Planning An Outdoor Wedding: A Guide To Ceremonies

Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony can be a magical experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your big day goes smoothly. From decorations to lighting and photography, there's a lot to consider when taking your celebration outside. It's important to be mindful of the weather and have a backup plan in case of rain or other unexpected events. Creating a cosy and unique atmosphere with decorations is a fun part of the process, but it can also be expensive, so it's essential to plan and budget accordingly.

Lighting and electricity access

First, you should check whether your venue has electricity access. This will be necessary for a DJ, microphone, and lighting once the sun goes down. If your venue does not have electricity access, you will need to factor in the cost of a generator.

Next, you should consider the lighting for your altar set-up. You want the sun to be facing you, rather than behind you. If your venue is not in a well-lit area, ask your photographer and videographer if they can bring extra lighting for photographs and videos.

You can also use lighting to enhance your wedding's unique design. For example, coloured linens and vibrant up-lighting can create a one-of-a-kind vibe. Drape fabric from the tent's ceiling to soften the space and hang pomanders from the frame's cross sections to add a cosy feel.

Decorations

When it comes to decorating your outdoor wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the weather and how your decorations will handle the elements. For example, if you're planning on hanging decorations, make sure they're secure and won't blow away in the wind.

Fabric draped from the ceiling of a tent can soften the space and create a romantic atmosphere. You can also use fabric to create sectioned-off "rooms" within the tent, adding a unique touch to your wedding. Pomanders hung from the frame's cross sections will also add a warm and cosy feel to the space.

Coloured linens, vibrant up-lighting and quirky knick-knacks can also help to set a one-of-a-kind vibe. If you're getting married in a forest, consider adding fairy lights or lanterns to create a magical, ethereal atmosphere.

Don't forget to consider the flow of your reception site. If your ceremony and cocktail hour are in the same space, make sure there's a natural flow between the two areas so your guests can move around easily.

Venue and weather backup plan

When planning an outdoor wedding, it's important to have a venue and weather backup plan. Select a venue that can easily accommodate an indoor ceremony and reception if needed due to rain or other inclement weather. Discuss this with your venue when you book and ask to walk through the indoor venue to ensure it meets your expectations. If you're planning a backyard wedding, make sure there's enough space inside to accommodate your guests. You can get creative with moving furniture and utilising a tent.

Create your weather backup plan long before your wedding day. Consider the costs of adding a tent, flooring, lighting, tables, chairs, linens, and power to your venue. Don't forget to factor in the cost of transportation for guests, parking, and space for catering and other vendors to set up.

If your outdoor venue is not in a well-lit area, ask your photographer and videographer if they can bring extra lighting for photographs and videos. Confirm with your venue that you have access to electricity so you can have a DJ, microphone, and lights for when the sun goes down.

Be mindful of how your decorations will handle the outside weather. Drape fabric from the tent's ceiling to soften the space or create sectioned-off "rooms." Hang pomanders from the frame's cross sections and add other details to welcome guests and enhance your wedding's unique design.

Photography

Firstly, it's important to plan for your photographers to take the majority of their photos around golden hour. This will give you magical results and make the most of the natural light. If your ceremony is taking place during the day, ask your photographer to capture some shots before the sun gets too high in the sky, as the light will be softer and more flattering.

When it comes to your altar set-up, make sure it's in a well-lit area. You typically want the sun to be facing you, rather than behind you, to avoid harsh shadows and squinting. If your venue is in a shaded area, such as a forest, ask your photographer and videographer if they can bring extra lighting for photographs and videos. This will ensure that you still get bright and clear photos, even if natural light is limited.

It's also a good idea to confirm with your venue that you have access to electricity. This will not only be useful for things like music and speeches, but it also means your photographer can set up any additional lighting they may need. If you're planning on having a first dance or other evening celebrations, having electricity will ensure that these moments can be captured, even after the sun has set.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your outdoor setting. Use the natural surroundings to your advantage and ask your photographer to capture some unique shots that showcase the beauty of your venue. Whether it's a golden field, a lush forest, or a picturesque garden, your photographer can work with the environment to create some truly special memories.

Budgeting

Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony can be an expensive undertaking. It is important to consider all the elements that will be required, such as a tent, flooring, lighting, tables, chairs, linens, power, and permitting. These additional costs can quickly add up, so it is crucial to budget carefully.

When budgeting for an outdoor wedding ceremony, it is essential to consider the cost of renting or purchasing a tent. Tents can provide a backup plan in case of inclement weather and can also be used to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Drape fabric from the ceiling, hang decorations, and use coloured linens to personalise the space. Don't forget to factor in the cost of flooring, which can add comfort and stability for your guests.

Lighting is another important consideration, especially if your outdoor venue is not well-lit. Ask your photographer and videographer if they can bring extra lighting for photographs and videos. You may also need to rent lighting equipment to ensure your ceremony and reception are well-lit after the sun goes down.

In addition to the physical elements, there are also hidden costs to consider, such as permitting and transportation. If your ceremony or reception site is remote, you may need to factor in the cost of transportation for guests, parking, and space for catering and other vendors to set up. Don't forget to discuss these details with your venue and create a weather backup plan long before your big day.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of your decorations and how they will handle the outside weather. Choose decorations that are weather-resistant and won't be easily damaged or blown away. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and select decorations that complement your chosen theme. By carefully considering all these factors, you can create a realistic budget for your outdoor wedding ceremony and ensure a memorable and magical day.

Frequently asked questions