Thinking
of an Outdoor Wedding:
5 Thoughts to Ponder
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
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. Click
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by KissMeGoodnight.com
: 2006
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