Outdoor weddings can either be one of the most romantic ways to tie the knot or a logistical nightmare. People who decide to take their wedding outdoors often don’t realize the amount of planning that goes into a successful outdoors ceremony and reception. In this article, we’re going to give you a few crucial tips to make sure that everything goes according to plan.
Make Sure that Everyone is Comfortable
The first thing you should emphasize is what kind of weather your guests will have to deal with during the particular period of the year you’ve chosen for your wedding. If you think it’s going to be hot and sunny out, consider some simple accommodations like portable air conditioning and ask your ushers to hand out cold water to guests as they come in. You could also add some nice little touches like having the programs printed on fans for instance.
If you think it’s going to be damp and/or cold, then consider investing in a good heating system and ask guests to prepare by wearing extra layers, for instance. You should also think about having a few lap blankets on hand just in case.
Make Sure You Have a Plan B
This is where so many people fail. They put so much thought and stock into their outdoors ceremony that they don’t have a second plan in case something goes awry. You should make sure that you have a good second location for the wedding just in case and make sure that it is close to the official location to prevent logistic issues. Some will even decide to have the ceremony outside and move the reception inside; this allows for a quick plan B if something goes wrong, and you get the best of both worlds.
Don’t Skimp on the Sound System
When people plan their weddings, they rarely factor for outside noise like wind, or crashing waves near the ocean. However, you have to make sure that you have a sound system robust enough for all attendees to hear the vows correctly and also make sure that you have the perfect sound system and DJ for the reception. A good DJ should be able to accommodate you for both.
Be Prepared for the Elements
Speaking of wind, you should make sure that you factor it in when making wardrobe choices as well. Try to stay away from light fabrics like china silks and chiffons for you and your bridesmaids. Tell your hairstylist that you’re getting ready for an outdoors wedding so that they can opt for a hairstyle that’ll look good no matter the condition.
Make sure the groomsmen wear hair pomade or any type of styling product that gives them strong hold. Also make sure that you keep your guests notified on the invitations and make sure that your outside tent and installation will be able to survive strong gusts of wind.
Planning for an outdoor wedding takes a lot of foresight and organization. However, if you follow the few tips in this article, everything should be made easier.
