If you’ve recently gotten engaged, your mind is sure to be full of thoughts about when and where to get married, who to invite, what to wear, and where to head for your honeymoon.
One of the biggest considerations when it comes to planning nuptials is the location of the ceremony. If you’re thinking of getting married out in the open air, here are some tips to consider to help you plan a fantastic outdoor event.
Choose the Time of Year Wisely
Be intentional about the date you choose for your outdoor wedding. While you might love the idea of saying your vows while snowflakes fall on you and your partner, the reality is that outdoor weddings in winter are tricky to pull off and can create issues for many guests, too. The same goes for a very hot and humid time of year or when torrential rain is likely.
It’s best to consider weddings in the outdoors for spring and fall or in summer if you live somewhere that doesn’t get too hot or have too many insects and pests that could prove a problem.
Think About Numerous Practicalities
As with any event, an outdoor wedding will have logistical practicalities you need to consider. Some of these will arise purely because the event is held outside. For example, you may need to hire generators or have outside power points installed to power various things for your wedding, such as heating or air conditioning units, sound equipment, catering suppliers, lighting, and the like. Be sure that plumbing is thought about, and bring in enough portaloos as needed, too.
Plus, don’t forget parking. If you’re getting married in a public outdoor space, it may be tricky for your guests to find parks if the area is busy. Plus, you may be required to obtain permits from your local council or talk to owners of the houses in the vicinity about allowing visitors to drive and park near the spot where you’re getting married. You may consider hiring valets to park vehicles for attendees, or you could bus people in if necessary.
Another practical element to consider is public liability insurance, as you need to ensure there won’t be any issues if anyone happens to hurt themselves during the event. Make sure there’s enough seating for everyone and that lighting is sufficient, especially if your wedding will continue into the night. If you’re keen to have a sparkling display of mortar fireworks on the night of your wedding, you may also need to get a permit. Ensure the area you’ve picked to set the fireworks up is far enough away from people and structures to be safe, too.
Get the Space Ready
Next, give yourself plenty of time to ready the space where you’re planning to say “I do.” You’ll want to ensure backyards are mowed and lawns fertilized and aerated to look their best. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed back and weeds removed, etc., too, if hosting the ceremony or reception at someone’s house. Also, clear away old statues, gardening tools, furniture, play equipment, and the like that will take away from the aesthetics of the space and act as potential tripping or other injury hazards.
You may need to get some temporary structures, such as light pavers or wooden planks placed across lawns or other potentially unstable surfaces for your wedding day to make it easier for you and all your guests to walk across areas. Furthermore, add plenty of pretty decorations to dress up the outdoor space you’re using.
Develop Backup Plans
While everyone will be hoping that the weather on your special day will be perfect, unfortunately, you can’t order this result off a menu. As such, you need to devise a backup plan in case there’s a lot of rain, wind, thunderstorms, hail, or other less-than-ideal weather conditions. For example, you might hire a large tent or clear space on a big balcony close to where you plan to have your ceremony or reception.
You might even have a backup venue in mind, such as a family or friend’s house, a local hall, etc. if things don’t go to plan. Plus, don’t forget extras like umbrellas, sunscreen, fans, and blankets in case guests need some help with the heat or the cold.
There’s much to do in the lead-up to a wedding, and an outdoor event can undoubtedly place more pressure on the bride and groom and their loved ones who work hard to make the occasion special. However, nuptials and parties in the great outdoors also add a special extra touch to such a momentous occasion.
Mitigate the risks of things going wrong by following all the tips above, and you’re sure to have a wonderful and memorable day.
