If you’ve been invited to a wedding at Reed Ranch — or another ranch wedding venue in the Spokane area — congratulations: you’re in for a beautiful weekend. A few practical notes from someone who hosts these every weekend in the summer.
What to wear to the ceremony
The dress code for most ranch and barn weddings around here is somewhere between “garden party” and “nice cocktail attire.” Couples will usually note specifics on their invitation, but if it’s vague, here’s a safe interpretation:
- Women: A midi or maxi dress, a jumpsuit, or a skirt and top. Florals, soft palettes, or earthy neutrals all work. Avoid white, cream, or anything that could be mistaken for it.
- Men: A linen or lightweight cotton suit in a neutral color, or chinos with a button-down and blazer. Ties optional. A bolo if you’re feeling it.
- Anything Western: If you have it, it’s welcome. Cowboy boots are perfectly at home at a ranch wedding. Don’t buy them just for the day, though — wear something you’ve broken in.
Shoes — the most important decision
Ranch weddings happen partly on grass, and grass swallows stiletto heels. We see it every weekend. Bring one of these instead:
- Block heels — wide enough not to sink, dressy enough for the ceremony
- Flats or wedges — sandals, espadrilles, ballet flats
- Boots — cowboy boots, ankle boots, hiking-adjacent sneakers in evening colors
If you’re committed to stilettos, bring a second pair of shoes for the actual outdoor portion of the day. Trust us.
Layers (yes, even in summer)
Eastern Washington summer afternoons can hit 90°F and Eastern Washington summer evenings can drop into the 50s after sunset. The temperature swing is real. Bring:
- A light wrap, shawl, or pashmina for women
- A blazer or unstructured jacket for men
- For a fall wedding (late September / October), add real layers — a sweater, a longer coat, gloves if you’re prone to cold hands
If you’re camping or staying on-site
At Reed Ranch and many other rural Spokane-area venues, you’re welcome to camp on-site for the weekend. If you’re doing that, pack:
- A real tent or trailer — and stakes, since ground can be hard or soft depending on recent weather
- Sleeping bag rated for ~40°F — even in July, nights cool off fast under clear skies
- A headlamp or flashlight — lighting is minimal at night, on purpose. The stars are why.
- Comfortable Saturday-morning clothes — for the few hours between waking up and getting wedding-ready
- Sunday brunch clothes — comfortable, weather-appropriate, doesn’t have to be fancy
- Toiletries and a towel — bathrooms are limited; most campers handle this themselves
- Bug spray and sunscreen — both
- A water bottle — the sun is strong out here and dehydration sneaks up
If you’re driving in for the day
The drive from Spokane is about an hour. Gas up before you leave (we’re in farm country and gas stations are sparse), use the bathroom in Davenport, and download offline maps — cell service is spotty in the last 15 miles. Read our full directions guide for routes from your starting point.
What to expect at the wedding
- The ceremony is probably outside. Bring sunglasses for the late afternoon — the sun comes in low and clear.
- There may be dust. This is farm country. Light-colored shoes will get a little tan. It washes off.
- Bugs are minimal but not absent. A small amount of bug spray on exposed skin handles it. Mosquitoes are rare; flies depend on the field next door.
- Dinner is usually long. Plan for at least two hours of seated time. Hydrate during cocktails.
- The night sky is incredible. Once dancing winds down, walk away from the lights for ten minutes and look up. On clear nights you can see the Milky Way from here.
What to bring beyond clothes
- Cash for tips — not required, but appreciated by bartenders, hair / makeup pros, and the band
- A small gift — or your wedding card if you’re mailing the gift
- A phone charger — outlets at the property are limited; chargers and a portable battery for late-night photos are worth bringing
- Patience for the drive — back roads, slower speeds, deer at dusk
One thing nobody tells you
The single best thing you can do as a guest at a ranch wedding is be present. Don’t hold up your phone for the whole ceremony — let the couple’s photographer (often, that’s me) capture it. Sing along. Stay for one more song. Eat seconds. Take a walk with someone you don’t see often. Look at the stars.
The couple invited you because they wanted you here. Be here.
More questions before the weekend? Reach out at [email protected] or check our full FAQ.
