How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Wedding

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Outdoor weddings are always exceptional, especially if you have it in a beautiful, romantic setting that has meaning to you and your partner. However, it takes a lot of effort to plan and put together an event in a place where things can go out of control because of weather elements or other things where nature can take its course. Here are some tips on how to plan an outdoor wedding.

How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding

1

Make Sure the Weather Is Pleasant

A major concern when planning any event outdoors is the climate. No matter what season of the year you plan your wedding, you will always hope that the weather cooperates. After all, you wouldn’t want it to be too hot, too windy or too cold on your special day. But aside from the weather, there many more things you have to consider.

Choose a date and a time of day when it will be comfortable for you and your guests, so that nobody gets a sun burn before the champagne bottle is popped.

2

Choosing Your Location

There are many possible scenes that can serve as the backdrop of your wedding.

  • The beach is a popular choice for an outdoor wedding. Just make sure to look into the necessary permits you need if you are planning to hold it on a public beach. For your wedding reception, you can choose a great restaurant near the beach to make preparations simpler.

  • If you are in a large city, you may be able to rent a park space to use for your wedding. You can also have your wedding reception in a wide rose garden or a cozy greenhouse for a romantic scenery. Make sure to contact those in charge well ahead of the ceremony to book the site.

  • Another classic, romantic setting is a vineyard or winery with a small gazebo where you can exchange vows, and a large tent where you can have your indoor dining.

  • If you want a warm, cozy wedding with just your family and a few friends, why not hold it in your own backyard? This is also a great way to stick within your budget.

  • The next best thing to a backyard wedding is probably one that is held in a bed-and-breakfast setting or a family-friendly inn/retreat with a pretty outdoor location.

3

Facilities and Wedding Favors for Guests

  • It is important to have restrooms that are accessible to everyone. If there are no restrooms nearby, rent portable facilities.

  • You can add some luxury to your private rooms by providing amenities like monogrammed towels, fresh flowers, and luxury soaps.

  • Make you guests more comfortable by providing pillows for outdoor seats.

  • Provide parasols if you expect to spend some time out in the sun during the ceremony.

  • Distribute sunglasses as fancy wedding favors.

  • Provide sunscreen lotion so no one gets a sunburn.

4

Consider Outdoor Lighting

If you are planning an afternoon or evening wedding, you may need some spot lights, hanging bulbs, torches or candles. Ask a professional how to plan an outdoor wedding using various lighting options safely.

5

Decorations

Depending on your theme, you can use various materials to decorate the venue to create ambience. You can also hang some drape fabric from the tent ceiling to create sections in your area.

6

Music and Dance

The type of music you play may depend on the setting and ambience. Usually steel drums work well in beach settings, while folk music or classic violins go well with backyard receptions. Consider providing generators to power your lights and electronic equipment during the reception.

7

Food and Drinks

Your menu can vary with the type of outdoor wedding venue you choose. But no matter what your spread offers, be sure to provide plenty of cool water/ cold beverages. and refreshing drinks, like lemonade or iced tea especially on hot and humid days.

8

Intimacy and Accessibility

An important consideration on how to plan an outdoor wedding is guest-friendly. Your guests may tend to wander in a wide open area, so to make things cozier and more intimate, plan out how you can create small areas where groups of guests can converge or stay together. Consider also how guests can access restrooms and other facilities, especially elderly or handicapped guests.

9

Pests and Insects

One of the challenges of outdoor events is that you will have to deal with unfriendly guests – insects and pests. To repel them, place plenty of citronella candles around the space. You can also hire an exterminator to spray the area days before the event.

10

Windproofing and Tents

  • Be sure your decorations are windproof. Ensure the safety of your guests by considering unexpected weather elements.

  • Once you have decided about your location and setting, plan to prepare setting up within a considerable amount of time. Rent your tents within weeks of your wedding. It will take an entire team some time to put up the tent and test for any accidents that could happen.

Tips
  • Suggest appropriate attire and footwear to your guests before the wedding, since they may have to walk on grass or sand. You can simply add a little note on your invitation.
  • Don’t forget to check your microphones.
  • Talk to a professional photographer about the timing of your wedding ceremony so he can plan his strategy in taking shots in relation to lights and shadows. Inform him about the seating arrangements so everyone is included in the photos.
  • Consider having a plan B location just in case you need to change your original plans.