Working Together with Mother Nature

I’m going to tackle one of my favorite topics again…outside weddings! I’ve told you before that I love everything about them, especially their beauty and uniqueness. An outside wedding can be whatever you want it to be, the options are endless. But there are some challenges that planning an outside wedding can present. So to make your life a little bit easier I am going list the most common “problems” with planning an outside wedding and suggest simple ways to handle them. I have also included a few ideas that you can use to work with nature and guarantee the gorgeous outdoor wedding you’ve always wanted.

Beverages – It is a nice idea to offer water or lemonade available before the ceremony. Since alcohol is dehydrating, serve a variety of lemonades, teas and punches at the bar. Be sure to have plenty of ice on hand.

Bugs – Consider spraying the grounds for bugs and use citronella candles. Have bug spray handy for guests.

Cake – Do not use butter cream frosting or it may melt; use fondant or marzipan instead.

Candles – If you decide to you candles, cover them with hurricane glasses so that the wind doesn’t blow them out.

Chairs – Do not have your guest sit in metal chairs in the hot sun.

Cold - Consider renting a tent heater to keep your guest comfortable. Putting down the sides on your tent will keep the heat in. In cool weather have your bridesmaids wear wraps or shrugs.

Décor - You may want to consider including an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows. Strings of lights or lanterns in the trees, luminaries, and torches all make beautiful outdoor decoration.

Electricity – Make sure there is electricity available for sound systems, fans, and lighting.

Flowers – Leave your centerpieces inside until the last minute so they don’t wilt on a hot day.

Food – Don’t use mayo or perishable ingredients in food that will be sitting out.

Ground - Make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed at your wedding site.

Heat – Consider making your programs in the shape of fans. Consider renting an air conditioner or fans to keep your guests comfortable. Upgrade to a deodorant that has Aluminum Chloride to prevent sweating.

Noise- Use a sound system with clip mikes for the bride and groom so that guests can hear your vows over traffic or other noises.

Parking – Consider having valets to help with parking or renting a shuttle to transport guests from nearby hotels.

Permit - Don't forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to find out if you need a permit for an outdoor wedding.

Rain – Have a weatherproof tent and reserve sidewalls and covered walkways in case of rain.

Restrooms – If you wedding is at a private home, reserve portable restrooms; you do NOT want 100+ guest all using the indoor plumbing.

Wind – Secure your seating cards so they don’t blow away. Add tiny weights to your veil to keep it from flying around.

Shoes – Don’t wear thin heals down the aisle or you will sink into the grass.

Sun – For a sunset wedding, make sure guests face away from the sun. Have plenty of sunscreen handy (sunscreen wipes are a good option). Parasols are thoughtful for guest to use during the ceremony.

Themes – Themes that lend themselves easily to an outdoor wedding include beach, fall harvest, garden, rustic country, vineyard, and western.

If you’re planning an outside wedding and have a specific question about it, please feel free to send me a note. I’m more than happy to help, because from “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.