There’s a certain magic to outdoor weddings that ballrooms just can’t match. Maybe it’s the golden hour lighting, the sound of trees swaying during your vows, or the thrill of not knowing if your veil will take flight mid-ceremony. But if you’re wondering how to plan an outdoor wedding that’s equal parts charming and chaos-free, you’ll need more than a pretty location. From polite guest prep to practical must-haves, this guide covers the etiquette tips and on-the-ground details that turn open-air “I dos” into smooth, unforgettable celebrations.
Outdoor Weddings The Safest Venue Settings
No Surprises
Outdoor weddings have a different dynamic from indoor venues, so make sure you have informed the guests prior that the event will be held outdoors. This can help them choose suitable attire (such as fur wraps etc if the weather will be very cold). If there is a theme or a special line-up of activities definitely mention them and send invitations well ahead of time to make sure guests have time to prepare.
Read The Weather Report
It is often said ‘better safe than sorry.’ Along the same lines it is worthwhile to note that outdoor events are technically risky even for the best of locations (not to mention if you live in a windy or rainy area) so make sure you analyze the weather forecasts beforehand. Furthermore, have an indoor venue backup.
Many outdoor wedding locations have indoor facilities as well so make sure you either book in advance or find out if a last-minute shifting is possible in case the weather turns. It happens more than you think! To that end also make sure you have a tough wedding tent that won’t blow away at the first sign of wind and one that is secured properly to provide shelter from a possible rain situation.
Crucial Tips To Help You Plan An Outdoor Wedding
The Little Things
If you are staging your wedding vows of the decade outdoors you need to invest in and pay attention to the little things which can add comfort. If the weather is cold make sure there are portable heaters available and hand warmers, if it is summer, maybe handing out hand-held fans to the guests in goody bags is a good idea.
Things like lap blankets or sweets to nibble on while people are waiting for the food to be served all go towards a positive and enjoyable experience for the guests. You don’t want anyone elderly fainting from low blood sugar, right? While weddings are romantic, happy affairs, one simply cannot ignore the practicalities.
Even smaller details like the material of bridesmaids’ dresses can make a huge difference on the actual wedding day. If they’re lightweight and chiffon on a windy or rainy day; you get the picture.
Account For Discrepancies
Outdoor wedding venues are slightly harder to make up exactly the way you want them (this will of course vary with regard to access to electricity and other amenities). If you have a certain type of décor in your mind try to consider the limitations of your location. Can you host that many lights on a generator and what type of music system can be used if you can’t plug in nearby? You’ll find some elbow grease, improvisation or downsizing may be in order.
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