A Guide To Outdoor Weddings

What better way to celebrate your special day than with an outdoor wedding? Start the first day of the rest of your life with the sun at your back and the breeze running through your hair...and a back-up plan in case of a little drizzle!

Choose the Proper Locale

Once you decide to hold an outdoor wedding, your first and most important consideration is the type of locale that represents your relationship the most. Love the rustic? Consider a winery or an old-fashioned barn. A fan of classic romance? Try a beach. Those on a budget might discover that a well-decorated backyard or public park can be completely transformed to suit any need.

Consider the Weather

While blue skies and sunshine are ideal for any wedding, make sure you have a back-up plan in the unfortunate event of wind or rain. Stay up-to-date with the weather in the days leading up to the event - and if things begin to look risky, have a stash of umbrellas and towels on hand for guests and an alternate indoor location ready in case the downpour turn out to be more than a drizzle. Most importantly, if the skies do start to turn, keep your chin up! Even though it's raining, don't let it ruin your parade!

Mark the Pathways

Guests can easily become lost at outdoor venues, so it's helpful to have ushers available to welcome guests and help them transition from place to place. Make signs marking important locations such as the restroom or the bar, and use props such as stones and flower petals to create pathways.

Manage the Menu

No guest wants to drink a warm beer, just as no bride or groom wants a melted wedding cake. Make sure your caterers and bartenders keep drinks on ice and properly control the temperature of your food. Consider offering light, seasonal refreshments that will suit your venue as well as your tastes.

Cross Your T's and Dot Your I's

Before crossing the finish line, double check all of the last minute details. Print clear maps, arrange parking, pay venue fees, and make sure that set up and clean up options have been carefully considered. Last but not least, makes sure that electrical equipment, such as lighting, kitchen supplies, fans, and music equipment will be adequately powered on your big day.