10 Tips for an Outdoor Wedding

There’s nothing like a wedding with the backdrop of the great outdoors to accentuate the exquisiteness of nature.What better way to begin your new marriage than by encompassing the magnificence of the outdoors? Even if you aren’t the outdoorsy type, outdoor weddings aid in accenting the natural beauty of love. An outdoor wedding helps capture the authenticity of the love shared by two people. Outdoor weddings are beautiful in all seasons, but especially in the spring, summer, or fall. It is important to remember that each season brings its own set of colors, climate, and weather conditions.

If you’re thinking about an outdoor wedding, you should take into consideration the “gifts” from the outdoors: rain, wind, snow or cold weather. Although these factors may seem intimidating when planning an outdoor wedding, there are various ways to avoid negative situations. Nina Callaway from About.com shares tips on how to make an outdoor wedding one to remember, without disruptions.

10 Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Wedding

Avoiding Outdoor Wedding Pitfalls

If you’ve decided to have an outdoor wedding, congratulations! Outdoor weddings are romantic and beautiful. However, they aren’t as easy as they may look. Outdoor weddings come with additional caveats and pitfalls, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to shine on your wedding day.

1. Make your guests comfortable Think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year of your outdoor wedding. Sunny and hot? Don’t leave your guests uncomfortably melting – have your ushers give guests ice-cold bottles of water as they are seated. Consider printing your wedding program on a fan so that guests may cool themselves. Don’t forget to have plenty of sunscreen on hand as well. For a very warm location, look into renting large electric fans (don’t forget a generator) and/or a tent to shade the suns rays. If it will be cold and damp, make sure you tell guests that so they can wear extra layers. A simple xeroxed insert will do. You might want to have lap blankets on hand, or rent portable heaters.

2. Have a backup plan What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case. Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be scooted to the back of the room during the ceremony. A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy and muddy shoes. Make sure any tent you rent is sturdy so it won’t flip over, and that it has thick and weighted sides.

3. Plan for Wind Many outdoor weddings suffer from windy conditions. Avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Tell your hairstylist that you’ll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style that won’t leave you looking like Cousin It! Men in the wedding party should use pomade or other styling product. Again, tell your guests in a printed insert so that they can plan accordingly. And of course, make sure your tent will stand up to gusting winds or find an indoor backup plan.

4. Can everybody hear? When you picture your dream wedding at the beach, you’re probably not hearing the roaring of the waves, the rushing wind, or the local kids running and screaming around you. Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the bride, groom and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

5. Decorations One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you, lessening your need to decorate. But you still need to do some work. Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the groomsmen or friends to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it’s been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows; strings of lights or lanterns in the trees; luminarias; torches; or farolitas.

6. Make things tasty outside Does your caterer have experience planning an outdoor wedding menu? Make sure they’re planning things that will keep well outdoors in the heat. Avoid things like mayonnaise salads or dishes which must be served cold.

7. Don’t leave your guests parched Since alcohol is dehydrating, consider serving a variety of lemonades, teas and punches. Be sure to have plenty of ice and water around as well. For a fancy cocktail, why not serve a classic mint julep or a mojito? The mint will refresh and cool your guests.

8. Those pesky flying things Be sure to put out citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won’t spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air.

9. Here comes the sun Consider timing your outdoor wedding for sunset where your guests will see you take your vows surrounded by the warm glow of the sun. Those having a daytime outdoor wedding should orient the ceremony so that the sun will be on guests’ backs rather than in their eyes.

10. Permits Don’t forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.
When planning an outdoor wedding, it is important to consider the elements of Earth. These situations may seem daunting to a bride-to-be; however, avoiding mishaps is easier than one may think. The best step to take in planning an outdoor wedding? Be prepared! For an outdoor wedding during the summer, remember to have cold water, fans, and sunscreen. Have a backup plan for elements such as rain and wind. This means when getting ready for your outdoor wedding, secure that hair! Prepare for pesky bugs in the early summer, the hot sun in the late summer, or a cold breeze during the fall. Simple preparations for your outdoor wedding will ensure that everything sails smoothly.

Some of these little details may have you on edge about having an outdoor wedding, and we understand that. At Salem Cross Inn, we have expert reception coordinators who are experts in handling outdoor weddings. They can tailor your outdoor wedding to your all of your whims as well as inform you on how to prepare. Salem Cross Inn also has indoor space should your wedding be interrupted by the elements. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about any type of wedding.