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Wedding Planning - Wedding Tips

15 Essential Outdoor Wedding Tips to Ensure a Picture Perfect Wedding Day

From having a weather contingency plan to considering photography timing and wedding decor, planning an outdoor wedding can be both exciting and a little bit overwhelming!

But don’t stress!!!

These essential outdoor wedding tips listed below are meant to help you feel completely prepared for your special day.

So, whether you just started planning your wedding or your wedding day is coming up, these outdoor wedding tips will help to make sure that your big day is stress free and unforgettable!

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A bride and groom at a beach wedding with text over the photo that says outdoor wedding tips.

Essential Outdoor Wedding Tips

Visit Your Outdoor Wedding Venue

Make sure to visit your outdoor wedding, venue ahead of time so that you familiarize yourself with it.

You want to get an idea of the layout, asses any potential issues, and asses any areas you want to decorate.

If you are having your wedding at a venue, not near your house, consider taking some photos of the venue while you are visiting to look back at later when planning seating, decorations, or anything else related to your big day!

Weather Contingency Plan

Always remember that even though outdoor weddings are gorgeous, you do have the possibility of weather changes!

So if you really want to have an outdoor wedding, try to plan around the times of year that are super rainy or cold.

Also, try to have a backup plan in case rain does come.

See if your venue has an indoor space to move to, or consider renting a tent that can be used if needed!

Keep Venue in Mind With Decor

As you are choosing your wedding decor, keep the layout of your wedding venue and the season in mind.

You want to choose decor that compliments your venue’s outdoor settings.

For example, if you are getting married during a windy season, you might want to look into heavier wedding decor so they don’t blow away.

Ensure Food Safety

If you are planning on having your wedding reception outside as well, then you want to work with your food caterers to ensure you are implementing food safety.

Make sure to keep food on ice or in thermals that might spoil and to keep food covered when not being used.

Consider Insect Control

You want to consider having bug spray if you are having an outdoor wedding during the spring or summer seasons.

Consider Guest Comfort

Another thing to consider if you are having your wedding during the warm seasons is to have shade or hand held fans to keep your guests cool.

Consider Photography Timing

Make sure to communicate with your wedding photographer about the best times to take your outdoor wedding photos.

Also, think about getting some photos during the golden hour and the sunset hour.

Have Comfortable Seating

Make sure to provide comfortable seating for your guests and consider arranging them in a circle or a half circle so that all of your guests get a good view of you and your fiancé saying ‘I Do’.

Additional Lighting Options

If your wedding is in the evening, make sure to have proper lighting for both aesthetics and safety.

Consider string lights, lanterns, or candles.

Consider a Sound System

Outdoor venues might require a more powerful sound system to ensure everyone can hear your wedding ceremony and music clearly.

Close Bathroom Facilities?

You also want to make sure that there are nearby restrooms at your outdoor wedding venue for both you and your wedding guests.

Permits or Regulations?

Also, make sure to check with your local authorities or with the wedding venue to see about any permits needed for outdoor events.

Be aware of noise restrictions and your wedding venue’s cutoff times.

Wedding Attire

Inform your wedding guests about your outdoor wedding venue so they can dress appropriately.

You also want to make sure to let your guests know what season you plan on getting married in so they can dress cooler for summer weddings or warmer for winter weddings.

Parking and Transportation

Arrange for parking or transportation options for your wedding guests, and make sure to let them know where to go to park.

Is It Accessible?

Make sure that your wedding venue is accessible to all of your wedding guests, including those with mobility challenges.

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