Five Thoughts to Ponder when Deciding on an Outdoor Wedding

Articles on Weddings | Topics: weddings, wedding

by Tommie York

Many people are choosing outdoor weddings these days. Many times, they are cheaper if not free and are definitely beautiful to attend. There are several things to think about when planning this type of wedding. If you are having it in a public place you will need to plan your reception some place else in most cases. You also want to know what the weather will be like and keep an eye out for rain. Make sure you have a back-up plan in case the weather turns sour. Find out in advance from the city if you can have chairs or decorations, and if rice or confetti is allowed. You want to make sure that no stone is left unturned. Make sure that if the weather will be cooler, that there is some form of shelter from the chill. Here are some basic things to think about and do before your big outdoor day.

Location

Choosing the location could be the life or death of the ceremony. If you are feeling very lucky then use the park or beach. But if you would like a little more insurance that you can run indoors at anytime, then either plan a home wedding or at a facility that has both options. Parks and beaches are gorgeous places to be married, but there is no shelter from the elements. Make sure you have a choice of plan B in this case. Maybe you could go to the reception hall you picked out and carry the ceremony there. Or, if you are really daring, you could just go with it and hope it rains after the pictures. For a home wedding, you have more options. You can put up tents or enclosures to protect your guests from the sun or rain. You can also go inside the house. It may not be the ideal situation, but at least you will all be dry if Mother Nature takes over.

Make sure you know what you will need to have this festivity. Some cities only require written permission, while others may require you to purchase a permit. Know if there is a guest limit and if you can provide chairs, music or food or not. If you are planning on having your reception at the location itself, find out whether or not alcohol is allowed or not. This will make your life easier on deciding the best venue. Make sure there are restrooms or if need be rent portable ones. You will also need to provide a generator if you plan to have a D.J. or band and any form of lighting. Nature won't accommodate you on electrical outlets. Expect unexpected visitors of nature, bugs. You might also get the stray person from time to time, as well. Public spots cannot be off limits to all other people. To alleviate the bug problem set out bug repellent candles, they are effective and beautiful.

Decorations

Most outdoors wedding uses the beauty of nature as the decorations with some minor flare. If you have any bridges, a gazebo, patio, or wedding arch they could have some type of flowers or bows to add to the natural beauty. Before you go all out on what decorations you are going to use, find out if they are even permitted. Many public spots will allow you to decorate with in reason, but ALL decorations must leave with you at the end. Think simple and keep in mind the beauty of nature is special enough. Make sure you know whether you can provide chairs, some places won't let you because it ruins the grass.

Guests

Quote of the Day

He holds him with his glittering eye—
The Wedding Guest stood still,
And listens like a three years’ child:
The Mariner hath his will.

—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)

Make sure you inform your guests when you invite them that this will be taking place outside. They will need to know if they will have to sit or stand. Depending on how long your ceremony is you might need to have some accommodation for those who have special needs. Your guests will appreciate this advanced warning so they can wear the right clothing and be prepared if rain should appear. If you have people coming in from out of town make sure they are aware of the type of weather they can expect where you are. You want to take into consideration where your guests can park make sure there is room on the street or a designated lot. Don't just assume that there will be parking available, especially at a park; it might not be the case.

The Wedding Party

Make sure that you are prepared to get wet if you have chosen one of those high-risk locations with no indoor reprieve. Make sure the wedding party is wearing lightweight clothing so if it does rain everyone will dry out quickly. Also, think about not having a train or at least one that does not hit the ground. The dirt and grass can ruin your train. You also do not want the ladies in heels. The shoes will sink into the earth and be off balance. The fellows should wear full vests so they look awesome even if it is too warm to wear their jackets.

Food

Be sure to have food that can be kept outdoors when it is warm and not go bad. Food that requires refrigeration, place in coolers or on ice to keep fresh. Also have non-alcoholic beverages to keep your guests hydrated. Make sure that you have plenty of ice and have someone who can go get some if need be. The last thing you want on your big day is food poisoned, dehydrated guests.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Five Thoughts to Ponder when Deciding on an Outdoor Wedding" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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