Outdoor weddings are a great idea if you have hundreds of guests, if youâEUR(TM)re looking to cut costs, or if you just enjoy the great outdoors. While outdoor weddings tend to have a more laid-back feel, they arenâEUR(TM)t always as easy as they may look. There are a few things you should keep in mind, to ensure that your outdoor wedding is a success:
Rain, rain go away – This is easily a coupleâEUR(TM)s biggest wedding fear; a beautifully planned wedding, bridesmaids dressed and styled in their beautiful bridesmaid jewelry, the flowers and decorations are all set, and all of it is suddenly ruined by a thunderstorm. Tents are a good option for moderate rainstorms, but the best idea is to have a backup indoor location.
Keep your guests comfortable – Outdoor weddings can be great when the weather permits; unfortunately your day may end up being much warmer or cooler than you expected. On hot, sunny days, make sure your guests have enough shade and plenty of water to keep hydrated. On cooler days, make sure you have lap blankets on hand, or if you need to, rent portable heaters.
Audio – We tend to think of outdoor settings as peaceful and serene, and can quickly forget that public parks may have children playing, or beaches can have waves crashing on windy days. If you arenâEUR(TM)t hiring a DJ for the ceremony, youâEUR(TM)ll need to find someone to cue the music, and speakers loud enough for your guests to hear. You may also want to opt for clip-on microphones for your officiant, yourself and your partner, or else your guests may be straining to hear your beautiful vows.
Outdoor Food – This is another tricky area when it comes to outdoor weddings; the food. Are you hiring a caterer or creating the menu yourself? Does your caterer have experience in planning an outdoor wedding menu? Make sure to avoid dishes heavy in mayonnaises or creams, since eggs and dairy are easily affected by the heat. You may also want to keep fruits and veggies on ice, or have them served extremely cold, so they can stay out for an hour or longer without wilting or getting soggy.
Sun and Lighting – If youâEUR(TM)re hoping to have a sunset wedding, or plan on partying late into the night, make sure you have adequate lighting for your guests. Also, you may want to time your wedding so you can capture post-ceremony pictures with a sunset background. If you to say your vows while the sun is still shining, make sure your guests wonâEUR(TM)t be staring straight into the light by positioning chairs and the podium accordingly.
