Planning An Outdoor Wedding

Some of the most memorable weddings are those that take place outside. Unfortunately, many of them are memorable for bad reasons, as well as, good ones!  We are going to talk about the different types of outdoor weddings as well as give some tips for planning one.


Types of Outdoor Weddings

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• Community Park Weddings- Almost every community has a variety of beautiful parks that can serve as a venue for weddings.  Often these venues have a low cost to utilize, which can be helpful on a tight budget. Contact your town or cities Parks and Recreation Department for rates and regulations.  Often these locations have shelters or buildings that can be utilized if the weather turns bad.

• Backyard Weddings- If you or a friend or relative have a large backyard, this can often be a very low cost venue.  A nearby garage or home can be an emergency back up shelter if the weather turns.
  

• Beach Weddings- If you live near a beach, or are doing a destination wedding, beach weddings can be some of the most exotic and beautiful venues around.

• Sports Stadium Weddings- If your dream wedding involves a local sports team, the stadium parking lot can be a low cost venue.  Flexibility is key for a venue like this.

• Ranch or Farm Weddings-  For a country themed wedding, a farm or a ranch can be a great location....often with barns or other buildings in the backdrop, pictures can also be wonderful.
  

Tips and Tricks
 

• Make sure whatever venue you use, that you have permission to use it.  While public parks are open to the public, that doesn't mean you can throw a large party there without permission.  You may need a permit or pay a small fee to the parks department.  When dealing with a sports stadium make sure you contact the stadium manager for details ahead of time.
  

 

• Make sure you clean up before the ceremony as well as after...can anyone say “pooper scooper” if there is a dog around!
  

• Have a back up plan.  Weather can be an outdoor weddings worse friend.  In case of bad weather you need to have a building you can move to, or at the very least a tent set up and ready to go.
  

 

• Check local ordinances. If you are having alcohol, many parks and local beaches will have restrictions...make sure you know what they are. 
  

 

• Beware the bugs.  Pretty self-explanatory but 'skeeter spray may be a good idea.
  

• Dress for the temperature.  A heavy wedding dress, while beautiful, is not good if you pass out from heat stroke.  Also, saying your vows while stuttering with cold isn't a good memory.  In summer, dress appropriately, have parasols or umbrellas for sun protection.  Slippers instead of high heels if you are walking on the beach or the grass so you don't trip.

 

• Keep track of the kiddies. Kids will be kids, even more so when they are out in the open.  The desire to run and play will often win out over the parents wishes to sit still.
  

 

• Beware the wind.  Not only do you need to make sure all decorations are securely fastened, let's not forget what the wind can do to a veil or hairdo. 
  

 

• K.I.S.S.- Keep it Simple Sweetie is a good rule to follow.  With the opportunity from wind and weather for more things to go wrong, the simpler the wedding is the less likely for problems.  Tone down the decorations and other things you bring in and highlight the natural beauty of the venue.
  

You can have a wonderful, beautiful, and memorable outdoor wedding.  The key is to have backup plans.  What 
happens if the weather turns, if the wind kicks up or the mosquitoes swarm?  Plan for the worse and hope for the best and you will not be disappointed. 

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