Outdoor Weddings: Pulling Off The Perfect Event
Now that the summer is here, the weather might tempt you into opting for an outside wedding. After all, there is nothing better than marrying the person of your dreams in the sunshine. Before you pull the trigger, though, it’s vital that you understand the difficulty of an outside wedding. Like an indoor one, there is a hell of a lot to plan and organize, plus some. Simply put, it won’t be easy.
Still, nothing should stop your dream wedding from taking place, which is why we’re here to help. Below is a handful of tips that will help you plan the perfect outdoor ceremony. As long as you take the following into consideration, everything should go without a hiccup.
The only hitch will be you and your partner when you both say ‘I do.’
Event Listing
Every bonding of two people needs a wedding checklist and an outside event is no different. Quite simply, there is too much to plan for you to keep it all in your head. Even if you’re a master organizer, you’re bound to miss something that could make all the difference. And, you know that a tiny detail can make or break a wedding. With that in mind, a list is the first step in the right direction. To begin with, write down the general things that you need at every wedding. For example, food and drink for the guests are necessary regardless of the location. Then, think about specific factors like a generator and an overhead cover in case of rain. Try and check them off one at a time so that your stress levels don’t go through the roof.
Backup Plan
Speaking of rain, it’s important to keep the weather in mind and come up with a plan B. A little drizzle isn’t enough to stop you from having the greatest day of your life, even if it is annoying. But, Mother Nature doesn’t always play ball and the rain could be substantially heavier. Or, the wind could whip up and put the whole event at risk. Of course, shielding the guests from the elements if the first port of call. However, a waterproof gazebo might not be enough to save the day. If the weather is too much, you should think about moving it inside. Otherwise, everyone will remember your special day for all the wrong reasons. Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with being flexible. In fact, compromise is often the cornerstone of a successful wedding, that and the presence of the bride and groom.
Guest’s Comfort
Unfortunately, the terrain outside isn’t as comfy as the nice, cozy chapel inside. For one thing, it might not be as warm or sheltered. For another, the chairs tend not to sit well on the ground, which isn’t very comfortable. Plus, there is the fact that outside weddings usually last longer on average than normal ones. Put all of these factors together and it’s a recipe for disaster in the comfort stakes. Of course, most of the guest will grin and bear it until the bitter end, but some people can’t physically get through the day. As a result, it’s a good idea to try and make everyone as comfy as possible. Buying good quality chairs is a nice start, as is adjusting the timings of the wedding. A quick start and an early finish is always enough to wow guests and take their mind off everything else. Oh, and don’t forget to keep them cool if the weather is hot and humid.
Sound System
The next time you watch a movie where the protagonists get married on the beach, ask a simple question. The question is: can everyone hear? When you picture getting married outside, you don’t think about the roaring wind, the crashing waves, and the overall background noise. As a result, there might be a communication problem. Thankfully, it’s easy to remedy with a powerful sound system. A microphone and speakers don’t seem romantic, and they aren’t in fairness. However, they are necessary if you want all of the guests to be able to hear proceedings. There is no need for a hand mic and a master of ceremonies because technology is advanced these days. Instead, opt for an earpiece as it is far sleeker and inconspicuous. Anyway, a sound system is obligatory for the night’s entertainment unless you hire a mime.
Decorations
The natural beauty of Mother Nature means that there isn’t too much left for you to do on the decorations front. Still, She isn’t infallible so you do need to spruce up the place a little bit. Start by supplementing the natural elements such as the plants and flowers. If you like, it is possible to plant your own or at least ask the manager to add more seeds. For the most part, it’s important to focus on the electronics. Lots of outside weddings don’t come inside all night, which means you’re going to need to light the area so that you can see. Plus, it provides a nice contrast that adds to the atmosphere. Fairy lights might not appear to be the most luxurious, but they are simple and effective. This combination often makes an outdoor event look more elegant than the wedding party can imagine. If you want to put up personal items to add character, go ahead. As they say, it’s your party.
Power Outlets
Some of the above should flag up a big issue: power. More to the point, where are you going to get the energy to power the wedding? After all, sound systems and lights won’t work without electricity. Seen as your outside, it obviously isn’t going to be as easy to find a power source. The good news is that you can get creative to solve the problem. All you need is a generator that is big enough to provide power to all of your electronics. The term ‘big enough’ is the operative phrase here because no one wants the outlet to blow half way through the wedding. As long as it has enough juice, you can connect everything to the generator to solve the problem. If you need extra options, there is always the extension cord option. Yep, it isn’t as graceful, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Permits
Of course, if you’re getting married at a hotel there is no need to worry about licenses. At least, there shouldn’t be because the hotel should take care of everything on your behalf. It’s why the price is often as high as it is for an outdoor wedding. If you’re unsure, you should double check with the establishment before the big day. Anyone that is getting hitched by the ocean or at the park needs to be more careful. A wedding is technically an event, and all events require permits before they can go ahead. Let’s face it – the last thing you want is a police officer turning up and shutting it down. With that in mind, head to your local authority for more information as they will tell you what hoops you need to jump through to get the wedding on track. Also, get it in writing just in case anyone questions the occasion before, during or after the wedding. Some people just can’t let others be happy!
Like any wedding, an outdoor one seems daunting. But, everything should go to plan as long as you take it one step at a time. Well, as close to the plan as possible for a wedding!
