Outdoor locations can be beautiful backdrops for a wedding ceremony. The bride and groom create a personal experience with the choices of location. From beaches to beautiful gardens, historical sites to a gazebo at an overlook, there is a perfect location for every couple. Some places are available for minimal cost, while others can be free! It is a personal choice that says a lot about the couple. With an outdoor wedding ceremony, there is a lot to consider. Issues can arise that should be planned for in advance. With a little planning and foresight, the wedding should go off without problem.
Guests
Examine the location ahead of time. See how many guests can be reasonably accommodated there. Will it be a short ceremony where chairs are not needed or an extended ceremony where they should be provided? Make sure the location will allow chairs at the wedding site you are interested in. Do provide benches, chairs or places to sit for senior citizen or disabled guests who need to sit. On the wedding invitation, provide detailed instructions on how to get to the location, especially if it is not right at the road.
Lighting
A sunset wedding on the beach is very romantic, but it will also be a rushed affair unless there is lighting provided in that area of the beach. Otherwise, guests will have to make their way to vehicles parked a walk away with minimal lighting. In any situation, the time of day and adequate lighting after the ceremony is needed. The lack of lighting could cause some guests to leave early in order to safely return to the vehicle. This is not a festive end to a joyous occasion. Having the wedding an hour earlier will give a relaxed timetable for the wedding to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Weather
This is the big one when it comes to outdoor weddings. There needs to be plans in case Mother Nature steps in to shake things up on your wedding day. Luckily, in the three outdoor weddings and four outdoor receptions I have participated in, the weather was not a major factor. It is something that needs to be considered. Weather happens every day so it is a risk. Rain, intense winds, heat and cold snaps all can influence the ability to perform a wedding ceremony outside. An alternative location should be identified and prepared. Alternatively, plans for temporary shelters could be in place if the location allows it.
Distance to reception location
I know someone who had her wedding at a picturesque location 2 hours from home. Four hours after the wedding ceremony, she had the wedding reception close to home. This two hour drive immediately after the ceremony never sat well with me. The location of your reception should be within a reasonable distance or an informal reception should be held at another time. Reasonably, travel time should be no more than 15-30 minutes.
Decorations
Temporary decorations can add to your location. Decorated mini flower pots surrounding the bride and groom or larger potted plants can give a quick transformation to an outside environment. Try to incorporate as much of the natural beauty of the outdoor environment as possible into your idea of decorating.
My wedding was outside and I would not have had it any other way. A beautiful historical stone building with a waterfall was the backdrop. Beautiful pictures with friends, family and my husband remind me of the day.
