How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding - Ideas, Tips, and Advice

Outdoor Weddings - Things to Consider:

Who will act? Some officiants will only ceremonies in a house of worship, so you should check with you in advance for planning your ceremony outside.

Inform your guests - Guests must know that they are attending an outdoor wedding so they can dress appropriate. It is also a good idea to send information back out-of-town guests who might not be familiar with the climate.

Be prepared - Fighting outdoor potential issues with the following items on hand:


      * Bug spray

      * Water bottles

      * Umbrellas

      * Paper fans

      * Sunscreens

      * Mobile phone

      * Tissues / paper towels


Security of your outdoor wedding site

With an outdoor wedding, the draw is the setting, so finding the right place and the coordination of the event around is the main task on your to-do list. Your options are as limitless as the great outdoors itself. But before you set your heart at a certain place, here are some important questions that you need to ask:

Is there privacy? - Keep in mind that if your location is a public space - or even near a public place (such as a street or sidewalk), you may have to do with bystanders. Try to reserve your place in a lonely place to prevent unwanted guests or distractions.

What is the Backup Plan? - Of course you'll need a plan in case of unfavorable weather conditions. If your location does not have indoor facilities for your event, the open sky, you'll need to rent a tent.

Do you hear that? - Will the guests have to compete with roaring waves, gusting winds, honking cars, or screaming children to hear that your vows? You may need to rent a sound system and lava winch MIC for the officiant and yourself. Your band or DJ should be able to provide this for you.

Get more advice on finding unique and picturesque settings for outdoor weddings.

All in the Details - Ideas for Outdoor Weddings

Decor Elements


      * Allow the institution speak for themselves - not compete with Mother Nature, but subtle background work for you - or a sandy beach, thriving garden, forest or thick - with a complementary color palette and decor elements.

      * Natural elements - depending on your body, the natural elements like shells, pinecones, berries, vines, leaves, grasses and decor inspiration for many.


Flowers

      * Blooms - calls for an outdoor wedding flowers brave all kinds of weather. Look for more robust blossoms as mothers, alstromeria, calla lilies and sunflowers.

      * Style - keep your container and natural looking arrangements, such as an intricately designed, developed into a high pedestal base candlestick simply not fit. Instead use loose arrangements in urns, wooden boxes, crates, or pail.


Menu

      * Keep it simple - even an elegant outdoor wedding calls for simpler fare that can withstand varying temperatures, so avoid items like mayonnaise or dishes that are served cold. If you are a casual affair, consider a traditional outdoor barbecue.

      * Keep guests refreshed - especially if your outdoor wedding will take place in a warm environment. Have a lot of ice and water, along with tea or lemonade. Alcoholic drinks such as Sangria, mojitos, mint juleps or keep your guests refreshed.


Cake

      * Ensure that the last - wedding cake can melt off. Choose fondant icing with butter cream, which is not good at keeping heat or humidity. Stay away from mousse cakes and ice.


Garments

      * Dare to go casual - are suitable for outdoor settings airy fabrics and shorter hemlines

      * Has elegance right - you can still plan a formal dress code, just see what is best suited for sun, sand or grass. Lace and organza are good outdoor fabric options.

      * For the Girls

        - Silhouettes - you may want to waive the huge ball gown skirt. Instead, stick to a romantic or an empire-line. (same goes for your bridesmaids)

        - Hemlines - Keep your hemline clean from the grass or dirt. Consider going knee-or tea-length. The existence of a floor-length gown to the ankles or at least a half-inch larger than you would for an indoor wedding. Avoid a train.

        - Shoes - Choose a broad, flat heal, as stilettos May sink into the ground.


      * For the boys --

        - Unbuttoned affair - consider the loss of the tux and dressing the guys in khakis and sport jackets or crisp Oxford.


        - Easy back - if they are wearing a tuxedo, get a vest with a full back - which look better when their coats are off.