Things to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Your wedding is one of the single biggest events that will ever happen in your life. For most women, they've dreamed of this day since they were little girls, whether it was dressing themselves up in white sheets or having mock ceremonies with their friends. An outdoor wedding is the dream setting for a lot of people. However, there are many risks and factors you must take into consideration before deciding to go through with the outdoor wedding. Here are just few of those challenges:

Finding a location.
Most locations, whether it's on a beach, park, or plantation, only allow the wedding ceremony to take place on the grounds. It's up to you to find a convenient spot for the reception. If you're set on having the reception and wedding together then you're automatically narrowing down the locations. Also, most perfect outdoor locations have their own set of rules and regulations. For instance, some won't allow alcohol to be served on the premises, while others won't allow amplified music to be played. In fact, it is my experience that alcohol service is only permitted at private city parks and beaches. Public areas don't allow this consumption, and there is a special fee and permit that needs to be obtained from the city. You'll also need a proof of liability insurance. Be sure to check with the Parks and Recreation Department before you start planning.

Also, if you've found a location then take into consideration whether or not the amount of guests you have planned to attend will be able to fit in the particular space provided. Make sure that your guests will not be cramped in the space, and put in the awkward position of fighting over seats.

Comfort of Your Guests
Personally, I believe this is perhaps the most important factor when considering an outdoor wedding. The comfort of you and your guests is very important. Be sure that there are adequate restroom facilities nearby for your guests. In areas where you expect the humidity and heat to be a factor, I highly recommend setting up some sort of canopy or tent for your guests. If it's your choice to have an outdoor wedding then you need to provide your guests with some sort of relief. Keep in mind that most of your guests will be wearing suits and dresses. That, combined with the heat, can make for a very unpleasant experience and will certainly change your guests' thoughts on your wedding. If your budget allows, provide some type of heater or cooler to put them in a comfortable state. This consideration should also include those working at your wedding. For instance, the musicians playing at your wedding should be provided with shade to keep them cool while they're working.

Unexpected Elements
The weather and unexpected elements associated with an outdoor wedding can quickly ruin your day. It's important that you plan for everything. The number one reason most couples don't wed outdoors is because the uncertainty of the weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Though there is absolutely no solution to the weather, you can have a full proof backup plan in the event that the weather doesn't hold up for your day. Rent out an indoor space that's nearby or set up an emergency tent so you and your guests can relocate to the safety of covered shelter. Rain doesn't have to ruin your wedding day if you have a backup plan.

Most recently I had an unpleasant experience in an outdoor wedding. Dressed in a tuxedo, the humidity was through the roof that day, but that wasn't my main problem. There was a terrible problem with mosquitoes. Anytime you have an outdoor event then you're inviting the elements to join in. Plan for insects such as ants, bees, and wasps to invade your wedding. Have a bug spray or anti-venom solution nearby for your guests to use.

Photographers and Videographers also must deal with the unforeseen elements. Be sure to choose a photographer that is comfortable with extreme natural light conditions. Ask to see their pictures for proof. If your outdoor wedding is in the evening, do research on what time it usually starts getting dark. I've been at a wedding before where the bridge and groom didn't take into consideration when they planned the wedding 8 months prior that it would be getting darker earlier in the late summer. The result was the majority of their ceremony was in the dark and the photographs weren't what they originally expected.

Decorations are affected by the outdoor elements as well. A florist can help you choose the right flowers that will withstand the full sun during the ceremony. Also, your wedding cake runs the chance of melting during the ceremony. Talk with your caterer to see which cakes hold up better than others, like the mouse-filled cake, during the ceremony.

Parking
Depending on the size of your wedding, parking can be an issue. While some locations offer their own parking lot, others may charge a flat fee of $5.00. It's not proper etiquette to expect your guests to pay for their parking, being that you decided to have the outdoor wedding in the first place. Have some sort of prearrangement with the parking company where you will pay in advance for your guests' parking fee. Another problem is that if there isn't a designated lot then your guests will have to fight the general public for places. Whether it's on street parking or a public lot, make sure you cover all angles. With on street parking there is probably meters. Hire someone to go around during the ceremony and reception to place quarters in the meters.