Planning Your Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Getting married outside can be lots of fun, and it can be very casual or very formal. If you and your fiancé are outdoors enthusiasts then why not do it?

Having an outdoor wedding also means taking into account the weather, number of guests, and the privacy of your wedding location.
Below are some considerations, venue ideas, and useful tips for planning outdoor wedding ceremonies.

OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES

• Botanical garden
• A church with a courtyard or garden
• A park
• Reception venue with outdoor gardens
• Backyard garden
• Sculpture park
• Mountain top and ski areas
• A zoo
• Gazebo
• Campground
• Ship
• Waterfall
• Pond

Having and outdoor weeding also means taking into consideration the many elements that require special attention. Some common and important things to consider are:

Number of guests - how many guests are you inviting, and will they fit the location?

Seating - will you have to provide seating?

Physical limitations - based on your location, is it barrier free for your guests?

Rain - If it rains, can you rent a tent, or is there an inside backup location nearby?

Umbrellas - Have a few umbrellas available. In the event of rain or hot sunshine, your older guests, babies, and those that sunburn easily will appreciate having one. This thoughtful touch will be remembered because guests will know you cared about their comfort.

Heat - will the ceremony be in full sunlight? Are there shade alternatives?

Sun block - Lotion or spray, guests will appreciate having it available.

Wedding Officiant - Finding the right person to marry you is not only an important decision that can have a huge influence on the tone of the ceremony, but you'll have to make certain that the wedding officiant is willing to perform the kind of outdoor ceremony that you are envisioning.

Music - will your music source require electricity?

Shade - your musicians will need shade.

Water - If your wedding is held in the warm summer months, plan on enough cold beverages for your guests, and keep them available throughout the day. Chilled bottled water or pitchers of iced water is a convenient option.

Rough terrain - if guests must travel over grass, gravel or sand, ask younger relatives to help older aunts and uncles walk to the ceremony area.

Bugs - Don't forget the bug spray!

Chairs - some people cannot stand for any length of time. Have a few chairs or benches available.

Reservations - can you reserve the location? If you are in a public area, consider the effect of uninvited guests and gawkers at your ceremony.

Shoes - what kind of shoes do you plan on wearing for your wedding? Flat or low heels, wedge type, and even flip flops will allow you to walk smoothly.

Maps - Include a map to the ceremony and reception locations in the wedding invitation.

A wedding on the shore of a gorgeous beach, with waves murmuring on the sand and breezes refreshing the wedding party and the guests is a memorable way to get married!

Having a beach themed wedding is an important part of your ceremony and wedding reception. But what do you wear? Is traditional attire going to be feasible?

When planning a beach or tropical wedding, your wedding shirt and clothing in general should always be your first priority. The clothing on your beach wedding is a very important element. It will make you and you wedding party feel attractive, but it needs to be practical, comfortable and elegant. Because this is not a traditional church wedding, a tuxedo, suit or sports jacket will definitely not be an accurate or fitting attire. Not only will the traditional attire be inappropriate, but it will be very impractical, and your wedding party will be very uncomfortable.

There are many resources where you can consider and choose the appropriate wedding attire should you decide to plan a beach or sea-side wedding for your outdoor wedding ceremony.