Tiny Park Weddings: Beautiful, Intimate, And Memorable

Planning a wedding in a park is a budget-friendly way to have a beautiful outdoor wedding without the hefty price tag associated with traditional venues. Whether you're going for a classic, chic, rustic, whimsical, or picnic theme, there are many ways to make your tiny park wedding beautiful. From décor and flowers to food and entertainment, here are some tips to make your special day magical:

- Visit the park several times during the same season, day of the week, and time of day as your wedding to get a sense of pedestrian traffic, sun positioning, restroom facilities, parking, and potential disruptions.

- Contact the park's administrative office to inquire about regulations, reservations, and permits. Most parks require a permit for weddings, which is usually issued by the local parks department.

- Opt for simple and natural décor that complements the park's natural beauty. Consider twinkle lights, bistro string lights, and small floral arrangements or bud vases.

- Choose flowers that can withstand the weather, such as mums, alstroemeria, calla lilies, tropical flowers, and sturdy blossoms like sunflowers and heather.

- Provide detailed directions and maps to your guests, especially if the wedding site is off the beaten path.

- Consider interactive and unique entertainment options like lawn games, a photo booth, limbo, or hiring performers such as face painters, balloon artists, fire breathers, or acrobats.

- Create a comfortable and intimate atmosphere with strategic seating arrangements and a lounge area.

- Enhance the ambiance with innovative lighting ideas like string lights or hanging lanterns.

- Offer a variety of food options such as a cookout, fresh produce, finger foods, or a food truck.

- Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, such as a secondary sheltered location within the park or a nearby indoor venue.

Choose a theme: Classic, chic, rustic, whimsical, or picnic

Classic

A classic wedding is timeless and formal, with clean lines, white florals and a traditional look and feel. Think crisp linens, a marked aisle, an elegant altar, and traditional blooms. The overall design is guided by a focus on ambiance and evoking an emotional setting for both the couple and their guests.

Chic

A chic wedding in a park can be created with soft lighting, magnificent floral arrangements, luxurious linens, and a clean design. You can also add a modern twist to a classic theme by incorporating geometric designs, such as a hexagonal arch or a geometric arbor.

Rustic

A rustic theme is all about connecting to nature, with a focus on warmth and hospitality. This can be achieved with natural elements like wooden details, lace, foliage, and burlap. Chalkboards, tin buckets, mason jars, and simple string lighting can also be used to create a rustic atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Whimsical

A whimsical wedding is playful and colourful, with a touch of fantasy. It's perfect for hopeless romantics and kids at heart. You can include offbeat decorations, silly games, an unconventional menu, light-hearted entertainment, and a little boho style.

Picnic

A picnic-themed wedding is brought to life with bright pastels, checkered blankets, woven baskets, and finger sandwiches. It's a fun and relaxed way to celebrate your special day, surrounded by friends and family in a beautiful park setting.

Get the right permits and know the rules

Planning a wedding in a park can be a beautiful and budget-friendly way to celebrate your special day. However, it's important to keep in mind that there will be rules and permits required for your event. Here are some detailed tips to ensure you have all the right permits and know the rules for your park wedding:

• Research the park: Start by researching the park you have in mind, whether it's your local hometown park or a park in another city or country. Look into the park's opening and closing hours, average seasonal weather, and any large events or celebrations that may overlap with your proposed wedding dates.
• Scout out specific locations: Identify different areas within the park that could serve as your ceremony and reception sites. Consider accessibility, nearby amenities, and how the temperature and lighting may vary throughout the year. If possible, visit the potential locations in advance to get a better sense of what to expect.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules: Each park will have its own set of rules and regulations that you need to follow. These may include restrictions on decorations, music and sound, photography, food and beverages, and the number of guests permitted. Review the park's website and contact the local parks department or authorities to gather all the necessary information.
• Obtain the necessary permits: To legally gather in the park and reserve your desired location, you will likely need to obtain a space permit from the local parks department or authorities. Pay attention to any time restrictions and guest number limitations specified on the permit. Request your permit well in advance to secure your preferred date and time, and don't forget to bring it with you on your wedding day!
• Be mindful of other parkgoers: Remember that a public park is truly public, and there may be curious onlookers or passersby during your wedding. Embrace a friendly and open attitude, and don't expect the same level of privacy and control over sound as you would have in a private venue.
• Plan for cleanup: Many parks charge fines for garbage left behind, so be sure to read the fine print on your permit regarding cleanup expectations.
• Check for additional permits: In addition to the space permit, you may need separate permits for aspects such as noise, food service, or alcohol. Confirm these requirements with the park administration and obtain any necessary additional permits.
• Consider a backup plan: It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Identify a secondary location within the park that offers adequate shelter, and obtain a permit for this location as well if required. Alternatively, you can choose a nearby venue outside the park, such as your reception venue, a hotel, or an indoor space like an art gallery or chapel.

Choose a scenic spot with good lighting and limited pedestrian traffic

Choosing a scenic spot for your wedding is a great way to create a beautiful and memorable event. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect location:

Research and Visit Potential Locations

Start by researching different parks in your desired area, whether it's your local hometown park or a park in another city or country. Consider the park's opening hours, seasonal weather, and any potential events or concerts that may overlap with your wedding day. Visit your top choices several times, preferably during the same season, day of the week, and time of day as your planned ceremony. This will help you assess the lighting and pedestrian traffic, ensuring that your guests are comfortable and that there are no distractions during the ceremony.

Consider Accessibility and Amenities

Select a location that is easily accessible by car or foot and has public restrooms nearby. Additionally, pay attention to the temperature and lighting conditions throughout the year. For example, opt for a shady cove or a bright, open hillside, depending on your preferences and the time of your wedding.

Understand the Rules and Regulations

Familiarize yourself with the official rules and regulations of the park. Check the guidelines regarding decorations, music, photography, food and beverages, and the number of guests permitted. You will likely need to file for a space permit and reserve your desired location in advance.

Opt for a Scenic Backdrop

Choose a spot with a beautiful natural backdrop, such as a cozy cove, a bright hillside, or even a sparkling lake. This will enhance your wedding photos and create a breathtaking atmosphere for you and your guests.

Be Mindful of Lighting

Consider the position of the sun to avoid squinting or harsh lighting during the ceremony. Ensure that the lighting is flattering for photos and that there is enough illumination for the comfort and safety of your guests, especially if your wedding extends into the evening.

By following these tips and choosing a scenic spot with good lighting and limited pedestrian traffic, you can create a beautiful and intimate park wedding that you and your guests will always cherish.

Decorate with soft lighting, floral arrangements, linens, and ribbons

Soft lighting, floral arrangements, linens, and ribbons can be used to create a beautiful, romantic atmosphere for a tiny park wedding.

For lighting, consider hanging string lights or lanterns from trees, or creating a ceiling of lights with greenery and white draping. For a more intimate and elegant feel, opt for soft, warm lighting such as taper candles or fairy lights. To create a starry sky effect, hang dainty string lights or fairy lights through trellises or trees. For a whimsical touch, mix antique chandeliers with greenery or create chandelier orbs filled with greenery.

Floral arrangements can be used to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Choose flowers that reflect the theme and colour scheme of your wedding. For a tiny park wedding, soft, delicate flowers such as baby's breath, roses, and lilies can add a graceful touch. Consider a mix of wildflowers for a rustic feel, or bold, monochromatic arrangements for a modern twist. Use floral arrangements to define the space, such as marking the aisle or creating a backdrop for photos.

Linens can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your tiny park wedding. Look for vintage-inspired linens made with delicate fabrics such as chiffon, lace, and premium linens. Mix and match arch drapes, tablecloths, and table runners to create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. Soft, romantic colours such as blush pinks, corals, and light blues can add to the whimsical atmosphere.

Ribbons can be used to add a delicate and beautiful touch to your wedding décor. Use ribbons to tie in your wedding colours, such as incorporating a trim from the mother of the bride's dress or ribbons that match the wedding invitations. Ribbons can be added to floral arrangements, wreaths, menus, or even woven into the bride and bridesmaids' hair.

By incorporating soft lighting, floral arrangements, linens, and ribbons, you can create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere for your tiny park wedding. These details will add a whimsical and elegant touch to your special day.

Plan for bugs, weather, and other potential issues

Planning a wedding in a park can be a beautiful and budget-friendly option, but it's important to be prepared for potential issues that can arise. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your special day goes smoothly:

Bugs:

• Visit the park around the same time of year as your wedding to assess the bug situation.
• Choose a location away from florals and water, as these can attract insects.
• Ask the park management about their pest prevention routine and spraying schedule. Request that they spray ahead of time to minimise bugs on the day.
• If possible, opt for a private property where you have more control over prevention and mitigation techniques.
• Clean the area to remove potential bug attractants, such as garbage cans, grills, and outdoor furniture.
• Keep mulch beds and soil from getting too wet to minimise gnats.
• Trim bushes and mow the lawn to reduce mosquito hiding spots.
• Treat the area with natural essential oil treatments like lemongrass, citronella, and cedarwood oil, rather than pesticides.
• Set up fans to circulate the air and keep bugs away from food and drinks.
• Cover food stations and use drink covers to prevent bugs from contaminating food and beverages.
• Incorporate bug-fighting blooms like mint, petunias, lavender, and chrysanthemums into your floral arrangements.
• Provide guests with fans and bug spray or wipes upon arrival.

Weather:

• Research the typical weather patterns for the location and season of your wedding. Use resources like the Farmer's Almanac to prepare for potential weather changes.
• Have a backup plan in case of rain, such as a tent, awning, or gazebo. Reserve the tent space well in advance and designate staff to practise setting it up.
• Provide umbrellas or parasols in your wedding colours for guests, along with a cute sign.
• Ensure any coverings are secure and wind-resistant to prevent accidents.
• Weigh down decorative and logistical elements like place cards, centrepieces, and lights to prevent them from being blown away.
• Plan your ceremony outside of the sun's peak hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Provide sunscreen, paper fans, and small water bottles or serving jugs with fruit for guests to stay cool.
• If it's cold, provide light shawls for guests, or consider space heaters and heat lamps.
• Serve warm drinks like hot toddies or signature cocktails and mocktails to keep guests warm.

Other potential issues:

• Have a Plan B in case you need to move your wedding indoors due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Check the electrical offerings at the venue to ensure sufficient outlets for lighting and sound systems.
• If the park has public restrooms, consider the number of guests and explore bathroom rental options if needed.
• Keep food covered and warm to protect it from bugs and debris.
• Ensure plenty of ice is available to keep beverages cool and food fresh.
• Protect your wedding cake from the elements and insects by placing it under a tent or pavilion, or using a dramatic netted canopy.

By planning for these potential issues, you can ensure that your tiny park wedding is beautiful and memorable, no matter what Mother Nature has in store!

Frequently asked questions