Outdoor Wedding: Tips For Those Considering To Test Mother Nature

It seems like a beautiful day - a day to end all days and a day to begin the rest of your life. This is a beautiful day to have an outdoor wedding. After all, the birds chirping is accompanied by the wind softly rustling in the trees - and as the wind blows softly against your gown, the sweet aromatic smell of roses fills the air.

Ah, love is in the air - and so are the bugs! - and a 20% chance of showers; which may not be too bad because the local weather says it could reach 100 degrees this afternoon - are you getting the idea?

Before going too far in planning an outdoor event (especially "the" event) you probably should consider a few of the possible pitfalls of outdooring it; once you have a handle on these potential problems and possible difficulties, and you still believe you want an outdoor wedding, we'll give you some creative practical tips and decorative hints to help you get it all done with as little difficulty as possible.

Let's start with a little common sense and a lot of out-of-sight-out-of-mind potential problems (see if you can find a few common threads here):

1. Weather (a): Is it usually very windy this time of year? Spending your ceremony brushing hair out of your face is not going to be one of your wedding day highlights!
2. Weather (b): What do you think the chances of rain will be? Think of the sweet smell of rain - and wet clothes. Think of how you and your guests would look soaking wet? Think of the TITANIC!
3. Weather (c): What about a few other things like temperature and humidity?
4. Pollen count? Now if you are one of those rare people who doesn't have allergies you have NO idea of what the phrase "pollen count" really means but for the bride who is prone to allergies (which often includes grasses) a high pollen count could mean sniffles upon sniffles upon hacking cough and bloodshot eyes and ... well, hopefully you get the picture because you won't want to be in any pictures if pollens drive you nuts! Without seeming just too, too maudlin just a couple of other potential problem areas need to be addressed:
5. Is there any construction going on in your neighborhood? Do they work on the day of your wedding? Is it noisy work? Is it dusty work (as in "blowing in the wind")?
6. Are there roads nearby? Not just streets in a quiet neighborhood but ROADS, like highways, busy places, places where many cars and trucks make plenty of noise?

OK, enough about the joys of outdooring it. I have to assume if you are still reading, you are still looking at the outdoor wedding - sooo - let's see if we can help.

It is always a good idea when planning a wedding and reception to pick a location that has both indoor and outdoor facilities. That way, if needed, the party can be moved indoors. If the indoor/outdoor scenario is difficult to find or budget for then a party tent may be a must.

A tent can be a fun and decorative idea but may also be a costly one as well. Tents come in various sizes and styles and can include dance floors, heating and air conditioning, and more. Another added expense to a tent is running the electricity (and an extension cord from the house is NOT what I mean by electricity). Remember, besides the need for possible air conditioning you will need lots of power for lighting, sound systems, et al.

CAUTION - don't pick out your wedding dress until after you are sure you are doing the outdoor wedding. Why? you probably wouldn't be very comfortable in a long sleeve, high neck cathedral gown in the middle of August in the middle of your yard (or anybody's yard for that matter). You should opt for a gown that breathes (so you can breathe too) and will allow you to be comfortable.

Once you are properly decorated here are some decorating ideas for your outdoor wedding.

1. Think timing when you plan outdooring it. If you plan to marry during a warm time of the year be sure to remember the hottest part of the day is late in the afternoon. You may want to start early (late morning) or start late (early evening) and try to avoid the worst of the heat.
2. If you know it's going to be very hot and/or if you believe you could have a few light sprinkles think about renting a gazebo for the ceremony and using inexpensive but attractive, and easily manageable, "fly tents" (those tents that have only a top and no sides) for your guests watching the ceremony. If you have the space, a combination of gazebo(s), fly tent(s) and a large "reception" tent can make for a spectacular event.
3. The sweet smell of citronella candles can add a romantic effect to your surroundings while also keeping bugs off of you and your guests.
4. Want a celestial glow? - then torches may be for you. Kerosene lamps are also very effective. Strategically placed around the property (NOT inside or under a tent) they can add a bright and elegant touch to your wedding and reception.
5. While certain flowers may not be in bloom when your wedding is planned, today flowers are imported or grown in hot houses throughout the world and are usually in abundance. However - be prepared. Just in case you don't get exactly what you expect or you don't get exactly as many as you anticipated or whatever - plan to add some silks. Wrapping garlands around the stems of your torches, tent poles, etc. adds a festive touch. Flowers should be a lot of fun - and remember - there really is no such thing as too many flowers!
6. Don't forget the guests! Be sure EVERYONE understands this is an OUTDOOR event and they dress accordingly ... having your great great aunt Hildi pass out during the ceremony due to the heat is another one of those "wedding highlights" you can probably do without.
7. Be sure that the professionals you select to work with have "outdoor" experience. Photographers need to have a good background in working in natural light, under trees, around shadows, etc. Caterers need to provide foods and food displays that keep well under warm conditions.