How To Plan an Inexpensive Outdoor Wedding

According to wedding experts, outdoor weddings are growing in popularity throughout the United States. With so many places offering everything imaginable to rent for a wedding, the thought of having an outdoor wedding isn't as intimidating as you might think. While planning for any wedding is a bit hectic, it might surprise you at how simple and inexpensive it is to put together an outdoor one. It's really not that much more work than if you were planning a wedding at a traditional venue. This how-to guide can help in getting you started in planning a memorable outdoor wedding without the hassles and worries.

1. SELECTING A LOCATION. Your outdoor wedding location could be as simple as your backyard or as elaborate as the top of a mountain. When deciding upon a location for your outdoor wedding, keep in mind both your interests or hobbies, as well as the logistics of having a wedding in a particular spot. The checklist below provides some things to consider when selecting an outdoor location for a wedding:

* The number of guests the outdoor venue can accommodate;
* If restrooms are available or whether you need to rent port-a-potties;
* The availability of electricity or if you need to rent a generator;
* If there is a covered structure in case of inclement weather or whether you need to rent a tent;
* If there is sufficient parking on-site for guests or whether you need to arrange for a shuttle from a nearby parking lot.

Some popular outdoor locations are home or public gardens, local parks, beaches, historic estates or museums, lakes, mountainsides, a local vineyard, a lighthouse, a family estate or farm, scenic landmarks, a boat or yacht, a theme park, a tropical island, or the courtyard at the university or college where the couple met. If you select an outdoor venue other than your private property, be sure to inquire with your local city or town about permits and licenses. You should also find out beforehand if there are any restrictions, such as serving alcohol, or a limit on guests. And depending upon the time of day of the wedding, you might need to make arrangements for nature's guests, such as bugs and small creatures. Have bug spray or citronella candles on hand to deal with insect problems, and have provisions ready for skunks, squirrels, and the like.

2. PLANNING THE DECOR. One of the best advantages to an outdoor wedding is that nature takes care of the decorations. Once you've decided on the location, find a pretty spot for the ceremony where there are plenty of trees, flowers, or a scenic view. You could also embellish a bit to accent what nature has already provided. Depending on your budget, you might want to rent a wedding arch or columns. For the reception, consider accenting tables with pieces that complement the natural surroundings, such as raised planters filled with flowers, or a lovely tabletop water fountain. Visit your local rental center for a list of other items you will need, such as tables, chairs, centerpieces, linens, etc.

The bride and groom, as well as their wedding party, should incorporate the location's attributes when selecting their attire. For example, the bride should consider a wedding dress without a train so it doesn't drag in the grass, dirt, or water. Brides and bridesmaids should also select shoes with small heels that are easier to walk in on all surfaces and won't sink into the ground. The groom might want to look at a lighter weight tuxedo, suit and shirt. A nice alternative for the groomsmen are full back vests for a formal look with or without a suit jacket.

3. PLANNING THE MENU. With an outdoor wedding, couples have the option of hiring a caterer, arranging for prepared foods from a local market, or asking family members to make the couple's favorite foods. The feast can be as formal or as informal as you like. A buffet is an easy option for outdoor weddings, but a sit-down, white-gloved served meal is also a nice touch, especially if the outdoor venue is elegant. Here is a checklist when planning the menu:

* If hiring a caterer, be sure the company has outdoor experience;
* Select a menu with foods that will hold up well in weather and travel.
* Match the menu with the location. For instance, consider a clambake for a beach wedding, a barbecue for a park wedding, or a served dinner for a formal setting.
* So that guests can enjoy the beauty of the location, consider setting up food stations in different areas so guests can stroll from appetizers to dinner to dessert.
* Be sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, iced ones if the weather is warm and hot beverages if the wedding is held during the cold weather months.

4. SCHEDULING THE ENTERTAINMENT. While music is traditional at weddings, you might want to let the outdoor location dictate the entertainment. For instance, you might want to complement the band or DJ with other activities conducive to the location. If your outdoor venue is an elegant estate, perhaps a harpist or flautist would be more appropriate than a band. If the wedding ceremony is in a park, a farm, or even your backyard, consider hiring a horse and carriage to transport the bride and groom to and from the ceremony and to provide guests with rides around the property during the wedding. If the location is a tropical island, perhaps hula dancers would be a fun addition. A good planning tip is to tie in the surroundings with the entertainment and think beyond music.

5. CHOOSING THE WEDDING CAKE. One great way to incorporate the outdoor surroundings and the couple's interests is through the wedding cake. Call several bakeries or pastry chefs, tell them your wedding location plans and other interests and let them use their creativity to create a memorable wedding cake. Then make appointments to see their ideas, taste the different flavors of cake, and make your final decision. As with the caterer, be sure the bakery is familiar with doing outdoor weddings and will design a cake that will hold up to the weather. For instance, you wouldn't want a cake with buttercream frosting if your wedding is being held during the hot summer months.

Once you have these five areas planned, go back to each one and fill in the particulars. With an outdoor wedding, you will find greater flexibility in planning a wedding that best reflects your interests and desires.