Details to Never Overlook When Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating and hectic time. If truth be told, many regard planning the perfect nuptials to be more challenging than any of life’s obstacles. Women especially want the day to be perfect. It’s common for little girls to sit back and fantasize about their wedding day. These fantasies generally include an attractive man, a church filled with guests, and a timeless location such as a garden or sea cliff overlooking the ocean. Time begins to race the minute a couple becomes engaged. Some couples prefer a quick engagement and do not allow much time for wedding preparation. This is common of small, private ceremonies. However, couples planning the party of the year must allow at least six months handling all pertinent details. Outdoor weddings are a top pick among couples, and a great alternative to having the ceremony inside a church or reception hall. Although getting married oceanside or under the stars is romantic, outdoor weddings call for additional planning to guarantee a perfect, uninterrupted ceremony.

Select a Wedding Date

The first major detail when planning a wedding is selecting a wedding date. Couples planning an indoor wedding are not restricted to certain months. These wedding may occur during the middle of summer, or on the coldest day of year. Because the nuptials will take place indoors, the bridal party will not be exposed to the outdoor elements. On the other hand, couples planning an outdoor wedding must choose a date that corresponds with warm weather. This is not a concern for those who live in regions with year-round mild temperatures. Nonetheless, those living in northern states must plan their wedding within a five month window (May – September) Planning a wedding during other months is risky because of uncertain weather temperatures.

Location, Location, Location

Once the date or month is selected, couples must choose the location. It is important for couples to secure a location early in the game. In larger cities and metropolitan areas, outdoor venues are in short supply. Of course, there is always the option of having a wedding in a relative’s backyard. Although couples will save a ton of money, backyard weddings do not always provide that unique, romantic feel that most couples hope for. Suitable locations for an outdoor wedding include a park, botanical garden, beach, and so forth. Additionally, many reception halls have an outdoor area that is able to accommodate events. Venues of this sort many be wise for reasons we will soon discuss.

Although parks and beaches are public property, couple cannot presume that these sites permit large events without notification. Once a couple settles on a location, they should contact their local parks and recreation department. These city departments will inform couples whether a particular location is available for their date, whether it can be used for a wedding, and any fees that must be paid. Securing an outdoor wedding location in this way will also assure privacy. Because most outdoor weddings are held on public property, uninvited guests may slip into the crowd. When weddings are held in parks or on a beach, officials generally close a specific section to the public.

Calculating the Cost

Some couples assume that outdoor weddings are cheaper. However, because outdoor wedding require so many amenities to ensure that guests are comfortable, these wedding tend to cost more. For example, the cost incurred for indoor weddings include the facility and food. For an outdoor wedding, couples must pay the expenses to rent an outdoor venue and hire a catering service. In addition, couples must also pay a separate fee for table and chair rentals. Tents are also a necessity when planning outdoor nuptials. Depending on the amount of guests, the final cost for the entire day can soar into the thousands.

Catering

Selecting a caterer for an outdoor wedding is likely the easier task. However, couples should inform the caterer in advance that the wedding will be outdoors. In order to keep food warm or cold during the ceremony, caterers may need to bring additional cookware that is intended to keep food fresh. Moreover, caterers may stay away from certain dishes when preparing food for an outdoor event. For example, on extremely hot days, caterers may discourage the couple from selecting foods that contain a lot of dairy products. Foods of this sort tend to spoil when left out in the heat. Because outdoor wedding are apt to be more casual than formal events, the couple and caterer may decide on finger foods. This is perfect because foods such as finger sandwiches, meatballs, and chicken wings are less expensive than formal dinners, and will not spoil easily.

Predicting the Weather

There is no way to predict the weather, thus there is no way to determine whether a couples outdoor wedding will be a dry event or a washout. Smart couples strategize for the worse. Therefore, if rain becomes an issue they will be prepared with a backup plan. Earlier, it was mentioned that some reception halls have an adjacent outdoor facility. When securing a location for an outdoor wedding, it would be wise to choose a place with an indoor reception hall. Of course, this requires securing both locations, which may pose a financial burden. Some reception halls are generous and will not charge an additional fee, or only charge a small fee for the backup location. Weddings are stressful by themselves. Couples should not have to worry about details such as the weather. Never assume that the weather will be perfect because it’s your wedding day. Not having an alternate plan has forced many couples to postpone their nuptials or say, “I do” while toting a huge umbrella.

Lights, Bugs, Action

Because outdoor wedding involve a whole set of new rules, many couple forget minor details. For example, does the wedding location have adequate light? Those planning evening or night wedding may not take into consideration that the sun will eventually set. When this occurs, will guest be left in the dark? Prior to the wedding day, couples should drive by their wedding location at night. If the area is extremely dark, couple should purchase large decorative lanterns and stringed lights. Moreover, lit candles placed on the center of tables will add enough light to create a romantic ambiance. Noise or nearby action is another big issue when planning outdoor weddings. If possible, do not select locations that are near a main intersection, highway, or sporting field. The sound of cars speeding pass or sporting fans cheering will rob weddings of their magic and enchantment. Additionally, among unwanted wedding guests include mosquitoes and other pesky bugs. To alleviate this problem couples should choose outdoor lighting and candles that are intended to repel insects.