What Are the 4 Key Things to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Wedding?
Outdoor weddings allow couples to tie the knot surrounded by not just beloved friends and family members but also plenty of beautiful scenery. Whether they take place on the beach, at a vineyard, or in a backyard, there are a few things that couples need to consider when planning an outdoor wedding. Read on to find out about three of the most important of them.
Make Plans for Catering
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Experienced wedding caterers like those employed by Stamford Catering know what it takes to keep guests fed, hydrated, and happy in any setting. They have all the equipment required to keep food hot or cold and serve it under elegant conditions outdoors. That being said, couples planning outdoor weddings should still do their best to provide an indoor area to their caterers for setting up, prepping, plating, and staging.
Don’t have access to a fully enclosed, air-conditioned, and powered structure at the wedding location? That’s fine. Just make sure to provide a tent that will create protection from the elements and a generator to provide power. If even a tent is out of reach, tell the caterer and ask what dishes, drinks, or deserts can still be served without any modern amenities.
Have a Backup Plan
Most outdoor wedding venues also have indoor spaces that guests can use if the worst should happen and it starts to rain. Since wedding receptions can be quite long, many brides and grooms even opt to hold the ceremony outdoors and the reception inside. This makes it easier to manage inclement weather events. In a worst-case scenario, the tables for the reception can be pushed to the sides of the room to allow space for the ceremony.
For those who live in mild climates, having a tent as a backup plan may also be a good idea. Large, high-quality tents will provide adequate protection against moderate wind and rain, but they won’t do much if the weather goes south fast. Since they don’t have floors, heavy rain can soak the ground beneath them and leave couples and their guests dealing with soggy, muddy shoes.
Whether the backup plan involves a tent or a last-minute change to an indoor venue, be prepared to provide for the guests. Supply large umbrellas to keep the wedding party and guests dry as they move from their cars to the tent or indoor venue if it’s pouring rain and consider adding patio heaters to a tent if the weather might turn cold. Supply large umbrellas for rain to keep the wedding party and guests dry as they move from their cars to the tent or indoor venue if it’s pouring rain and consider adding patio heaters to a tent if the weather might turn cold.
Consider Comfort
Personal comfort can be a problem at outdoor weddings even in the best of circumstances, and guests can only do so much to dress for the occasion. If it will be sunny and hot, try not to force guests to sit in the sun for hours. Provide plenty of shade and offer everyone ice-cold water as they are seated. It’s also wise to have sunscreen on hand for anyone who forgot to bring it.
Couples who live in exceptionally warm places may want to rent electric fans. Those who are planning fall weddings should request that their guests wear extra layers or stock up on lap blankets and portable heaters. If you’re looking for fantastic ideas then check out these wonderful wedding supplies here.
Start Planning Now
While it’s impossible to accurately predict the weather months in advance, couples who want to have outdoor weddings still need to start planning early. Get in touch with the venue, caterer, and other professionals now and inform them of the plans to make sure everyone will be ready on the big day.
