Outdoor Wedding Tips

With the weather finally turning a bit cooler, you may be thinking that it would be nice to plan an outdoor wedding. Sure, you’ll be avoiding the heat and humidity, but there are several other challenges that will greet you once you head outside. So in today’s blog post, I’ve got you covered with a list of some rather unique outdoor wedding tips. Have you ever considered that a floor length dress can lead to bugs crawling up your gown? Read on if you’d like to hear about this plus a few other nightmare scenarios.

My Top Outdoor Wedding Tips

Who wants to stay inside when the weather is so nice out? In Texas, when the weather finally gets below 80°, all of us want to leave the confines of our air-conditioned homes and take a walk in nature. Now is the time to finally schedule that outdoor wedding. And while saying, ‘I do’ in the great outdoors can be a wonderful experience, there are a few challenges you need to keep in mind. Here are my top outdoor wedding tips.

Outdoor Wedding Tips – Plan Ahead

Have a game plan with nature in mind. When you are putting together your schedule for the day, focus on letting guests interact with and enjoy the natural surroundings. The whole point of having an outdoor wedding is to be able to touch grass. Don’t confine your guests. Rather, lead them throughout the evening from one space to the next so that they get to see as much of the open air, natural environment as possible.

Remember daylight savings time and that it is going to get dark early. If your wedding is scheduled in winter, then this applies to you. I don’t know how many brides have been caught by surprise on the fact that daylight savings time means that the sun will set early. Often, this means that the couple didn’t plan ahead and their ceremony will be in the dark. Don’t let this be you; know when the sun will set.

Outdoor Wedding Tips – Texas Weather is a Bitch

Have a tent. I repeat: have a tent. A tent works to protect you in case of rain, but also in case of wind. If your venue has a rain back up location indoors with sufficient space, then great. But if it doesn’t, and you’re going to be stuffing all of your guests inside in a cramped room, then a tent might be your best option in case of inclement weather. Also, if your event is outdoors in the winter, then make sure you get heaters to keep the tent warm.

It will still be hot, so plan ahead of time. In Texas, it can be 90° up until the middle of October. Make sure you provide cold water and fans to keep your guests comfortable.

Outdoor Wedding Tips – How to Look Your Best

Don’t bother with heels. If you are going to be walking over grass down the aisle to your beloved, don’t even bother with thin heels that will have you sinking into the ground. Either get rid of the heels altogether and go with flats, or choose a chunkier heel that will keep you from sinking into the earth.

Know that your dress will get dirty. There is no getting around it: if you’re going to be outdoors, then your dress is probably going to get a bit dirty around the edges. Plan accordingly with a few stain pens, or some other way to take out dirt from your dress. It’s not the end of the world, and no one is going be looking at the bottom of your dress.

Outdoor Wedding Tips – Bugs, bugs, bugs

Floor-length tablecloths and dresses give bugs something to crawl up. Yes, you read that correctly. Bugs do have a tendency to like to explore. I’ve heard some horror stories of brides wearing tulle dresses and having bugs crawling straight up. You have been warned.

Speaking of bugs, have bug spray ready. Tiki torches are a great idea, as is providing bug spray for guests. The idea is that you want to keep everyone comfortable and to keep the pests at bay.

Outdoor Wedding Tips – Reception Details

Use heavier utensils and plates so they don’t blow away in the wind. No one needs to be chasing their silverware during dinner. If you are going to be outside, you don’t want to have your place settings blowing away. Go for a heavier plate and silverware set so that it will stick where you put it during dinner.

Restrooms can make or break a venue. If you are at an outdoor venue that provides restrooms, do yourself a favor and check out the restroom facilities. If you were a guest, would you be comfortable using these bathrooms? Spruce them up as best you can by providing some niceties in little baskets for guests. You can also place flowers in vases and decorate the space so that it looks as pleasant as possible. If the bathrooms are too small and cannot accommodate your guest count, then renting restrooms is your best choice.

Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding outdoors is not all that different from hosting an indoor event, with the exception of creepy crawlies. Guest comfort is, of course, a top priority. And as long as you can protect your guests from inclement weather and the onslaught of pests, then everyone should have a great time. The key is planning ahead and then simply relaxing and enjoying the natural world around you.

Enjoy the images accompanying this article from several of my favorite outdoor weddings. As always, I will have more photo adventures for you next week!

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