Make A Dramatic Entrance: Outdoor Wedding Edition

Planning a wedding entrance isn't just about making a statement or announcing your arrival – it's also a chance to showcase your personality. Whether you're looking for something fun, creative, unique, or glamorous, there are endless ways to make a grand entrance at an outdoor wedding. From arriving by helicopter, speedboat, or vintage car, to making a fairy-tale entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, the options are limited only by your imagination. For a more dramatic entrance, consider adding fireworks or confetti, or even having your wedding party form a wall to block you from view until the last moment. If you're looking for a more interactive entrance, you could organize a flash mob or a choreographed dance routine, or even arrive by tandem bike or parachute. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make your wedding entrance a memorable one!

Arrive by helicopter, speedboat or limo

If you're looking to make a grand entrance at your outdoor wedding, arriving by helicopter, speedboat, or limo is sure to impress your guests. Here are some tips to help you plan your dramatic entrance:

Helicopter:

Arriving by helicopter is a bold statement and a unique way to make your entrance. When hiring a helicopter, consider the following:

• The type of helicopter: A 4-seater Robinson R44 is one of the cheapest options and is suitable for a bride and groom send-off. If you require more seats or want to bring additional passengers, like a photographer, opt for a larger helicopter.
• Landing requirements: Ensure that it is possible to land and take off from your chosen location, and that you have permission from the landowner.
• Cost: Helicopter hire can be expensive, with prices starting at around $1,500 to $2,000 per hour, so be sure to include this in your budget.
• Practice: It can be tricky to get in and out of a helicopter, especially in a wedding dress or suit, so be sure to practice beforehand.
• Pilot attire: Discuss appropriate attire with the pilot to ensure they are dressed for the occasion and not in casual clothing.

Speedboat:

If your wedding venue is near the water, arriving by speedboat can be a thrilling and memorable entrance. Here are some tips:

• Choose a suitable boat: Look for a boat rental company that offers speedboats or party boats that can accommodate you and your partner, as well as any additional passengers you may want to bring.
• Consider the weather: This option is best for clear weather, so keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan if needed.
• Add some glamour: To make your entrance even more spectacular, time your arrival with a fireworks display or have your bridal party greet you with confetti and rose petals.

Limo:

Arriving in a luxurious limousine is a classic way to make a grand entrance at your outdoor wedding. Here are some tips:

• Choose a limo that suits your needs: Consider the size of your bridal party and whether you want to bring additional passengers, like a photographer.
• Decorate the limo: Add some extra glamour to your entrance by decorating the limo with flowers, ribbons, or other wedding-themed decorations.
• Plan your route: Discuss your route with the limo company, including any specific locations you want to pass by or stop at for photos.
• Include it in your budget: Limo rentals can vary in price, so be sure to include this in your wedding budget.

Whether you choose to arrive by helicopter, speedboat, or limo, planning a grand entrance will create a memorable experience for you and your guests, kicking off your wedding celebrations in style!

Make a fairytale entrance in a horse-drawn carriage

Horse-drawn carriages are a perfect way to make a grand entrance at your outdoor wedding. This classic mode of transport evokes a sense of elegance, romance, and nostalgia, adding a touch of fairytale charm to your special day.

Choosing the Carriage

First, decide whether you want a simple, intimate carriage just for the happy couple or a larger carriage that can accommodate your entire wedding party. Companies like Grand Carriages in California offer luxury horse-drawn carriages with a coachman who is also the owner, ensuring every detail is perfect.

Decorations

Decorations can be included to match your wedding theme colours, adding to the magical atmosphere. BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch in Texas, for example, offers wedding packages that include decorations, music, flowers, and even a resident Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer to capture your fairytale entrance.

The Grand Entrance

Imagine gliding gracefully to your wedding venue, accompanied by the gentle trot of magnificent horses. Their regal beauty and graceful movements will leave your guests in awe. You can even organise a grand staircase or elevated stage for your entrance, with your initials lit up and perhaps a spotlight, for a truly memorable reveal.

Photo Opportunities

The timeless beauty of a horse-drawn carriage creates breathtaking photo opportunities. Capture the essence of your special day with pictures of the carriage, horses, and coachman, who is often dressed in a tux and top hat. These images will forever remind you of your fairytale entrance and the magical charm of your wedding day.

A horse-drawn carriage entrance is a unique and elegant way to make your wedding a truly unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.

Arrive like a celebrity, with an announcement from your DJ

If you want to arrive like a celebrity at your outdoor wedding, you'll need to create a spectacle. A DJ can help you achieve this by making an announcement as if you're about to go on a live performance in front of a huge audience. Here are some ideas to help you plan your grand entrance:

Choose the Right Location

Select a venue that will allow you to make a grand entrance. An elevated stage or a glass elevator can add a wow factor to your entrance and create a memorable moment for your guests.

Plan Your Entrance with the DJ

Speak with your DJ about your vision for the entrance. They can help you choose the right music to accompany your entrance and ensure that your names are pronounced correctly.

Make a Dramatic Arrival

Consider arriving in a unique way that will surprise your guests. For example, you could rent a carriage with a white horse, or even arrive by helicopter or speedboat if your budget allows.

Add Some Extras

Enhance your entrance with special effects. Fireworks, confetti, huge balloons, and rose petals can be used to create a thrilling and glamorous vibe.

Dress to Impress

Your bridal appearance should match your grand entrance. A luxurious and elegant wedding dress will complement the extravagance of your arrival.

Create a Fairy Tale Moment

If you're a fan of Disney, you can recreate a fairy tale entrance. Rent a carriage with a white horse, or even arrive on horseback, channeling your inner prince or princess.

Remember, the key to a successful grand entrance is to ensure that it reflects your personality and style as a couple. Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Have your family create a sparkler tunnel

If you want to make a grand entrance at an outdoor wedding, why not have your family create a sparkler tunnel? This idea is sure to dazzle your guests and make for some amazing photographs. Here are some tips on how to create the perfect sparkler tunnel:

Firstly, check with your wedding venue to ensure that sparklers are allowed. You don't want to upset the venue or have to pay a fine. Also, consider the safety implications—is there enough outdoor space, and will there be little to no wind? Ensure that buckets of sand or water are placed nearby so that guests can safely dispose of their sparklers.

When purchasing sparklers, opt for extra-long ones that burn slowly, providing more time for photos. Warm-burning golden sparklers are also preferable to blue ones, as the light they emit is better for photography. You'll want to buy enough sparklers for each guest to have two each.

Before the sparkler tunnel, ensure that all guests have a lighter or, at minimum, one lighter between two people. This ensures that all sparklers are lit at the same time, creating a synchronized effect. It's also a good idea to have ushers or bridesmaids positioned near the exit to hand out sparklers to guests as they exit.

When it comes to forming the tunnel, a narrow formation works best. Ask guests to hold their sparklers high, creating a "guard of honour" effect. The couple should walk slowly through the middle, with each holding two sparklers in a V shape. This will help illuminate their faces for the photographs.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the moment! Look at each other, play around, and savour the experience of being surrounded by your loved ones' sparkling halo. With careful planning and execution, your sparkler tunnel entrance is sure to be a memorable highlight of your special day.

Fireworks display

Fireworks are a great way to make your wedding entrance memorable and add a wow factor to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating fireworks into your outdoor wedding entrance:

Planning and Timing:

• Consider the timing of your entrance to coincide with the fireworks display. As the bride and groom, you can choose to make your grand entrance at the start of the reception or after your wedding party members, acting as the grand finale.
• Consult with your venue to ensure fireworks are allowed. Most venues will permit fireworks when hiring professional services.
• Discuss with your fireworks provider about any weather constraints and safety considerations.
• If your wedding is during the summer months, plan for a later display as it gets darker later in the evening.
• For colder months, a shorter or more intense display might be preferable to keep your guests comfortable outdoors.

Types of Fireworks Displays:

• Pyromusical Display: This is a fireworks display choreographed to music, creating a dynamic and memorable experience. You can choose songs that hold a special meaning for you and your partner, adding a personal touch to the show.
• Purely Fireworks Display: This option focuses solely on the fireworks themselves, showcasing their explosive entertainment and elegance.

Budgeting:

• Fireworks displays can range from £750 to £8000, depending on the type of display, duration, and level of customisation.
• Pyromusical displays tend to be more expensive, starting at around £1500-£1700, while traditional displays can start at £750.
• Discuss your budget with your fireworks provider, who can tailor the display to your financial comfort and preferences.

Additional Effects:

• Enhance your fireworks display with special effects such as flame effects, confetti, lasers, and multimedia presentations.
• For a unique touch, consider incorporating your wedding colour scheme into the fireworks. For example, if your wedding colours are red and silver, include fireworks with red and silver accents.

A fireworks display is a perfect way to showcase your personality as a couple and create a magical moment that will be remembered by you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions