Outdoor Wedding Planning Guide

Outdoor weddings are so beautiful. Whether it's a beach, garden or mountainous area, you get to take amazing photographs, take advantage of the natural decor and backdrop and there's lots of room for your guests to move about. However, when planning a wedding, there are a few things you need to consider before deciding on an outdoor wedding.

1.  Plan for Rain. We can try to predict the weather, but we can't control it. If the venue doesn't have an indoor option, you should have a tent set up in case it begins to rain. Tents also protect from the glaring hot sun. Bear in mind that a tent won't be able to protect from a prolonged downpour with heavy winds. The best back-up for rain is to reserve a nearby indoor space. Having a stash of umbrellas is also useful for a light drizzle.

2.  Check for Restrooms. If the venue does not have restroom facilities, you will have to rent portable ones. Make sure to rent enough stalls to handle the number of invited guests. The general rule is, one stall for every 35 guests.

3.  Prepare for Bugs. One way to do this is to have small bottles of insect repellent available for your guests. Some outdoor venues, like a farm, may require professional spraying at least a week before your event.

4.  Check for Electricity. You will have to ensure that electrical outlets or access to electricity is available for music, lighting and other electrical use. A licensed electrician will be required to set-up and verify the proper electrical source and output needed. A back-up generator is also a must!

5.  Think about the Extras. An outdoor venue is a blank canvas. So start thinking about all those items that will be required for the space - tables, chairs, lounge furniture, dance floor, outdoor lighting, linens, tableware. All these, and possibly more depending on your theme and style, will have to be rented.

6.  Accessing the Venue. This should probably be at the top of your list. Will your guests have to drive through miles of country road or walk along a bushy beaten path to get to your idyllic wedding venue? Is there adequate parking, or will you have to shuttle guests throughout the day?

7.  Look at your Budget. By now you should be getting the sense that bringing the indoors to the outdoors will attract additional costs to make the venue as comfortable as possible for you and your guests. Other important costs which you may have to include in your budget are site fees, parking permits, liability insurance, sanitation costs, security and delivery fees.

Still want to have your wedding outdoor? You don't have to take on all that stress. Let Always & Forever help you plan your alfresco dream day. Call us today at 876.834.9492 or email alwaysandforeverja@gmail.com

Happy Planning!