How to Plan a Breathtaking Outdoor Wedding: The Key Things to Consider

by Nayab

Outdoor weddings are truly special. You get the opportunity to exchange vows in some of the most stunning backdrops imaginable, from beaches and gardens to parks and rural countryside settings.

If you’re planning your own outdoor wedding, you’ll be entering the world of beauty and nature, but that brings a new set of challenges. To help you have a wedding day that is as lovely as it is stress-free, the following are some planning considerations for having an ideal outdoor party.

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1. Choose an Appropriate Venue

Your first and most significant decision when planning an outdoor wedding would be choosing the location. Your location choice will determine the tone of the day, so it is essential to select a place that will suit your style, personality, and wedding theme.

Think About the Setting and Atmosphere

Does the venue match your dream wedding theme? If you’re envisioning a farm, beach, or formal garden wedding, the atmosphere must be in line with your wedding vision. A vineyard, lakeside, or botanical garden would set the tone for serenity and romance, while a park or field offers liberty and a blank canvas to build a whimsical atmosphere.

Accessibility and Guest Comfort

Consider the accessibility of your visitors. While a remote or secluded area can grant you isolation and tranquility, you must ask if it is accessible to visitors. Do they have to park far from the site or walk across uneven terrain? And ensure that there are ample facilities, such as toilets, parking spaces, and shelter in the event of bad weather.

2. Plan for the Weather

While indoor weddings take place away from Mother Nature’s moods, outdoor weddings are open to whatever the elements choose to bring. Halibey from Good Housekeeping advices that you need to be prepared to ensure the weather won’t dampen your big day. That can mean preparing for rain, high winds, or scorching temperatures. It’s best to have your wedding during a season in which the weather is relatively temperate, but even so, having some plan B in mind will be necessary.

Weatherproofing Your Wedding

Consider investing in weatherproofed elements for your wedding outdoors. Having a tent or marquee is a blessing if the weather forecast suggests it’ll rain, and it can also protect against direct sun or wind. Make sure your venue has a plan B, like a backup indoor event or covered event space. Being so flexible ensures your day can go ahead regardless of what the weather has in store for you.

Attire for Comfort

Outdoor weddings tend to have elements of uncertainty, particularly temperature-wise. Consider how the weather might impact your wedding gown and guests’ clothing. Lightweight materials and airy fabrics are best for warm weather, while layering accessories may be needed in cold weather. If the venue features grassy fields or sandy terrain, it might be helpful to instruct guests to dress in easy-to-wear shoes.

3. Lighting and Timing

The most magical aspect of an outdoor wedding is natural light. Therefore, timing is crucial in making sure your wedding is perfectly lit throughout the day. Outdoor weddings usually start in the late afternoon or early evening. Timing the ceremony such that it captures the golden hour light is the trick to having perfect wedding photos.

Natural Light and the Golden Hour

Based on tips and advice from renowned photographer, Mason Jesmer, the golden hour, that is, the period around sundown, offers soft, warm light and an otherworldly mood that’s perfect for wedding photography. Plan your ceremony time around this. This will typically be around an hour prior to sunset and is ideal for portraits and a romantic atmosphere.

Evening Artificial Lighting

When day turns into night, artificial light reigns supreme. String lights, chandeliers, or lanterns can be employed to create ambiance and a romantic and whimsical atmosphere. Candles in elegant holders or glass vases can also be used to bring an element of sophistication into the setting, particularly if you wish to create a sophisticated, chic atmosphere. Jamali Garden has some of the finest vases that you can use to create the ideal lighting configuration for your wedding theme.

4. Create the Perfect Floral Decor

Flower arrangements and decor are central to creating your backyard wedding wonderland. The natural surroundings outside will form your backdrop, but it’s your duty to add floral arrangements, furniture, and additional decor elements that enhance the environment.

Floral Design and Color Scheme

Choose flowers that fit your wedding theme and that also withstand the weather elements outside. Go for real-touch silk flowers that won’t wilt under the sun or humid weather. Your bouquets and arrangements can be the centerpiece of your color scheme, and this will dictate the look of the other details in your wedding, from linens to centerpieces to even the attire of your bridal party.

Consider using flowers that naturally fit with the outdoors setting. Wildflowers are perfect for country or rural settings, but roses or orchids work better for elegant or formal outdoor weddings. If you’re at a loss, Jamali Garden carries an enormous range of vases and flower materials to inspire you to come up with beautiful arrangements that will make your wedding visions come true.

Furniture and Accessories

Make sure the outdoor setting is beautiful and functional for your guests. Vibrant seating, trendy tables, and visually appealing accents like throw pillows, rugs, and curtains can give the space a new look. Pay attention to the flow of guests through the space. Be sure to provide sufficient room for dancing and socializing, as well as resting areas where individuals can find a good place to sit down.

5. Serving and Beverages

Catering for an outdoor wedding involves thoughtful consideration of both the food and the logistics. The more remote or rustic the location, the more challenging it can be to organize catering. You’ll need to plan accordingly to ensure the food stays fresh and is served efficiently.

Outdoor-Friendly Menu Options

Consider serving food that can withstand the outdoors. Look at barbecue-style items, buffets, or food stations where people can serve themselves. But avoid foods that must be held at a specific temperature unless you have the right equipment. If you are having an intimate wedding, a picnic-style spread or food trucks could be ideal. All in all, make sure to abide by these food safety tips from authoritative government agencies like foodsafety.gov.

Beverages and Hydration

Don’t forget to have plenty of refreshing beverages, especially if your outdoor wedding will be conducted in warm weather. Dehydration is a problem, so consider a drink station with cold beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or flavored water. A report by Medical News Today on dehydrating drinks advices that you should avoid beverages with caffeine and sugar as they can act like diuretics and result in even more dehydration. A signature drink also makes the event more personal.

6. Sound and Music

Sound is an essential component of any wedding, and outdoor venues present unique challenges when it comes to audio. Whether you’re planning to have live music or a DJ, make sure your sound setup can handle the vast, open space of an outdoor wedding.

Acoustic Considerations

Outside spaces don’t have natural acoustics, so you may find yourself having to invest in good sound equipment or bringing in a professional audio engineer to get it done properly. If you do have live music, also make sure the performers can be heard well, even in the wind or ambient noise. Double-check that the mic and speakers are properly set up to minimize technical issues to an absolute minimum on your ceremony or reception day.

Expert Advice for Organizing a Lovely Outdoor Wedding

According to Brides Magazine, planning an outdoor wedding also has its own unique challenges. Here are some expert tips to help you make it a success:

1. Have a Plan B

Outdoor weddings are weather-sensitive. Always have a plan B, i.e., a marquee or a tent, in case it rains or gets very hot. This will give you the confidence that you are prepared for last-minute decisions.

2. Check the Venue at Different Times

Visit your site at the time you plan to get married. This will help you determine how daylight will look and how it’ll affect your ceremony and photographs so you can achieve the best lighting.

3. Employ an Experienced Planner

Outdoor weddings require extra attention and care. Editors at The Knot recommend using a wedding planner who has experience with outdoor events to help manage concerns like weather, sound, and comfort for your guests.

4. Provide Comfort to Your Guests

Offer comfortable seating for your guests. Cushioned chairs or patio sofas, and strategically positioned umbrellas, will keep all of them at ease while the ceremony is proceeding.

5. Keep Decor Simple

Allow the natural beauty of the venue to shine. Use light decor, like floral arches or suspended foliage, to tastefully dress the venue without overwhelming it.

By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to navigate the challenges of an outdoor wedding while ensuring it remains a beautiful and memorable event.

Conclusion

Planning an outdoor wedding requires careful thought, but it also offers a chance to create a truly unforgettable celebration. From selecting the perfect venue to ensuring your guests are comfortable and entertained, each element plays an important role in bringing your dream wedding to life. With proper planning and attention to detail, your outdoor wedding can become the enchanting day you’ve always envisioned.

Remember that the key to a stunning outdoor wedding lies in its unique site, meticulous planning, and serene layout. Whether you’re taking advantage of Mother Nature’s offerings or adorning the space with well-chosen decor, the result will be a day that’s as beautiful as it is unforgettable. And if you want decorative accents that are absolutely flawless, vases and floral pieces are the elements you need to add the finishing, exquisite touches to your outdoor wedding.

References

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