The warmer temperatures and sunshine have re-ignited our love for outdoor weddings! Choosing to have an outdoor wedding can be risky but super rewarding and unique. There are a few extra pieces to the puzzle when planning an outdoor affair so make sure to take the extra time to plan out every last detail. Here are a few things you might want to think about if you are also dreaming of an outdoor wedding day.
TENTS:
If you are only holding the ceremony outside, you probably don’t need to worry about this one. If your entire day will take place in the outdoors this is something you will want to consider. What we love about tents is they come in all sizes and styles. If you are looking for a simple backyard wedding or a glamorous affair on private property, you can find a tent that fits your style and needs. Don’t forget to make sure the tent you choose works on the surface of your venue, different surfaces (grass vs. concrete, etc.) call for different tents.
WEATHERPROOF:
Supplying a tent is a great way to ease your worries about the heat of the summer sun irritating guests or a rain shower ruining the fun. But simply supplying a tent won’t do the trick, especially when it comes to more extreme weather conditions. If you are planning an outdoor summer wedding, you may want to bring fans or portable air condition units. Winter…you will definitely want some portable heaters or consider a bonfire for a fun way to warm up your guests. But let’s face it… no matter how prepared you might be sometimes the weather is just not on our side, so always secure a backup indoor option for the worst case scenario.
BUGPROOF:
Minnesotans are no stranger to the pesky bugs that accompany our beautiful summer nights. Consider hiring an exterminator to spray your site a day or two before the big day to eliminate the pesky bugs. Using candles? Simply replace the traditional candles with citronella for added mosquito control.
THE EXTRAS:
With the beautiful outdoor scenery, you don’t need to go over the top in the décor department, but you will want to add a few elements to dress up the natural beauty. This includes beautiful curtains or draping, chandeliers (if your tent allows it)
FURNISHINGS:
One thing that doesn’t come with an outdoor venue is comfortable built-in seating options. Enhance your outdoor space with soft seating lounges.
SET THE MOOD:
We love the look of paper lanterns, café lights or romantic twinkling lights for the evening hours at an outdoor reception. Keep in mind, there will not be any overhead lighting like you would have at an indoor space so make sure you are providing enough light to keep the party going into the later hours of the night.
THE MENU:
We encourage you to get creative with the menu for an outdoor wedding. You don’t have to stick with the traditional steak and chicken options that most ballrooms and country clubs provide. Think clam bakes, barbeque-inspired dishes, or even a pig roast! If the wedding is taking place in warm weather season you will definitely want some non-alcoholic refreshments. We love infused waters, lemonade, and iced tea for the outdoor setting.
THE ESSENTIALS:
Don’t overlook all the standard accommodations that would come along with an indoor venue… hint hint, restrooms! Don’t worry, we would never suggest porta-potties. You can rent luxury portable restrooms that include all the amenities a standard indoor restroom would have. Dress it up with some specialty soaps and flowers the extra wow factor! You should provide about 1 stall for every 30-40 guests to ensure no one is spending too much time in line for the restroom and not enough time on the dance floor!
Resource: The Knot
