Having a wedding outdoors can be a challenge. However, if I had to pick a season, I would say Fall. The weather is usually nice, with comfortable temperatures. The leaves changing colors can be a beautiful scene for your wedding. Choose an outdoor area that will accommodate your guest. Always make sure you have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather. Tents might be a good idea to have on stand-by.
There are a few themes that you can work with in relation to Fall such as harvest, thanksgiving or just elegant with fall colors. Depending on your theme, decorating for a Fall wedding can be fun and quite easy. Pumpkins can add a beautiful accent to harvest and thanksgiving themes. For an elegant wedding with Fall accents you can add Fall colors to the bridesmaid dresses and bridal bouquet.
If you like a harvest idea, pick out pumpkins, gourds, straw, wheat and Indian corn for decorating.
If you are having your wedding near Thanksgiving, add some cornucopias and turkeys to the decorations for fun.
Decide what time of the day that you want to have the ceremony. If you like to have a daytime wedding, you might pick decorations that illuminates. Evening wedding decorations can consist of lots of candles and batter-operated candles.
Public gardens in your area may be a great option for you. Take a weekend and visit the ones that interest you. Choose a place that will be convenient for both families and friends.
Water front lakes and beaches can be unforgettable settings. If you choose a public beach, contact the city department that the beach is regulated by, and ask for permission and procedures that you may need to follow. Public lake areas for a wedding, will also need you to contact the appropriate officials for permission and procedures to follow.
Outdoor weddings will need to be set-up early the day of the ceremony, due to weather and security reasons. Make sure you have someone in charge that knows exactly what needs to be there at the site and places for everything to be, as the bride and groom wishes.
A beautiful tent set up at the ceremony location, would be a great idea for pre-ceremony drinks for the guest. The tent will allow a cover for unsightly coolers that may need to be used.
If you want elegance, you could hire a violinist or a sting instrumental ensemble to perform before the ceremony for the guest and during the ceremony. Check with any local music schools in your area, or ask friends and family for a referral.
You will need chairs, tables, candelabras and ect. You can ask your church if you could borrow chairs and tables for your ceremony. If that is not an option check with the tent rental companies. Local florist normally carries candelabras and related wedding items for rent.
Choosing if you want to serve a meal to your guest is an option. You can plan a meal as elegant as a five star restaurant or as casual as a backyard cook-out. Talk with local restaurants about catering and if they are equipped to serve food outdoors. Make sure the restaurant/caterer will have all the items that you specifically ask for.
Decorate with Fall colored ribbons attached to the center isle chairs. Decorate with pumpkins everywhere. Carve a monogram into the pumpkins and use them all over the outdoor area. Use lots of fall colored leaves to decorate tables and the center isle of the ceremony.
If you decide on an evening ceremony, try setting up several chimeneas or fire pits all around the ceremony and reception area for warmth and decoration. Try using illuminating the pathway for the guest with simple white paper bags filled half way with sand and put a tea light inside or to prevent a fire hazard, put battery operated flame less tea lights.
After the ceremony, the reception can be held outdoors if you desire. However this might be difficult with food involved. I suggest that you call a professional catering service to ask about outdoor wedding events, and if they can keep the cakes cool until time for the reception. If the catering company can handle with outdoor reception, try having a beautiful white tent available for the cakes and drinks. This will protect the food from outdoor elements.
Have tables and chairs set up in a designated outdoor area for the reception. As I mentioned above, have the elegant tent set up either in the middle or to one side of the collaborative of tables and chairs. Choose simple tablecloths and Fall colored candles maybe in a hurricane type globe for light. Add small pumpkins and fall colored ribbons to add charm to the table decorations.
Take your time when choosing the location for your wedding. Make sure that this is definitely the special place that you want to reserve. Think carefully about the theme and decorations that you wish to make your day your very own. If you have any concerns, talk with professionals to ensure you are making a good decision. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Keep an alternate indoor location on stand-by.
