An outdoor wedding, regardless of where it is held, has a certain magic and provides an incredible memory. However, with good, there can also be bad. For example, if you live in areas that are prone to hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, earthquake, or floods, although there is generally a special season for each to work around, Mother Nature has an unusual sense of humor. Depending on where you live, you could be having a magnificent wedding in the middle of a gorgeous park, filled with greenery and blooming flowers, only to be caught in a downpour. If the bride or attendants are wearing heels, they could trip in a hole or on slippery grass, only to take a nasty tumble.
Outdoor weddings are more personal and can be created from a clean slate, turning the wedding into anything you want. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, but you are uneasy about the weather, you do have solutions so you will not be required to move the wedding indoors. Using the park setting again for the wedding location, if a week or a few days before the wedding the weather is looking unstable, you do not need to change your plans. Instead, rent the appropriate number of green tents to blend in with the background, providing your guests a place to take shelter should a storm roll in quickly.
If you are set on an outdoor wedding, take the seasons into consideration. Good planning with a backup option will get you on your way to a spectacular wedding, something you will never forget.
Planning an Outdoor Wedding
An outdoor wedding is a dream of many couples, and there is a variety of locations to consider - scenic landmarks, historic estates, parks, the beach, or even your own backyard. Getting married outside in the sunshine, surrounded by the beauty of nature, your friends and family, makes for a lovely celebration. Hosting an outdoor wedding takes planning, forethought and attention to details. Although you can't control the weather, you can work around it. Here are some tips for planning a successful outdoor wedding.
Location
Even though you have decided on an outdoor wedding, it is wise to choose a location that has both indoor and outdoor facilities. That way, if the weather doesn't cooperate, the show can still go on. At the very least, rent a tent in case of inclement weather. Some parks and other outdoor locations may not be experienced in hosting weddings. Make sure you know the rules of the venue you choose. Ask specific questions; for example, do you need a permit? Is there a limit on the number of guests? Will you be allowed to serve alcohol? Make sure you?ll have access to the amenities you?ll need for a successful event. Are there restrooms available? If not, you?ll have to rent port-a-potties. You?ll probably need electricity (for the caterers, the DJ, lighting, etc.). Bugs and outdoor weddings go hand in hand. But you can take measures to alleviate the worst of the problem. You may hire an exterminator to spray the day before the wedding. Citronella candles add shimmer also help to keep bugs at bay.
Decorations
At an outdoor wedding, the nature provides most of the decorations - trees, flowers, a view of a lake or a hilltop vista. But you may want to embellish a bit. Many couples opt for a beautiful wedding arch to provide a focal point for the ceremony. The arch can be left simple and unadorned, or can be swathed in ribbons. An arch dripping with flowers also provides a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos. Coordinate the arch with raised planters sprouting matching flowers, and you?ll add enchantment to an already magical setting. And if you have to move your ceremony indoors at the last minute, the arch and planters will provide instant decoration to the new location. You can ask your florist to decorate the arch, or do it yourself. After the ceremony, the arch can take an honored place in your garden as a reminder of your special day.
Guests
Be sure guests know they?re attending an outdoor wedding, so they can dress appropriately. In addition, it is a good idea to send weather information to out-of-town guests, who may not be familiar with the climate. If there is no convenient parking at the site, arrange a parking lot somewhere nearby and shuttle the guests to the site.
The Wedding Party
Keep the weather in mind when choosing a dress. Brides should choose a dress made of lighter-weight fabrics and consider not having a train, which will drag in the grass and dirt. An aisle runner will help this problem. Brides and bridesmaids better not wear spike heels, which will sink into the ground.
Food
Be sure the professionals you hire have outdoor experience. Caterers need to provide food that keeps well under warm conditions. Alcohol is dehydrating. Make sure there are nonalcoholic beverages available to quench people's thirst on a hot day.