The Do’s And Don’ts Of An Outdoor Wedding

With the summer shortly upon us, many people are hoping to use the enhanced weather to tie the knot with their significant other. The pandemic-related regulations around gatherings are likely to be lifted soon, and as with travel or holiday planning, people are rushing out to get their outdoor party and wedding venues booked and paid for. Here are a few dos and don’ts for the big day if you’re planning for it to be outdoors.

Do

• Go see the venue before you book it and test drive it if possible. The recommendation would be to stay over for a weekend, use the toilets and showers, and get to know the hosts. Are they Covid safe, and do they practice a monitored cleaning regime? You need to know exactly what you’re paying for and what your wedding guests are going to experience. Never book the venue from the brochure alone. The beautiful lawned and treed backdrop may not still be there, and unless you ask or go see it yourself, the hosts may not say. You will need to narrow it down on paper first, so you don’t spend half the year simply driving around the countryside checking out wedding venues.
• Have the right shoes. This one sounds quite obvious, yet it’s one of those things that always seems to occur, as high heels or dress shoes literally get caught underfoot in the grass or sand. There’s no point in having a dream wedding planned for the beach or picturesque riverbank and then the bride or guests getting stuck in the mud or sand. Keep the footwear practical and suited to the terrain at your venue. Or, if the heels are a must, ensure that your hosts or planner can lay down an appropriate walking surface, not only for the bride and groom but for your guests as well. There are a number of inobtrusive options, so it doesn’t have to be gravel or sawdust, both of which tend to make it a bit dusty.
• Be specific if you are using a wedding planner or venue/host. Make sure that they know exactly what it is you want. If you don’t want the stress and anxiety of the day and go with a full-service provider, make sure that you’ve already done the initial planning. You want to hand over your ideas and needs allowing them to make these a reality. If you haven’t thought it through and made a few decisions as to what you like and don’t like, you could end up with someone else’s special day. Be clear and unambiguous with your planners, and you’ll get the day you’ve dreamt of.
• Research the prospects and ensure that you’re able to see their previous work or at least read reviews as to how they have managed an outdoor wedding in the past. If you are handing over any of the responsibilities for the big day, make sure that they are tried and tested. Enjoy and insist on sampling or tasting of meals and the cake and make sure that you see example flower arrangements. Though you may have been specific and clear from the outset and have a wonderful wedding planner, you will still need to see, taste, and critique samples.

Don’t

• Expect it not to rain. Regardless of what the weather says, plan for rain. Have a backup plan or incredibly large umbrellas available. There’s nothing worse than getting soaked through by a flash shower and then being expected to carry on with a day of festivities. Yes, it’s only rain, but you’d rather have a gazebo and some form of covered option for your guests.
• Don’t expect guests to drive home after the wedding reception. If you’re having an outdoor wedding and reception, plan for nearby wedding accommodation rather than expecting guests to drive home. Alternatively, you can arrange a shuttle service. You can do your initial research on sleepover options and get ideas at Yurtel for Luxury Wedding glamping accommodation.
• Don’t make it a surprise for anyone. If you’re planning for the wedding to be outdoors, either the ceremony or the reception, you need to let everyone know. From the people delivering your cake, the hairstylist and your decorators, planning for the outdoors is important. There will be nothing worse than the cake delivery getting stuck in a muddy field that was unanticipated. Let people know and ensure that they have ample knowledge of the terrain so they can dress appropriately.

Lastly, you need to remember that an outdoor wedding in the current climate is likely to be allowed for more people than one held indoors. The increased airflow and ventilation provide for a more Covid safe event. Not only are outdoor weddings trending, but they provide a safer option than large indoor gatherings.

These are simple tips to make your outdoor extravaganza a day to remember.