More and more people are choosing outdoor weddings in the past couple of years. There are those who choose the wedding to be on a secluded beach, an enchanting forest, or a beautiful winery to be the amazing backdrop on their special day.
A successful outdoor wedding is not predictable when compared to an indoor wedding. Logistics are a huge concern and there is the integrity of the venue which is nature. There is a lot that you have to consider. Below are some great tips that will go a long way.
Reserving the Venue
There are different ways of securing a venue. Most traditional wedding venues have all-inclusive packages that you have to make a commitment through a deposit. You can also rent private outdoor spaces where you have to take care of your catering and furniture rentals. This will force you to secure a caterer at the same time you book the venue. You can also choose public land provided you get the necessary permits.
You should get all the details about what you can and cannot do at each of those locations. When you factor in these details, it will help in determining whether the location is the right one or not. You also need to think about those who are going to help you with the logistics. Is the venue going to help you with the setup and breakdown? How hard will your friends and family have to work on D-day? How will the end of the day be handled? What is your budget?
Having a Backup Plan In case of Unexpected Weather
The weather is one of the most unpredictable things when it comes to outdoor venues. You should have a backup plan if the weather decides to mess things up on the wedding day. Do you need to have a tent? Is the caterer going to need shelter or shade? You should always have a backup plan because the weather can disappoint you. Another option is having a nearby indoor option nearby.
Hiring an Experienced Wedding Planner
Most venues will offer wedding planning and coordination. If the venue you choose doesn’t offer these services, then you should hire a wedding planner to help you. Working with a wedding planner is good because they help smooth out the logistics and other details. They are also going to help during the day of the wedding and make sure everyone enjoys the wedding. When choosing a wedding planner experienced with outdoor weddings.
Venue Electricity
If you choose a remote location, you need to know much power you are going to need for your wedding and where you are going to get it. The DJ and the caterer will need the power. The reception needs lighting. If there is no power, get a generator but you have to know that it is going to interfere with the sound and also affect air quality. You can choose daylight hours to avoid lighting.
Parking
It is important to make sure there is parking for your guests. How far do they have to walk? They will be in their best outfits, you should make things easy for them. The venue needs to have a parking attendant to make sure parking is done properly. You need to know the maximum number of cars that can park at the venue. You will also have to consider other things like lighting in the parking area. This is one of those logistical issues you have to consider before booking an outdoor venue.
Rethinking Time of Year
The location is going to be determined by the time of year you want to have your wedding. You have to consider the seasons if you want to have a mountain wedding. Consider those attending the wedding. Grandpas, Grandmas, and older guests who have a hard time with very hot or cold weather. Which time is the best for that given location? You should seek other reviews of the location or ask them for more details. You should find out the best time of the year to plan a wedding in that venue.
Simple is Better
If the place you want to do your wedding is already beautiful, consider scaling back on our decorations and leaving the backdrop to do the talking. Take a look at some examples of wedding decor by Supernova. You should let nature shine. If you have already picked an outdoor venue, find a focal point that will be used for the reception and ceremony that will impress your guests. You need to base the layout of the reception and ceremony on this.
Protecting Guests from the Sun
Keep in mind outdoor venues usually have a lot of unshaded areas. Look for reception or ceremony placement under the trees so the guests have a place to shade. You can bring in market umbrellas or use shade cloths to make shaded areas. It is a good idea to think about the time of day. visit the site at different times so you can see ways of dealing with heat exposure and direct sunlight.
Keeping Guests Hydrated
When the guests get to the venue, they most likely have travelled by foot or by car. You need to provide complimentary water bottles when they get there. The guests will be hydrated during the wedding.
Restrooms
If you are having your wedding in a remote location without any services, make sure you have provided your guests with portable restrooms and handwashing stations. There is a wide range of options to choose from. Find out the different options and choose one that works best for your guests. It is important to consider all your guests’ needs.
Accessibility
There are a lot of outdoor venues offering great places for photos, but there are some that can make it hard for those with mobility issues. Those who have mobility issues need an easy and safe way of getting there and enjoying the wedding so they don’t feel out of place. Check out the venue and keep their needs in mind. This can mean ferrying some guests back and forth or arranging a special golf cart. Another option is moving the ceremony to a more accessible location. You can also rent a beach-friendly wheelchair to help your guests. When planning for guests with mobility issues, you need to plan more than expected. There are times when people get hurt a few days before the wedding.
Being Ready for Wind
You should get sturdy table décor and place settings. If the thing can be easily blown away, make sure it is weighted or leave it out. This is the same case for portable canopies and large decorations, you also want to look your best and be beautiful on your big day – here are some tips. Go to the venue when it is windy. You should know how the wind is expected to behave during the different times of the day.
Local Wildlife
If you plan to have your wedding at the beach or at a park, there are seagulls, flies, ants, squirrels, and more. Your food shouldn’t be uncovered early. The trash cans need to be put away from the tables. If the venue is prone to wasps, ants, and other insects, you need to put in measures to make sure they are dealt with before the wedding day. if you are concerned about mosquitoes, then there are many mosquito repellent methods.
Being Fire-Conscious
While sparklers, candles, fireworks, and other pyrotechnics can be a good way of enhancing a wedding, you need to follow the local rules and regulations on such matters. Even if you are allowed to do this, it might be safer for your guests if you choose flameless options. It is a good idea to have fire extinguishers there. The catering and BBQ areas need to be far from the bush.
Bringing a First-Aid-Kit
If your venue is remote, you need to bring a first aid kit with you. The staff should know where it is. You need to be prepared in case things go wrong.
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