Why Have an Outdoor Wedding?
Getting married is a huge step and adventure for any couple. Usually, much planning goes into this special day, which will hopefully be memorialized in pictures. An outdoor wedding translates into being surrounded by mountains, sunsets, and more as a natural and unforgettable backdrop. The rolling hills and majestic mountains truly come alive, and you can tailor the surroundings to tailor your own vision.
An outdoor wedding with its natural light celebrated against nature’s own canvas can’t be beat. Nor can the ensuing dramatic wedding photographs. You can have the perfect wedding during any season: flowers blooming in spring, the lush greens of summer, the colorful foliage of fall, and the serenity of winter.
Another advantage to an outdoor wedding is that it is less confining than an indoor one, and guests can explore nature’s abundance to their heart’s content.
Below are tips on how to keep your outdoor wedding magical.
Tips for Preparing for the Weather for an Outdoor Wedding
Rain, snow, excessive heat, and unexpected chills can dampen your wedding day. Regardless of how well you plan your wedding, you can’t control the weather. Be sure to have an indoor backup plan. Even a tent will provide shade and keep out the rain.
Do let your guests know your wedding will be outdoors so that they can come prepared.
How do I Keep My Guests Comfortable Outdoors?
Your guests have come to honor your nuptials. Here is what you can do for them.
- Provide a tent to protect them from the sun and rain.
- Set up a drink station with cold water, hot coffee, and/or juices.
- Offer a snack station for both seasonal fruits and fun snack items.
- Keep small fans, sunglasses, blankets or jackets close by.
- Ensure that your outdoor wedding site has some shaded areas.
Logistics to Consider for Your Outdoor Wedding?
Your outdoor wedding requires a bit more thought than a regular venue. Consider the following:
- Where will a band, DJ, or officiant plug in a microphone? Check the power sources.
- What is the bathroom situation? Portable restrooms and/or trailers can be rented.
- How accessible is your outdoor venue? A backyard is no problem, but your path from ceremony to food station to the parking lot should be easily maneuverable, especially if women are wearing heels.
- Your outdoor space may require a permit.
Decorating for an Outdoor Wedding
When you have an outdoor wedding, your site will likely influence your choice of decorations. Work with the naturally available elements and blend your décor with the surrounding majesty of nature.
Stringing colorful lights across trees charmingly elevates the surrounding area, You can hang power-batteried lanterns, as well, which will eliminate worries about electrical outlets. The newlyweds and their guests will shine in the soft, flattering light.
Create arrangements of wildflowers for a natural yet stunningly rustic look. Daisies for a countryside wedding? Absolutely.
Delight your guests with comfortable lounging areas with water-resistant furniture and comfortable cushions. Ensure that the bar is nearby.
For a beach wedding, use the natural elements of driftwood and seashells for an organic ocean ambiance.
How Can I Best Handle Audio For My Outdoor Wedding?
- Ensure that any equipment being used can withstand temperature fluctuations. The equipment should include amplification systems, speakers that are portable, and wireless microphones.
- Place the speakers strategically near or around the guests.
- Test all the equipment prior to the ceremony and/or reception.
- Provide programs with the wedding service and vows to each guest. If they have difficulty hearing due to wind or waves, they can still follow the action.
- If your outdoor venue has some unfortunate traffic noise or other type of intrusive sounds, you can look into setting up a temporary partition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if it rains on my outdoor wedding day?
Don’t even consider an outdoor wedding without a backup plan. A garden wedding can easily be transferred into the house. For most other outdoor wedding venues, such as mountain tops or the beach, a tent or umbrella should be on standby. Do not trust the weatherperson.
How do we cater for an outdoor wedding?
It is important to find a caterer who has experience preparing food for outdoor weddings and who is familiar with the necessary equipment. Ensure that your caterer is able to serve liquor.
What is the best food for an outdoor wedding?
- Set up a grazing table filled with everyone’s favorite goodies – cheeses, fruits, cold cuts, nuts, and more.
- There are so many options for canapes, you can have something tasty for everyone. They are a crowd pleaser. Guests can nibble while mingling or exploring.
- Food trucks that serve pizza and/or tacos are fun and will be especially appreciated if there are children present.
Will I need a permit for my outdoor wedding?
Certain public areas do require a permit. Check with the local authorities for specifics.
How do I keep my guests comfortable while we are outdoors?
Have personal fans, sweaters, blankets, and water handy. Your guests will thank you.
How Can I Make My Outdoor Wedding More Fun?
An outdoor wedding allows for a bit more movement than an indoor one. Take advantage of that freedom by arranging a scavenger hunt with keepsakes as the prize, having the guests take pictures at a photo booth, or indulging in a game of Jenga.
A wedding is solemn occasion, but there is no reason to limit the fun. Your guests will not forget this wedding.
Can I Wear Black At My Wedding?
The Queen of High Fashion, Coco, famously introduced the little black dress to a world of grateful women, and she included a black wedding dress in her dream of timeless elegance. A black dress has always represented female empowerment. The bride can wear black with confidence, and the groom can wear white tie. That’s a power couple in the making.
