The open sky and weddings just go together. Whether public or private, outdoor sites offer dramatic settings. But if you place your celebration outside, there are many choices and decisions to make. Here is some outdoor wedding advice that will help with your planning.
Consider the season before planning an outdoor wedding. For example, mid-February in northern Minnesota may not be your best choice, unless snowmobiles are your favorite transportation. Make sure guests at your outdoor wedding will be comfortable despite the temperature.
Consider possible restrictions when selecting an outdoor site. Some public lands prohibit large tents and may require permits for alcohol or catering services. Often the most innocent activity, such as tossing rice or birdseed, could be prohibited.
One of the most important outdoor wedding advice tips is to make alternative plans for moving indoors. Tents remain a popular option, regardless of the region. But because you have to rent everything and have it installed at your site, tent weddings are often more expensive than indoor receptions. But should bad weather threaten, they offer security when other structures are unavailable.
Today’s tents can be opened or tied shut, and clear vinyl tops sometimes are available. Heaters and air conditioners can be included. Tents are weatherproofed, while carpeted or hardwood floors also can be installed. Tent rental services often include delivery, setup and retrieval. Book your tent eight to 10 months before your wedding.
Here are some other pieces of outdoor wedding advice to consider as you plan your wedding:
- Choose a safe date. If you avoid hurricane and blizzard season, you might keep weather disturbances to a minimum. Maybe.
- Complement your surroundings, don’t compete with them. The natural beauty of your chosen setting shouldn’t need a lot of embellishment.
- Take a careful look at how your guests will reach your wedding site. Think about exits. Make sure that guests don’t stumble through darkness as they leave.
- Assure that your guests will have access to restrooms.
- Ask your floral designer, caterer and other vendors much time they’ll need to set up at your site.
- Factor electrical needs into your plans.
- Ensure your plans meet local ordinances – get appropriate permits and inspections.
- Use microphones so your guests don’t have to struggle to hear the ceremony.
- Protect the food. Ask your caterer to take special precautions to preserve the freshness of the food.
- Proper lighting is key. If nature can’t or won’t supply what’s necessary, call on an expert.
- Have your wedding site sprayed for mosquitoes, fleas and gnats two days before the event.
- During the event, use citronella candles. You might informally supply insect repellant if your site teems with unfriendly pests.
Following this outdoor wedding advice can help you avoid an outdoor wedding nightmare!