How To Throw the Perfect Outdoor Wedding
An outdoor wedding can be the perfect romantic backdrop to your very special day but there are special considerations that need to be taken when planning this type of event. You want to remain comfortable on your big day while keeping your guest’s comfort in mind too.
Plan a trip out to your wedding site for approximately the same time as your wedding will be taking place. Take notes on where the sun is and where the different areas of shade are. Knowing this will be very helpful when you are choosing where you will set up tables, the altar, and other strategic areas. You don’t want your guests to be blocking the sun from their eyes or getting sunburn while they are sitting at your ceremony. Place chairs so that your guests’ backs are to the sun and try to set up the reception area in the shade, if possible.
Keep baskets at the ends of the aisles filled with items to help keep your guests comfortable. If it is a very hot day, include sunglasses that you have purchased from the dollar store, spray sunscreen, water bottles, and some parasols that you have also purchased from the dollar store. Don’t spend a lot of money on these things as your guests won’t be using them for a long time any many will bring their own.
Set up a canopy to provide shade for your guests on a very hot day, if its cold place candle lanterns on the ends of the aisles that will help to distribute heat.
Besides the heat and the cold, another weather element to consider is the wind. Any linen you are using for your wedding should be heavy and pinned down so the wind will not be able to pick it up. If you are having your reception outside, make sure there is something placed on top of the napkins at the table so they don’t blow everywhere. Name cards should be attached to something with some weight, such as a votive candle.
Your guests will want to be able to hear you say your vows and if you’re holding your reception outside, they will also want to be able to share in any music that is played and announcements that are made. Nature has many things that will compete to be heard. Either rent a sound system or speak to your venue manager or DJ and ask if they will provide their own that you can use throughout the wedding.
Bugs can severely detract from the beauty of your wedding day. Spray yourself with unscented insect repellant before you walk down the aisle so you’re not slapping at pests on your arms while you are saying your vows. Include in baskets at the end of the aisles spray insect repellant, preferably unscented, so your guests can protect themselves too. Place citronella candles on your tables to help keep bugs at bay and consider placing bug zappers in strategic locations.
Because food can spoil in extreme heat, make sure that it is kept on ice until it is ready to be cooked. Several of the different cake frostings can also quickly melt away under the sun so ask your caterer on the most suitable frosting to use.
Many brides who have an outdoor wedding choose a shorter dress, rather than a full-length gown. Getting grass stains and dirt on your wedding dress will not only be very noticeable for the rest of the event but can also make it harder to clean and preserve. If you choose to have a full-length gown, ask at your bridal shop if there is a protector that can be put on the bottom of the dress.
Wear shoes that are not only comfortable but that will not sink into the ground. For a wedding on the beach, consider wearing a nice pair of flat sandals, flip flops, or go barefoot! For a garden wedding, consider flats so you don’t sink into the grass, particularly if it’s wet, or you could arrange to have rugs laid out that are thick and have a rubber bottom. These are often available from rental companies.
One of the many bonuses of holding an outdoor wedding is that it could save you time and money on decorations. Because you will be surrounded by Mother Nature, a beach, flowers or trees. Don’t feel as though you can’t embellish on this. You can and you should! Line tables with small white lights or wrap these around canopy poles to make them a little bit prettier. Place flowers along the altar or bring in a flower-covered archway. There are still many ways to add your own personal touches if you want a hand in decorating your outdoor wedding.
Lastly, don’t forget about any permits you may need. These may include lighting permits, limits on the number of people, and noise regulations. Check with your city to make sure that your big day won’t be brought to a sudden halt.
