George Boyle
Planning an outdoor wedding can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. There are many factors to consider, from the weather to the comfort of your guests. It is important to choose the right location, whether it be a private estate, a public area like a beach, or your own backyard. The scenery will become your built-in decor, so select a venue with care. You will also need to think about whether you will require a tent or other form of shelter, as well as seating for your guests, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues. Other considerations include lighting, catering, and, of course, the all-important restroom facilities. Communicating with your guests about the outdoor setting is also key, so they can prepare accordingly.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Lighting, decor, catering, and seating
Lighting is a crucial element of your wedding, setting the atmosphere and ensuring your photos look great. If you're getting married outdoors, you'll want to avoid harsh sunlight, which can cast unflattering shadows, and instead opt for softer lighting. A ceremony time of 2 pm or later is ideal, with 3 pm being the sweet spot for softer lighting. The "golden hour" just before sunset is the prime time for photos. Consider the position of the sun when choosing the location of the altar, to ensure your guests aren't facing the sun, which can be uncomfortable and cause issues with glare in photos.
For decor, you can draw inspiration from your surroundings, especially if you're getting married by the beach or a lake. You can incorporate colours and natural elements that reflect the setting. Floral arches, floral arrangements, and table decor can add a special touch. If you have a colour scheme, carry it throughout the ceremony and reception, from the bridal party's attire to the paper used for printing. You can also add personal touches like a Polaroid guest book, framed verses of a poem, and vintage furniture.
Catering for an outdoor wedding requires some additional considerations. Keep food hot and drinks cold with oscillating fans, chafing fuel, and plenty of ice and coolers. Ensure caterers have good access to electricity and water, and a spacious, covered area to prepare food. If your venue doesn't have indoor facilities, you'll need a generator. To keep flies away, set up fans near the food.
Seating for an outdoor wedding should allow for a comfortable view for all guests, with enough room between the first row and the altar. Typically, the parents of the couple sit in the front row, and it's a good idea to reserve the best seats for important guests. You can also provide seating instructions or a seating chart to ensure smooth seating during the ceremony.
Creating Boundaries During Wedding Planning
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Weather considerations
It is also important to be prepared for unexpected weather changes. From sudden thunderstorms to strong winds, the weather can be unpredictable. Thus, having a backup plan is essential. Consider renting a tent or utilising a covered outdoor space to provide shelter from the rain. Additionally, communicate any changes in location due to weather conditions to your vendors and guests.
The impact of the weather on other aspects of your wedding should also be considered. For example, certain flowers or cake icing may not fare well in outdoor conditions. Discuss with your vendors to ensure that your choices are suitable for an outdoor setting. Furthermore, if you're planning a beach wedding, take into account the steady sea breeze. Secure your décor, and consider ways to keep candles lit and your hair in place.
To ensure the comfort of your guests, provide extra layers such as blankets or pashminas, especially if temperatures drop after sunset. Additionally, consider renting luxury portable restrooms with heaters or air conditioning, depending on the season. These thoughtful touches can greatly enhance your guests' experience.
Lastly, don't forget to inform your guests about the outdoor setting on your invitations or wedding website. This will help them decide on their attire and prepare for any weather conditions.
Planning a Pittsburgh Wedding: A Guide to Getting Started
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Restrooms
If your venue has brick-and-mortar restrooms, you may still want to consider renting additional portable facilities. Luxury portable restrooms can offer amenities such as music, granite countertops, air conditioning or heating, luxe soaps, fresh flowers, and monogrammed towels. These rentals can elevate your guests' comfort and their overall perception of the wedding.
When selecting restroom locations, ensure that the pathways leading to them are properly lit for safety. This is especially important if your wedding extends into the evening or if the restrooms are located in an area that is not well-lit naturally.
Additionally, consider the season and outdoor conditions. For example, if you're having a winter wedding, providing space heaters and blankets can ensure your guests remain warm and comfortable when moving to and from the restrooms. If your wedding is during the summer, providing parasols, standing umbrellas, and fans can help your guests stay cool.
Finally, don't forget to include subtle extras in the restrooms, such as elegant candles, fresh flowers, and toiletries. These small touches can make a significant difference in your guests' experience and show that you've thought of their every need.
Planning Wedding Shower Games: Creative Ways to Celebrate
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Entertainment
First, consider the time of year and the potential impact of the weather on your guests' comfort. If you're planning a summer wedding, provide shaded areas, parasols, and standing umbrellas to protect your guests from the sun. You could also provide fans and big floppy hats, and prioritise hydration with a help-yourself lemonade or iced tea stand. For an outdoor wedding in the colder months, think about providing heaters, blankets, and even a cosy fire pit. It's also a good idea to let your guests know in advance so they can dress appropriately.
Next, think about the entertainment itself. Live music is a popular choice for weddings, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Roving musicians and walkabout bands can move amongst your guests, while acoustic singers and guitarists can perform romantic and personalised songs. If your wedding has a larger budget and a bigger space, you could consider hiring a well-known band or a string quartet. Just remember to check that your musicians have the necessary permissions, safe flooring, and a power supply if required. To protect your musicians and their equipment, ensure they have reliable overhead cover, such as a gazebo or marquee, in case of rain.
If you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of unique entertainment options to choose from. Singing waiters, live circus performers, tribute bands, and even animal farms can add a touch of surprise and delight to your special day. For a romantic touch, consider having your wedding rings delivered by a barn owl. Fairground rides can be a fun addition, especially if your wedding has a vintage theme. For a more personalised experience, create a wedding magazine or newspaper for your guests to enjoy, or set up a custom piñata shaped like a wedding cake or your initials.
Finally, don't forget the small details that can make a big difference. Decorate your space with coloured linens, vibrant up-lighting, and quirky knick-knacks to set the right atmosphere. If you're expecting bugs to be an issue, place citronella candles around the pathway and choose flowers that mosquitoes don't like, such as lavender, marigolds, and peppermint. Ensure there's a natural flow between the ceremony and reception spaces, and consider adding signs to direct your guests. By planning a variety of entertainment options, you can ensure your outdoor wedding is a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Planning a Wedding: Timing is Everything
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Permissions and costs
The cost of an outdoor wedding can vary significantly, from free to upwards of $20,000. The amount of space you require and the amenities you need will be the main factors in determining the price.
In the UK, the Marriages and Civil Partnerships: Approved Premises Amendment, which came into force on 6 April 2022, states that legal outdoor civil weddings and civil partnership ceremonies can take place anywhere on the grounds of approved premises. A full list of approved premises can be found on the gov.uk website. In Northern Ireland, outdoor civil ceremonies can only take place in locations that have been licensed as approved premises by the council.
If you are getting married on private land, you will need to obtain permission from the landowner. If you are getting married in a public area, such as a beach, campsite, or park, you may need to pay a site fee or "suggested" donation, and there may be additional costs for sanitation services and valet parking. It is also important to consider the accessibility of the location and whether your guests will incur extra travel costs.
Other costs to consider for an outdoor wedding include a tent or other semi-permanent structure, flooring, lighting, tables, chairs, linens, power, and portable toilets. The number of guests and the length of your guest list will impact the cost of these items. You may also need to hire a wedding planner to help with the logistics and ensure that all the necessary permissions are in place.
Finally, don't forget to budget for items that will enhance your guests' comfort, such as fans, parasols, standing umbrellas, space heaters, and blankets, depending on the weather conditions.
Vatican Visit: Tickets Needed for Papal Audience on Wednesdays
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The season and typical weather conditions during that time of year are important to consider. If extreme weather conditions are common, an outdoor wedding may not be the best idea. You should also consider whether you and your guests will be comfortable with the temperature and natural elements.
Provide extra non-alcoholic drinks to keep your guests hydrated. You may also want to provide blankets and cooling spray bottles for your guests. If your wedding is in the early nighttime, consider ways to combat mosquitoes, such as by renting a tent.
Add comfortable seating and pillows, especially if your wedding is on a grassy lawn or in a rustic spot in the woods. You can also add decorations such as fabric draped from the ceiling of a tent, pomanders, coloured linens, and vibrant up-lighting.
Your contingency plan should include a backup indoor ceremony and reception location. You should also inform your guests of any changes to the schedule or venue. Additionally, consider ways to weather-proof your outdoor wedding, such as by renting a tent and using weighted centrepieces and heavy fabrics.
You may need to rent a PA system to ensure your guests can hear you speaking your vows and any speeches. You will also need to bring generators to supply power to your venue and ensure you have enough extension cords and power strips. Lastly, consider renting a portable restroom if your venue does not have one.
