Outdoor weddings are so different from any other type of wedding ceremony. They usually require more effort from the bride and groom, more time for planning, but – and this is a good thing – less money to pay for the event. If you want an outdoor wedding but are afraid of failing to organize it properly, don’t worry – here are a few useful tips that will help you a lot. Nothing is impossible, you can have the outdoor wedding of your dream!
Plan your wedding timeline thoroughly
Outdoors, there’s no lamplight, you depend only on the natural sunlight, so plan your schedule right to get the best wedding photos and to make your ceremony as comfortable as possible. No one wants to stand for half an hour under the flaming midnight sun waiting for your I do’s. If you don’t have the experience of planning an event outdoors, consult with your wedding planner and photographer – they know how to make everything work. Or at least do thorough research, if your wedding budget doesn’t allow you to have a coordinator or planner. Plan your timeline according to your climate, the weather, and the season.
Inform your guests that it’s an outdoor wedding
Always specify in your wedding invitations, on your wedding website, and through any other means that this is going to be an outdoor wedding. Your guests should know what to prepare for, what clothing and shoes to wear, etc. Partying outside, even in a very beautiful and prepared location, is different from having a fancy marriage ceremony in a wedding hall or your usual venue.
In an outdoor wedding, every little detail matters. Is there rough terrain or paved walkways? Are blankets or umbrellas or fans needed? Sometimes, couples ask their guests to bring such things with them, other brides and grooms provide everything for their wedding guests. It’s up to you, but it’s necessary to tell people what to expect.
Don’t overload the venue with wedding décor
When your wedding is held outdoors, most of the wedding décor you need is already there. The landscape is your décor. Use it to your advantage and try not to overload the environment with adornments. Who wants to see a huge balloon wedding arch and tons of flowers when there are wonderful mountains or ancient trees in the background?! Besides, you can save a lot on the wedding décor if you use the location advantages instead. Just add some cute little details to highlight the beauty of nature.
Entertainment is the key to a perfect outdoor wedding reception
The outdoor wedding locations have a great potential for various wedding activities. Usually, you have enough space and the atmosphere is relaxing and natural. So, add a few locations for different activities – a tent for kids, a dance floor, a cigar corner, a lounge space, maybe some yard game location, or any other entertainment you would like your guests to have. People are different, they love to do different things, so if you want your wedding guests to be happy and enjoy the event, give them a choice of activities and they’ll make your wedding more joyful and memorable.
Always have a backup plan
With an outdoor wedding, you can’t predict one thing – the weather. Prepare a backup plan in case it rains or the heat is unbearable or the ground is muddy because of the recent rains, etc. Know your location well and plan for any weather mishaps. You can’t delay the wedding if it’s tomorrow, but you can switch the location or put up a tent quickly (although renting a tent is a serious and expensive matter with a deposit of about half of the overall rental cost and other issues).
Some outdoor wedding locations, especially those venues that specialize in weddings or have such an experience, often have indoor space for those days when the weather is bad. But by far not every outdoor location can provide such an option, so it’s on you to invent a backup plan.
