Outdoor Wedding Tips
There is no universal rule or tip that guarantees a perfect outdoor wedding. Since you’re planning to invest a lot in ambiance to make the ceremony more romantic and stylish, you also need to prepare for possible effects that the external elements may bring. It is vital to consider the possibilities to avoid distractions and truly make your wedding day memorable.
Battling the Elements
1. Prepare for nature’s course. Since outdoor weddings are considerably more physically open compared to traditional settings, you are exposing all people and materials to external forces. It is only fair that you consider the possible consequences to avoid ruining your big day. These would include rain, strong winds, dark clouds, mud and sun position. Make sure you have artificial alternatives and methods which will help alleviate certain unfavorable conditions.
Tents are very useful since it provides shelter just in case the weather suddenly turns bad. You may choose to use the tents only in worse conditions or better yet, have an alternate indoor location ready just in case. Other great protective outdoor fixtures include a pavilion which offers shade without compromising view. You may provide or remind guests to bring umbrellas. Make sure that the guests are fully informed on the venue and weather expectations so they can also dress and prepare accordingly.
2. Preparing the people. Talk to the wedding officiator and set reservations a few weeks or months before your set date. Make sure you remind the person about a week before the wedding and if possible, have someone pick them up to avoid complications. You should also prepare all witnesses and persons involved in the ceremony. A wedding planner will help take away all the stress associated with dealing with different individuals. Other important persons to contact would be the wedding dressmaker, the reception host or master of ceremonies, entertainers during the reception and legal persons for documentation.
3. Preparing the materials. Search for the perfect items which will truly bring out the beauty of your outdoor setting. Planning the wedding on the afternoon then having the reception afterwards may require you to prepare materials that can make the shift into a darker hour more beautiful and convenient. You may prepare lanterns, fireworks and fountains since these can add to the ambiance. Again, a wedding planner and organizer can help you achieve this.
Experiencing Firsthand
A few weeks before your wedding, it may help to visit the outdoor location yourself to see how the light, temperature, ground and gust can affect the wedding. You can make adjustments and preparations based on what you observe and feel firsthand. You may also want to check weather reports to at least have an idea of the type of weather to expect and if the place is experiencing a unique climate phase. Check which areas need to be provided with speakers, artificial lights, shades and fans. At this point, you can also choose which points are good to set the altar, aisle and guest seats. Ideally, the altar should be set with a captivating backdrop.
Also try to bring a camera with you while visiting the location and take photos so you can decide with your wedding planner how to best set up the wedding. Photos will also help you determine where to properly put artificial lights to get great shots.