Planning An Outdoor Uk Wedding: What You Need To Know

Planning an outdoor wedding in the UK requires careful consideration. From choosing the right venue to arranging decor and essentials, there's a lot to think about. The UK's unpredictable weather means you'll need a plan B, and you'll want to keep the menu simple. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your special day without last-minute stress. This guide will help you plan your dream outdoor wedding, covering everything from choosing a location to creating a budget-friendly celebration.

Choosing a venue

When choosing a venue for an outdoor wedding in the UK, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be realistic about the possibility of rain and have a plan B in place, such as backup tents, to ensure you still have a stunning day regardless of the weather. It is also important to consider your budget and the specific parts of the ceremony for which you will be using the space.

Thanks to new government regulations, you now have a much greater choice of venues. While civil ceremonies at a licensed wedding venue used to have to take place indoors or within a permanent outdoor structure, couples can now have their entire ceremony outside on the venue grounds. If you choose a licensed wedding venue or hotel, they may advise opening the doors out onto the grounds or gardens, with the couple sitting inside facing forward and their guests seated outside behind them. Alternatively, some venues may choose to license specific structures around the grounds, such as a wooden pergola, a stone structure, or an historic feature.

When deciding on a venue, consider the atmosphere and surroundings you want for your ceremony. Do you prefer the fresh air and nature of an outdoor setting, or would you rather have a more traditional indoor wedding? Think about the size of the venue and whether it can accommodate your guest list. It is also important to be organised and ensure that everyone involved knows their responsibilities, so you can enjoy your wedding day without last-minute scrambling.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family are often happy to lend a hand, so take advantage of their support to make your outdoor wedding planning a little easier.

Decor and essentials

When it comes to decor and essentials for an outdoor wedding in the UK, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to embrace the natural beauty of your chosen location. Opt for simple decor additions that enhance the outdoor landscape rather than compete with it. Flowers are a great way to bring colour and life to your wedding, whether it's through rustic bouquets, vintage vases on each table, or a glorious arch of flowers over the happy couple. If you're going for a rustic barn aesthetic, consider trailing flowers on plain wooden chairs.

Another essential to consider is electricity. If you're getting married in a backyard, make sure you have long enough extension cables, and if you're in the middle of the woods, organise a power station. You'll need power for lighting and music. Speaking of lighting, fairy lights or lanterns can add a magical touch to your outdoor wedding, especially if you're expecting a sunset ceremony or evening reception.

Hydration is also key, especially during the warmer seasons. Set up a hydration station with large glass canisters filled with water, ice, and natural flavourings like lemon or lime. Encourage guests to help themselves throughout the day. And don't forget to keep yourself hydrated too!

Lastly, be prepared for all weather conditions. While outdoor weddings can be magical, they are subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Have a Plan B in place, including backup tents, in case of rain or other unexpected weather. By being prepared and flexible, you can ensure your special day is still stunning, regardless of the weather.

Food and drink

Outdoor weddings often lend themselves to more relaxed catering options. You could opt for a BBQ, street food vans, pizza ovens or a picnic-style meal. If you go for this option, make sure you have plenty of ice and coolers to keep drinks cold and chafing fuel to keep food hot. You'll also need to consider power facilities, such as electricity and running water, when choosing a caterer.

If your wedding is going on beyond sunset, you'll need to think about lighting. Your venue might already have lighting facilities, but if not, you'll need to provide some.

Finally, don't forget to ask for help! Delegate tasks to your wedding party or reliable friends and family members. Whether that's picking up drinks and glasses the night before or helping to move chairs while you take your photos, it will make your day run more smoothly.

Legislation

Thanks to new government regulations, there is now permanent legislation on outdoor weddings in the UK. This means that you have a much greater choice of venues and how you decide to celebrate your big day. Before this, civil ceremonies at a licensed wedding venue had to take place indoors or within a permanent outdoor structure, such as a bandstand. Now, couples can have their whole ceremony outside on the venue grounds.

Despite this, it is still very important to think about the venue for your wedding, including which parts of the ceremony you will be using the space for, your budget and what the venue offers. If you plan on celebrating a civil wedding ceremony at a licensed wedding venue, you can replicate the al fresco feeling by setting up an aisle with chairs either side of it leading up to two chairs and a table set up inside a licensed room or structure. A wedding venue may also choose to 'license' specific structures around the grounds, such as a wooden pergola, a stone structure or an historic feature at the venue.

Remember to be prepared for the possibility of rain and have a plan B, such as back-up tents, in case of bad weather.

Dealing with the weather

It's also important to be organised and have everything planned in advance, so you can enjoy your wedding day without having to scramble around to delegate tasks at the last minute. When friends and family ask if they can help, don't be polite – say yes!

Thanks to new government regulations, there is now permanent legislation on outdoor weddings in the UK, which means you have a much greater choice of venues. However, it's still important to think carefully about the venue and which parts of the ceremony you will be using the space for, as well as your budget and what the venue offers.

Frequently asked questions