Outdoor Wedding Ideas
For many brides, an outdoor wedding is the dream of a lifetime. So, when planning an outdoor wedding, choosing the right location is critical. And, of course, no outdoor wedding is complete without "A Bad Weather Plan B". Even though you picture a perfect day, the weather may not co-operate and last minute plans may have to be put in place.
When considering a location for an outdoor wedding, you may also want to think about the reception. Do you plan to have only the wedding outdoors, or do you plan to have both the wedding ceremony and the reception outdoors? What are your outdoor wedding ideas? Do you picture your wedding on a beach, by a stream, in a park, a garden, a country inn, a golf course, a historic estate, a scenic landmark, or in the backyard?
Before planning an outdoor wedding discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your wedding planner. Great sources for outdoor wedding ideas are florists and caterers. Be sure to look at wedding locations such as hotels and golf courses for beautiful outdoor wedding ideas. These locations usually have indoor facilities that can be used for "back up" in case of bad weather.
Avoid The Pitfalls Of An Outdoor Wedding
An out door wedding can be fraught with pitfalls. When choosing an outdoor location, here are a few aspect to consider.
- Will the location be accessible to your guests?
- Is convenient parking available?
- Will chairs be provided for the ceremony?
- Will the catering, for the reception, be simple or elaborate?
- Can tents, umbrellas, decorations, arrangements, tables, food and beverages be easily transported?
- Will the outdoor wedding location be appropriate and convenient for the ages and mobility of those invited and those involved in the ceremony?
- Are restrooms available?
- How soon should the site be reserved?
- Are there any pest problems, such as bugs, mosquitoes, or rodents?
- Is there a particular time of day or evening that is better suited for the occasion?
- What type of dress will be best for an outdoor wedding?
- Can the outdoor wedding be moved, in case of bad weather?
When securing an outdoor wedding site, find out about any restrictions that may be associated with the use of the site. For example, is a permit required, are there zoning codes, or are there restrictions concerning amplified music? Does the outdoor wedding site have rules concerning food and beverages? What type of decorations can be used? Are there limitations as to the number of people allowed in a particular area? Find out if an exterminator needs to spray or treat the area for mosquitoes, bugs, rodents or other pests.
Practice walking on the grass before the wedding ceremony. Especially if it has rained a day or two before. High heels can sink into the soil, making it difficult to walk. If the length of the wedding gown and train, or the attendants' gowns are long, see to it that there is enough distance between the gown and the soil so as not to have the hem ruined by dirt or mud.
Decorating Outdoor Wedding Ideas
The beautiful outdoors may provide all the decoration you need for the wedding ceremony. If you prefer to decorate the area you may want to consider decorations that will compliment or enhance the landscape. The use of an arch can provide a focal point for the service. The arch may be simple or adorned with flowers, fabric or ribbons that coordinate with the wedding theme and colors. an Investment in garden accessories, such as planters, urns, topiaries, columns, Japanese lanterns and hurricane lamps can also be used for decorations. After the ceremony and reception, the purchase of these accessories can be taken for personal use.
Outdoor Wedding Comfort Considerations
Since the weather can be unpredictable, layering clothing can help if the temperatures unexpectedly become to chilly or too warm. Beautiful and stylish wraps and shawls can help take the coolness or dampness from the shoulders of the bride and bridesmaids. And if the weather turns warm, shawls can be easily removed, folded and placed out of the way. Consider the location of the outdoor wedding and be prepared to dress accordingly. Clothes that may be worn in a Gothic cathedral may not be appropriate or comfortable on the beach or in a rustic wooded area. It is also important consider the comfort of your guests. Be certain that the guests know that the wedding will be outdoors so that they can dress appropriately.
Will you need electricity for the event? Should you rent a generator? Ask if the area has heaters or fans. If it's chilly, see if heaters can be placed near the buffet and guest tables. If it's hot, try to have fans placed for the guests' comfort. Think about using tables with large umbrellas to shield guests from the sun. make sure food stations are shaded. Metal chairs may be uncomfortable in hot weather. Cover metal chairs or use chairs that do not absorb the heat.
Keep food as cool as possible. Food should not be set out in the sun for a long period of time. A caterer, who is knowledgeable about outdoor weddings, can oversee the preserving, the presentation and the serving of food. Select a wedding cake that is suitable to outdoor conditions. Wedding cakes that use fondant frosting will withstand warm weather better than one with a delicate butter-cream frosting.
Outdoor Wedding Ideas For Sights And Sounds
A sunny day may be just right for an outdoor wedding, but don't forget that the sun can be blinding. When saying your vows, try to face away from the sun. And don't forget your guests; seat them so they can comfortably view the wedding ceremony without having to squint.
Talk to your photographer to make certain that he or she has experience with outdoor wedding photography. If you have not yet set a time for the service, ask your photographer if there are any particular times of day better suited for photographs.
If the outdoor wedding is to take place after sunset, make certain guests have plenty of light when arriving and leaving the ceremony and reception.
When selecting music, be aware of acoustical problems. Will the music be heard without amplification? If amplification is required, choose a professional who has experience performing at outdoor weddings.
Expect The Unexpected At An Outdoor Wedding
Since you can't control Mother Nature, a Plan B is essential. Rent a weather proof tent and consider the possibility of a tent that comes with surrounding sidewalks and eves over walkways. Think about other options such as reserving an indoor location as a back up in case of inclement weather. Knowing that you can quickly move the wedding will take some of the stress out of worrying about the weather.
When reviewing all the aspects of planning an outdoor wedding, this type of dream doesn't have to turn into a nightmare.To learn more about frosting and outdoor wedding cakes review Wedding and Party Network's Wedding Cake Ideas newsletter.
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We are planning a wedding in June. The tent is rented which is great in case it rains on that day, but what if the ground is wet from previous rains before the tent is set up? I don't really like the idea of my guests walking on straw.
Patty,
You have a few options. One is to use planking for walk ways and you can even form larger gathering area with planking as well. I have been to an outdoor wedding where they used plywood for the walk ways which was painted to match the wedding colors. If the ground is moist but not soggy you can use cloth or carpet runners. You might be able to find runners where you booked your tent rental. I'm sure there are other creative ways around this dilemma but the two above are the most common.