Outdoor ceremonies and receptions can be beautiful – if done right. While spending your big day outside can seem picture-perfect, it comes with both pros and cons. Take these eight dos and don’ts into consideration before deciding to invite Mother Nature to your wedding.
DO bring a pair of backup shoes.
Depending on your ceremony, photography and reception locations, you may need to nix the heels. Wearing even the shortest pumps can make navigating through sand, grass or rocks tricky. It’s a good idea to bring an inexpensive pair of flats that you don’t mind getting dirty for these terrains.
DON’T hire an inexperienced photographer.
Capturing the right lighting for outdoor pictures can be tricky. Depending on the time of day and location, you’ll need an expert photographer to ensure your pictures turn out just right. Ask potential photographers if they have outdoor experience and make sure you view some samples before you book.
DO have a backup plan.
The main concern with an outdoor weddings is unpredictable weather. If you choose to have all or even part of your nuptials indoors, talk to the venue about inclement weather options. Some places allow you to move indoors, while others offer tent rentals. Decide who will make the call and work out the logistics ahead of time.
DONT forget the sunscreen.
You might not want to smell like coconut on your wedding day, but you also don’t want to get a sunburn, which could ruin both your look and your comfort. Make sure to wear sunscreen on all exposed areas of your body, especially your face.
DO consider your guests.
Make sure you guests will be comfortable outdoors. If the weather is warm, consider tents, canopies, fans, bottled water, etc. If the weather is cold, consider blankets, portable heaters and hot cocoa!
DON’T spend too much time on decorations.
When you have an outdoor wedding, the scenery should be the focus. Don’t worry too much about other decorations, which will just distract from the ambiance!
DO consult a DJ.
It can be difficult for your guests to hear the officiant or toasts over crashing waves or windy trees. Consult a DJ about your sound options to make sure everyone can hear you say, “I do!”
DON’T get upset if things don’t go according to plan.
With any wedding, sometimes things are just out of your control and you need to go with Plan B. However, as long as you use these dos and don’t to prepare ahead of time, you can just relax and go with the flow!
