Making Your Outdoor Wedding a Success
Key considerations when planning an outdoor wedding
Many couples choose to marry outdoors, whether beachside or in a backyard, embracing the beauty of nature. There are countless benefits to having an outdoor wedding, but there are some things you should consider to make the day successful and enjoyable for all.
Have a Weather Plan
Having a weather plan is vital if you’re getting married in Florida. This is even more important during hurricane season. Luckily, in a state where the sun can shine one minute and a downpour the next, many venues have indoor and outdoor options on the same property. While you can plan for it, and we certainly hope your outdoor wedding happens, it’s also important to visualize your wedding in that indoor space so you aren’t too disappointed or surprised should inclement weather arise. If you’re getting married at a state park or other outdoor option with no indoor backup available, consider having a tent rental on standby, having an offsite backup location ready to host you or determining how long you’re willing to wait out the weather. Be sure to ask your venue what their hurricane or disaster policy is if a storm takes the route your venue is on.
Restroom Facilities
If you’re marrying at what’s marketed as a wedding venue and have a staff dedicated to weddings, logistics is not something you will likely need to worry about. Still, if you’re marrying at a state or national park, a secluded piece of property or a friend’s backyard, there are some elements you’ll need to consider. You’ll need to know if sufficient bathrooms are available on-site or within reasonable walking distance. If your wedding is taking place at someone’s home or private space, you’ll need to determine if there is a suitable number for your guests. If not, restroom trailers can be rented for your event.
Travel and Parking
Should your location be remote, difficult to navigate, or in an area where rideshare services are unavailable or with limited parking, it’s best to offer your guests a shuttle, bus or other transportation service. You can also ask the outdoor facility provider if parking options, such as a garage or lot, are nearby.
Proper Sound Equipment
When outdoors, it’s difficult to control elements like the wind, birds or passing traffic. Where many indoor venues have the proper sound equipment and acoustics, outdoor venues are not typically set up that way. You can ask the venue if the indoor equipment can be moved outdoors or if the proper mic equipment can be rented for the couple and the officiant. Even if you think your speaking voice is loud enough, it likely isn’t for the people in the back row. Your guests want to hear your vows, so it’s important to ensure you can be heard.
Communicate with Guests
The guest experience is vital. They’ll want a heads-up if they need to walk over rocks, trek through sand or spend hours in the sun so they can dress accordingly. The best place to convey this information is on your wedding website. Where your ceremony is taking place can also help inform your dress code. An outdoor, paved veranda ceremony followed by an indoor reception could be a very different dress code from a state park wedding with an outdoor tented reception.
Provide Supplies
Furthering the guest experience and making them comfortable while outdoors is key. Consider shaded spaces, whether large umbrellas or designated trees near the ceremony space. If it’s hot, have a table or baskets supplying fans, sunscreen, bug spray, sunscreen, ChapStick and more in the ceremony area for guests to grab. For cooler months, consider having shawls, blankets or outdoor space heaters available. No matter the time of year, guests will appreciate a beverage station. Water is necessary, but you could also include tea, lemonade, sodas, coffee or a signature drink that represents your union.
Nighttime Lighting
As the sun sets, you’ll need to transition to artificial light. Whether at the ceremony or reception, you’ll want to have sufficient light in any place where people are — the ceremony seats, the dining tables, the dance floor and surrounding the couple’s table. Also, anywhere that would need to be navigated in the dark such as on the path to the restrooms or parking. Work alongside your planner to determine how many, what kind and where to rent the necessary lights.
Noise Ordinances and Other Laws
Whether in the suburbs or downtown, if you’re in a residential area, there’s a noise ordinance. Work with your venue coordinator or planner to determine the noise ordinance for your area. Additionally, you’ll want to inquire about any other laws. For example, state and national parks can have extensive laws. Beaches alsol have ordinances on sea turtles, beach bonfires and more.
Feature photo courtesy of Ynot Images