The beauty of outdoor weddings is like no other. They’re natural, romantic, and quite intimate. However, pending on circumstances, they’re also susceptible to problems. It can be too hot, too cold, windy, rainy, bright, dark, loud, or even infested with annoying bugs.
The truth is, weather is unpredictable and nature can be surprising. Therefore, to take advantage of the outdoor splendors, while protecting yourself from the outdoor obstacles, we’ve listed 10 tips below to keep everyone comfortable on your special day.
Tip 1) Stay cool under the heat – When it comes to heat, you need shade to stay cool. Shade can definitely be created with tents, but you can also pass out parasols to everyone. Another option is to create fans out of your programs. On a side note, make sure you have lots of sunscreen, iced beverages, and selected foods can be kept well under the sun’s heat.
Tip 2) Turn up the heat in the cool – If the weather gets too cold, you can rent electric heaters, serve warm beverages (i.e. cocoa, tea, coffee), and even provide cozy blankets.
Tip 3) Shield from the wind – Wind can quickly become a nuisance. It can ruin your hair, your dress, blow things away, and even blow out candles. Prepare for windy situations by making sure your hair is fastened in place and light fabrics such as chiffon and china silk are avoided in your dress. Further, double check everything is weighed down, including all paper goods (i.e. napkins, table cards, programs, pictures, etc…). In respect to the candles, as opposed to small votive candles, use enclosed lanterns or floating candles in tall glass cylinders.
Tip 4) Say good-bye to the rain – Even in summer, there’s always the chance for rain. Avoid drenched guests and a soaked wedding party by discussing with the venue ahead of time alternative indoor options. If you cannot move indoors, consider renting tents or at the very least, renting/borrowing umbrellas.
Tip 5) Don’t stare at the sun – Find out from the venue approximately where the sun is going to shine at during the time of your wedding. Then make sure to seat your guests’ back to the sun.
Tip 6) Light up the outdoors – Once the sun sets, you’ll need light. The beauty of outdoor weddings is that via creating romantic lighting outside, you’re simply adding to the wedding’s ambiance. You can light it with string lights, paper lanterns, candles, tiki torches, etc…
Tip 7) Turn it up – At times it can be hard to hear over the sounds and vast areas of nature. So, discuss with the venue and DJ to arrange for an acceptable and tested sound system.
Tip 8) Tell the bugs to bug off – Citronella candles, torches, bug sprays, and even fans (i.e. programs pasted on fans) can keep the bugs away.
Tip 9) Decorate – While one of the benefits of outdoor weddings is being able to decorate with nature’s beauty, you must still make sure the venue is at or exceeds par prior to the wedding. Make sure the lawns are mown. The trees are trimmed. And feel free to add your own decorations (i.e. flowers, pictures, balloons…).
Tip 10) Create the indoor comforts outside – While the ceremony, reception, dining, and dancing areas can easily by distinguished indoors, it must also be designated outside. Create an area for the ceremony. Select an area for the reception. Bring out tables and chair to dine comfortably. Set up a buffet to easily grab food. Have the venue assemble an outdoor dance stage. Simply stated, bring the indoors out.
There’s truly something magical about outdoor weddings. And while such weddings may appear difficult once you consider all the possible obstacles, you can easily overcome them and create the wedding of your dreams when using the above tips and working with such experienced venues like those with Villa Incanta. We’re telling you, you can definitely pull off an outdoor wedding.
