, headaches, vomiting, and overall discomfort. Do we need to say more? :)

  6. Keeping your guests comfortable.

    Guests look to the bride and groom to set the tone for the evening. Overindulging in alcohol can create an atmosphere that encourages others to drink too much as well. Weddings are also usually attended by children and older family members who may not appreciate excessive drinking.

  7. Safety first.

    Drinking too much can lead to accidents, injury or risky behavior. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the chance of someone getting hurt. Don’t forget to plan ahead for transportation for your guests, such as shuttle services, so that all guests get home safely.

  8. A better morning after.

    Weddings usually have activities the following day, including brunches, farewells with friends and family and potentially an early morning flight for your honeymoon. Brutal hangovers are never fun, but especially miserable if you have plans the following day.

Bride and Groom enjoying the beautiful garden venue Sunnyside Farm & Events a barn and garden venue near Boise Idaho

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO AVOID DRINKING TOO MUCH ON YOUR WEDDING DAY:

  • Try setting a personal drink limit, like one drink per hour or only doing mimosas and the champagne toast.

  • Designate someone you trust to help pace your drinks, like a maid of honor, best man, or even the bartender.

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day, and eat regularly to keep your energy and mood stable.

  • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and make sure to eat throughout the day, not just during the reception.

  • Suggest waiting until after the reception to relax with a drink in private as a couple, away from the crowd.

  • Keep the next day in mind. Drinking in moderation means you’ll feel good and enjoy the first day of married life instead of spending it nursing a headache.

  • Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drink options and consider having fun mocktails available so guests feel included without feeling pressured to drink alcohol.

  • Focus on making genuine connections with guests and taking in the experience fully, rather than relying on alcohol to enhance the celebration.

It’s perfectly fine to enjoy a few drinks on your wedding day, but moderation is the key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Bride and Groom enjoying the barn at Sunnyside Farm in Idaho for their country rustic wedding

Next up … No. 3 Not having a videographer.

Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues is more wedding inspo.

Rustic Grace Barn

polebarnchic.com

Madison Green Country Club

Island View Waterfront

Home | The Lake at Christenberry Farms

Read More
Randi Davies Randi Davies

5 Regrets brides have on their wedding day…

#1 Wearing an Uncomfortable Dress or Shoes

I’m doing a five part series on common regrets brides have on their wedding day. Number 1 on the list - choosing a dress or shoes that aren’t comfortable.

Planning your wedding outfit is one of the most exciting parts of your big day, but it’s essential to prioritize comfort along with style. Here are some tips to help you choose a wedding dress and shoes that will keep you comfortable throughout the day:

Choosing a Comfortable Wedding Dress

  1. Know Your Venue:

    • Consider the setting of your wedding. For a summer wedding at venues like Sunnyside Farm, a lighter, breathable fabric might be ideal, especially during warmer months. If you are opting for a spring, fall or winter wedding make sure you have a stylish wrap to wear when it gets chilly.

  2. Consider Your Movement:

    • Your dress should allow you to move easily, whether you’re walking down the aisle, dancing, or sitting. Make sure to practice these things when dress shopping to see how the dress responds.

  3. Prioritize Breathable Fabrics:

    • Fabrics like silk, chiffon, or tulle are not only beautiful but also breathable and lightweight, which can help you stay comfortable.

  4. Think About Length and Weight:

    • If your dress is too long or heavy, it can become a burden. Consider a hem that allows you to walk without tripping or a dress with less volume for easier movement. There’s nothing worse than tugging at your dress or lifting your hem all night so you don’t step on it.

  5. Don’t Forget About Support:

    • Ensure your dress provides the right support, especially in the bodice. A well-fitted dress with built-in support can save you from discomfort throughout the day.

  6. Consider a Change of Dress:

    • If you love the idea of a more glamorous gown for the ceremony but want to dance the night away without restrictions, consider changing into a lighter, simpler dress for the reception.

Beautiful bride and her mom in the darling bridal suite at Sunnyside Farm and Events a Treasure Valley area barn and garden venue

Choosing Comfortable Wedding Shoes

  1. Break Them In:

    • Whatever shoes you choose, make sure to break them in before the big day. Wear them around the house to soften the material and ensure they don’t cause blisters.

  2. Think About Heel Height:

    • Consider your comfort level with heels. If you’re not used to wearing high heels, wedding day might not be the best time to start. Low heels, wedges, or even elegant flats can be stylish and comfortable options.

  3. Consider the Terrain:

    • If your wedding is outdoors at a venue like Sunnyside Farm, you might want to choose shoes that are stable on grass and gravel. Wedges or block heels provide more stability compared to stilettos.

  4. Cushioning is Key:

    • Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the sole. You can also add gel inserts for extra comfort. This may make you feel like an old person lol! But trust me, you won’t regret it. :)

  5. Bring a Backup Pair:

    • Have a second pair of more comfortable shoes, like flats or sandals, to change into during the reception.

  6. Match Your Shoes to Your Dress Length:

    • Ensure that your shoes complement the length of your dress. If you plan on switching to flats later, make sure your dress won’t drag on the ground when you change shoes.

Boise bride and groom embracing during golden hour near Weiser Idaho at Sunnyside Farm and Events a barn and garden venue in the Treasure Valley

Kendall opted for the ultimate comfortable shoe, choosing white crocs :) 

Remember, you’ll be wearing your wedding dress and shoes for many hours, so comfort should be a top priority. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy your day to the fullest without any discomfort holding you back!

Next up (will be posted next week) … No. 2 Drinking too much on your wedding day.

Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues is more wedding inspo.

Read More
Randi Davies Randi Davies

Inviting littles to your Idaho Wedding? Here are some fun ideas …

boise wedding venue with an adult wedding guest with kids coloring kids wedding activiities

Hey that's me and my cute grandkids :)

Let’s face it, kids are probably not stoked to be attending a wedding. But if you put a little thought into ways to keep them entertained, everyone will be happier, parents included. Here are a few ways to keep kids busy at your wedding:

1. Set up a kids table. Cover the table with paper and set out crayons, stickers, etc. You can also find cute personalized coloring sheets on Etsy.

2.  Set up an area with lawn games. Cornhole, Jenga, tic tac toe, ring toss, etc. This will keep kids and adults entertained.

treasure valley garden wedding venue with kids at a wedding coloring activity table making cards for bride and groom

3.  Rent a bouncy castle. You can find white ones now that are perfect for weddings. Make sure you have an adult or older teen stationed there to supervise.

4.  Personal treat bags. If your venue doesn’t have room for a kids table, make up bags with a coloring sheet, crayons, treats, little games, etc.

5.  Bubbles. It’s surprising how long bubbles will entertain kids.

6. Set up a snack station - granola bars, goldfish crackers, ring pops, etc.

7.  If you have assigned seating, consider a personalized placemat where the child is sitting. You can find these on Etsy with the bride and groom’s name filled with fun little activities and coloring.

8.  If your venue has space, consider setting up a separate kids area and hiring a babysitter or two.

Idaho wedding venue with snack station for kids at wedding

Having activities for kids at a wedding is a great idea for several reasons:

  1. Keeps Kids Entertained: Weddings can be long events, and having dedicated activities for kids ensures they stay occupied and happy. This helps parents enjoy the event more, knowing their children are entertained.

  2. Reduces Disruptions: When kids are engaged in fun activities, they are less likely to get restless or bored, which can reduce disruptions during important moments like the ceremony, speeches, or first dance.

  3. Inclusive Atmosphere: Providing activities for kids makes families feel welcome. It shows that the couple values the presence of all guests, including the little ones, which contributes to a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

  4. Memorable Experience for Kids: Just as adults remember the fun they had at a wedding, kids will remember the special activities designed just for them. Whether it’s crafts, games, or a kids’ table, these elements can make the day enjoyable for all age groups.

  5. Less Stress for Parents: When kids are happily engaged, parents can relax and focus on enjoying the celebration without constantly having to entertain or supervise their children.

Incorporating activities for kids at a wedding can lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, ensuring that both adults and children have a great time.

All Photos by SS Photography & Design


Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues is more wedding inspo.

Cornerstone Ranch Events Center

SpringHaus Farm

Adler Ranch

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Randi Davies Randi Davies

Let’s talk dress codes at weddings… {treasure valley wedding venue}

bride and groom playing a fun game at a treasure valley wedding venue reception

I personally love when a couples have a dress code for their wedding. It takes all the guess work out of trying to figure out what to wear. Here at Sunnyside Farm the dress code is usually pretty casual but we’ve also had “garden party” themes as well as “all black attire”. I loved the all black attire, everyone looked so classy and the pictures turned out amazing! I recently saw a great idea - to attach a Pinterest Board to your wedding website to show exactly what you have in mind for guest attire. Sometimes having a visual really helps.

Below is a breakdown of the most common dress codes you can request for your wedding:

1. Casual

A casual dress code is often the most relaxed. Attire can range from sundresses for women to shorts and polo shirts for men. While comfort is key, it is still important to avoid overly casual items such as flip-flops or gym wear.

2. Semi-Formal

Semi-formal attire is a step up from casual but not as strict as formal wear. Women may choose cocktail dresses or dressy separates, while men should wear slacks with a dress shirt, possibly adding a blazer or tie. The focus should be on polished and stylish choices without being overly extravagant.

3. Formal or Black Tie Optional

This dress code suggests that guests can opt for either formal or black tie attire. Women typically select long evening gowns or chic cocktail dresses, while men should wear a dark suit with a tie. If they choose black tie, a tuxedo is appropriate.

4. Black Tie

A black tie dress code requires a high level of formality. Women should wear floor-length gowns or elegant cocktail dresses, while men should be in black tuxedos with a formal shirt and bow tie. Accessories should be understated to maintain the sophisticated look.

5. White Tie

The most formal dress code, white tie events require women to wear full-length evening gowns, often with gloves and elegant accessories. Men are expected to don a black tailcoat, white shirt, waistcoat, and bow tie. It is essential to embrace the highest level of formality when attending such occasions.

6. Themed or All One Color

We’ve also seen Beach Theme and Vintage. All white weddings, all black or neutrals are also popular choices.

Understanding these dress codes helps guests choose their attire appropriately, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident at the wedding.


Sunnyside Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Visit these great venues is more wedding inspo.

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