Planning an Open-Air Wedding
Getting Married in the Great Outdoors
An outdoor wedding is one of several options you and your groom-to-be can mull over while discussing ceremony details. And why not? The sun, the stars, the moon reflecting the love in your eyes. It’s a wedding fantasy come true!
A place in the sun.
There are a million “plusses” to an outdoor affair, but before any decisions are made be sure to consider possible “minuses.” For starters, nature is not for control freaks: If you can’t stand the thought of one petal in your bouquet out of place (let alone your hair), you might want to think twice about your day in the sun. Wind, rain and bugs love the fresh air too.
Also, if you’ve got images of Tara-like formality remember that the outdoors invites a more casual atmosphere than formal balls. Your dress will most likely be something befitting a cocktail ceremony, as will the look of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Black tie is not out of the question, but it will require extra instruction to the wedding party and guests, and being a bit more detail-oriented in your planning.
A nighttime ceremony is also difficult to arrange outdoors—especially a traditional or religious service—though you can find a site that has an open-air area for just the reception. Again, don’t be discouraged if you dream of a traditional ceremony under the stars, just be prepared for the extra work such arrangements demand.
Alfresco affairs.
Think of your guests. Beachside weddings are wonderful, but will your aunts be able to navigate the winding path to the sandy cove you picked out? That park’s cliff top is fabulous too, but is your wheelchair-bound grandfather able to access it? Go over all of these details with your site coordinator before making final decisions. They may be able to suggest ways to get all your guests these safely and comfortably.
Should your ceremony be at home the semantics can be easier, but you’ll need to think about furniture —will the inside of the house be a restricted area? If you decide you don’t want to have people running in and out of the home, you need Port-A-Potties. Also, make sure neighbors aren’t going to complain about noise and traffic. Alert the police department ahead of time that a wedding will be taking place (To be on the safe side, if you can, invite your neighbors!).
Let the sun shine in.
Regardless of where your outside affair is, a rain plan is a must. If it’s a tent, you’ll have to add that into the budget. Depending on the location, you can make the rain plan be someone’s house, provided its close enough to the site and guests are informed ahead of time and given the needed directions.
Go over any other details carefully. For outdoor park ceremonies, tell guests to wear comfortable shoes, provide insect repellent (if necessary), and don’t have your ceremony directly under the sun. For beaches, inform the women that they shouldn’t wear hose or heels—they should get this information from you, so they don’t feel uncomfortable being comfortable.
Stick to these guidelines and your outdoor affair will be like a “walk in the park.”
Check Out a Guide to Spring Flowers
Check Out Planning Your Casual Wedding
Check Out Preparing for a Formal Wedding