Saying "I Do" Under the Open Sky? Things to Consider for Your Outdoor Wedding

An outdoor wedding can be incredibly romantic, offering stunning backdrops and a relaxed atmosphere. But before you envision your perfect al fresco celebration, it's essential to consider a few practical elements to ensure both your comfort and that of your guests.

1. Embracing the Elements: Sun, Rain, and Wind

Mother Nature is a beautiful, but sometimes unpredictable! When planning an outdoor ceremony and reception, think about the time of year and what the weather typically looks like.

First, consider where the sun will be at during your chosen ceremony time. Will it be directly overhead, casting harsh shadows and making guests squint? For summer weddings, a mid-afternoon ceremony can mean intense sun exposure for hours. You might consider a later ceremony time to take advantage of the long daylight hours without everyone scorching under the midday or early afternoon sun.

Next, research the historical weather patterns for your wedding date and location. Is there a significant chance of rain or strong winds? Even if the forecast looks clear, it's always wise to have a backup plan. If your entire wedding is outdoors, a sturdy tent can be a lifesaver. It not only offers protection from an unexpected downpour but also provides much-needed shade from the beating sun and a buffer against strong gusts, ensuring your guests remain comfortable throughout the celebration. Hiring a local planner or photographer can be a great resource for finding out those unpredictable weather patterns!

2. Decor That Dances (Not Topples!): Rethinking Bud Vases

Bud vases are undeniably charming, adding a delicate touch to any table setting. However, for an outdoor reception, especially if you're not under the protection of a tent, they can be a bit impractical. While lovely, their lightweight nature makes them susceptible to even a gentle breeze. If the wind picks up, those beautiful vases could easily topple, potentially drenching your table linens and, more importantly, your guests in water.

For outdoor settings, consider more robust floral arrangements or centerpieces with a wider, heavier base. Opt for arrangements in substantial containers or incorporate floral garlands, potted plants, or even lanterns that can withstand a bit of a breeze without causing an accidental splash.

3. Timing is Everything: Beating the Mid-Summer Heat and Capturing Perfect Pictures

If you're dreaming of a quintessential summer wedding, the timing of your ceremony can make a world of difference for everyone's comfort and your photos. For example, a 4pm ceremony in the middle of summer means the sun will still be quite high and intense, potentially beating down on your guests for a good portion of the ceremony and early reception. For higher elevation weddings, this exposure can be a lot for your guests to handle if they are from lower elevations and used to higher humidity counts!

Moreover, the mid-afternoon sun is often the harshest for photography, leading to squinting faces, harsh shadows, and blown-out highlights. To ensure a more comfortable experience and beautiful, soft lighting for your photos, consider pushing your ceremony time back a bit. A later start, perhaps closer to 6pm depending on your location, allows you to still take full advantage of the beautiful long summer days and the magical golden hour for photos, resulting in softer lighting and more relaxed, natural expressions instead of squinting. Your guests and your photographer will thank you for it!

4. Crafting the Perfect Guest Experience: Quality Over Quantity

While it might seem appealing to maximize your time at a beautiful venue, consider the overall length of your event from your guests' perspective. If you have a 4pm ceremony and your venue is booked until 10 or 11pm, that's a 6 or 7-hour event for your guests. While some may love a long celebration, for many, an "all-day" wedding can become tiring.

It's often better to leave your guests wanting more. Aim for a reception that lasts around 4 to 5 hours. This creates a lively, energetic atmosphere from start to finish. If you and your most enthusiastic guests want to keep the party going, plan a separate "after-party" at a different location. This strategy not only keeps your main reception vibrant but also allows for a more relaxed start to your wedding day, giving you ample time to get ready without feeling rushed, while still enjoying a full afternoon of fun wedding activities.

5. Help Your Guests Dress for Success (and Comfort!): Footwear and More

While you're busy planning your perfect look, don't forget to give your guests a subtle heads-up on how to best dress for an outdoor affair. This thoughtfulness can significantly enhance their comfort and enjoyment.

Footwear is Key: Outdoor venues often involve uneven terrain, grass, gravel paths, or even sand. High heels, while stylish, can quickly become a literal pain. Consider adding a note to the FAQs on your wedding website or even on your invitation suite (if it fits your style) advising guests to choose comfortable footwear. Suggesting wedges, block heels, or even stylish flats can save them from sinking into the grass or tripping.

Prepare for the Elements: Beyond the sun and wind you've already covered, think about what else might impact guest comfort. For daytime ceremonies, a small "comfort station" with sunscreen, bug spray (if applicable to your location), and maybe even a basket of affordable sunglasses or paper parasols or handheld fans can be a lifesaver. Even a warm summer day can turn cool in the evening, so another good note for your FAQs is to remind your guests to bring jackets for after the sun goes down! Strategically placed outdoor heaters (if your venue allows) can also make a big difference as the night goes on.

Finally, communicate the vibe. If your outdoor wedding has a particularly casual or formal feel, make sure your dress code reflects that. This helps guests choose outfits that are both appropriate and comfortable for the setting, allowing them to relax and fully participate in your celebration.

An outdoor wedding can be truly magical, but a little thoughtful planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable day for you and your guests!