10 Tips for Outdoor Weddings
Photo by Kelli Dirks of CK Photo at The Bridge Building
Photo by Erin Fox at Graduate Hotel. Flowers from Curry & Co. Dress from Olia Zavozina.
Congratulations! You have decided on an outdoor wedding, which means you have made a big decision about your wedding day, what it will look like, and where it will be held.
Outdoor weddings are romantic and beautiful. However, they aren’t as easy as they may look. Outdoor weddings come with different caveats and pitfalls than indoor weddings, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to shine on your wedding day.
Make your guests comfortable. Think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year for your outdoor wedding. Check the weather history in your area to get an idea of the highs and lows and chance of rain. Don’t leave your guests uncomfortably melting – offer yours guests ice-cold water, lemonade or champagne as they are seated. Offer a beautiful fan so that guests may cool themselves. Don’t forget to have plenty of sunscreen on hand as well and bug repellent wipes, depending on your location and the season. For a very warm location, look into renting large electric fans (and a generator) and/or a tent or umbrellas to shade the sun’s rays. If it will be cold and damp, ensure your guests know to wear extra layers. You might want to have lap blankets or shawls on hand, or rent portable heaters.
Have a backup plan. What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting, just in case. Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. If the weather is not on your side, consider whether or not the tables can be moved or set up during cocktail hour, to allow for an indoor ceremony. A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. Consider window sides for the tent to keep rain from blowing in at an angle.
Plan for Wind. Many outdoor weddings suffer from windy conditions. Avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Tell your hairstylist that you’ll be having an outdoor wedding so she or he can plan a style that won’t leave you looking a mess.
Can everybody hear? When you picture your dream wedding, you’re probably not thinking about the roaring of waves at the beach, the rushing wind, a train passing by or the local kids running and playing around you. Rent a sound system with discrete lavalier microphones for the groom and officiate. Your planner is easily able to arrange this for you.
Decor. One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you. But you still might want or need additional decor. Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the groomsmen or friends to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it’s been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows. Strings of lights, lanterns, luminarias, torches, canvas canopies, chuppahs or farolitas are also great choices.
Bugs. Offer bug repellent wipes or sprays as guests arrive at the ceremony. Trust me, your guests will thank you! There are also companies who will spray your wedding area to keep mosquitoes and their friends at bay.
The Sun. If at all possible, visit your ceremony site during the time of day and season that your ceremony will take place. Orient the seating so that the sun will be on guests’ backs rather than in their eyes.
Beverages. Alcohol is dehydrating, so consider serving a refreshing non-alcoholic drink at the bar, as well! Offer a variety of fresh fruit slices to jazz up water, lemonades and teas. My favorites are cucumber and mint, along with your more standard lemons and limes. For a fancy cocktail, why not serve a classic mint julep or a mojito? The mint will refresh and cool your guests.
Permits. If you are marrying in a public or city owned place, do not forget to contact your local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.
Enjoy! If you have a planner, know that he or she will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a perfect outcome so you can get some much needed rest. Like all couples on the cusp of a wedding, at some point you just have to sit back, relax, and know that you have done everything you can to make your day perfect.
Photo by Kelli Dirks of CK Photo
Photo by Kelli Dirks of CK Photo
Photo by Eden Ingle at Long Hollow Gardens
