Outdoor Locations for Weddings

When you think about outdoor locations for weddings, there are a couple of added details that you need to keep in mind simply because of unpredictability of Mother Nature. Your affair can either be the fairytale story of your life or it can transform into a total disaster depending on how well you've prepared. The following tips can be useful when it comes to outdoor locations for weddings and how to plan them.



The Location of the Wedding
Unless you're looking into outdoor areas where there is nearly a 100% guarantee that you are going to have magnificent, sunny and dry weather conditions on the day of your wedding, outdoor locations for weddings should try to have an alternate site nearby where you can effortlessly transfer the ceremony and festivities inside. It would be extremely disheartening to make extensive plans for a luxurious wedding and have it destroyed by rain or even hail.

To allow for the unpredictable, outdoor wedding venue choices should probably include protected eating areas for keeping even the lightest spray from damaging the buffet or cake tables. Secured areas for the DJ and dance floor are also suitable ideas so your DJ keeps the party going even in a downpour.

You also may want to try and set the wedding date for a time that's not bug-friendly, otherwise you, your wedding party and all your guests may get a little bit up later in the evening. You could also use Tiki torches or table lamps with citronella candles and have them lit after the sun goes down. This will add a romantic touch while at the same time keeping the little flying pests at bay.

Notifying Guests of the Outdoor Locations for Weddings


You want to make clear either on the invitation or the RSVP that you are planning your wedding and reception to be outdoors and what the proper attire of the event needs to be.

If you're planning your celebration for a hot summer day, you don't want your guests being uncomfortable because they wore clothing more suitable for sitting inside an air-conditioned building.

This is especially most important for guests coming in from out of town who may not be that familiar with the weather in your area.

The Wedding Party
Bridesmaids' dresses and men's tuxes or suits need to be suitable for the season and temperature as well since you want them to be as comfortable as possible also. For instance, don't select bridal gowns with longer sleeves if it's going to be hot and humid. You may want to keep the bridesmaids in shorter length dresses or dresses that don't necessitate they wear pantyhose if they're not going to be comfortable.

For the groomsmen and ushers, you may allow the suit jackets to be optional, suggesting they only wear the vests. They'll appear just as classy and elegant yet without that hot and suffocating feeling of being stuck in a long-sleeved suit jacket for what could be hours.

The Caterer or Menu
If you're going to contract the services of a caterer, make sure you inform them you're looking into outdoor locations for weddings. They could give you guidance for the suitable menu options for an outdoor function. Also, ask for their views on menus and locations as they may be able to give you suggestions of other outdoor events they've catered that were successful in spite of the weather.

For the bar, if you're having one, be sure to keep lots of water and other non-alcoholic cold drinks on hand to keep your guests refreshed and hydrated, especially if your wedding is going to be in the summer.