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Has it always been your dream to have an outdoor wedding?
In the right climate and at the right venue, an outdoor wedding always makes for a magical, memorable event!
But since you can’t control Mother Nature, planning for the big day requires you to take a few precautions if you want to celebrate outside.
From choosing the right attire and footwear to making a backup plan in case it rains, here’s our full guide to outdoor weddings to make your wedding day go off without a hitch!
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Wedding Venue
Photo: John Cain
Planning a great outdoor wedding starts with one step:
Picking an incredible outdoor wedding venue!
There are so many options to choose from:
A Southern California wedding on the beach in February …
A rooftop garden party in New York City in the spring …
An early fall forest wedding in the Pacific Northwest …
Maybe your dream is to have a rustic country wedding on a ranch or a boho-chic event in a flower garden, in the woods, or in your own backyard. Or maybe you’re ready to pack a bag and escape to a tropical destination or get married in the desert.
However you envision your wedding day, you can be sure there is a perfect outdoor location for it.
Consider the Season and Time of Day
Keep in mind that some outdoor spaces work best at certain times of day.
For instance, the natural scenery in a woodsy outdoor setting might look stunning during the day but lose its appeal at night. Your favorite beach might be ideal for a wedding at sunset but too hot for comfort in the middle of a summer day. A vineyard wedding may provide a gorgeous natural backdrop on a spring or summer day but pale in comparison at night or in the winter months when the vines are dormant.
If you have your heart set on a particular location, you may need to be a bit more flexible with the season and the time of day you hold your outdoor ceremony or outdoor reception.
Consider the Logistics
Photo: Morgane Ball
Choosing your dresses, selecting your caterer, and tasting your wedding cake are some of the most fun parts of wedding planning. But when you’re planning an outdoor wedding, the logistics are just as important!
If a destination wedding on the beach is your ideal location, make sure there is electricity to illuminate your chandeliers, plug in your string lights, mic up your DJ, or power up the band. A summer wedding on the beach can be the perfect backdrop for wedding photos, but without a power supply, your guests will have to dance under the moonlight!
It can be hard to dance on sand, grass, and other natural surfaces. So, if you’re having a rustic wedding in the woods or a casual backyard wedding on grass, it’s a good idea to install a dance floor.
Installing a temporary flat surface can also make it easier to set up tables, chairs, and food. Large buffet tables and large dining tables are usually sturdy enough on grass and sand, but small food stations and small cocktail tables benefit from having a stable surface underfoot.
What if It Rains?
Photo: Laura Elise
An outdoor ceremony and outdoor wedding reception have instant ambiance, but rain, wind, and bugs are always a possibility.
No matter where you’re getting married or what time of year it is, it’s always best to have a plan B.
If your venue has an indoor space, secure it as your rainy-day backup plan.
If there is no indoor option, rent a tent, just in case. One with removable sides is ideal if you’re concerned about a lot of rain and wind.
And even if it’s a perfectly sunny day, an overhead tent is still a good idea, as it’s the best way to provide shade and shelter from the sun!
There are a few other things you can do to make your guests (and yourself) more comfortable in the elements:
- Have plenty of citronella candles, bug spray, and mosquito repellent on hand.
- If you’re having a beach wedding, provide your guests with flip-flops, sunscreen, or parasols to shade themselves from the sun.
- If you’re getting married outside in the fall, prepare for cool weather by giving your guests wraps, shawls, or blankets to cover up with.
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How Should I Decorate for an Outdoor Wedding?
Photo: Paco & Aga
With an outdoor event, you can usually get away with having a bit less wedding décor. And that’s because a natural landscape makes the perfect backdrop!
Whether you’re going for full-on elegance or a whimsical vibe, pick and choose elements that coordinate and complement the surrounding landscape. This goes for everything from your bouquets to your centerpieces to your wedding cake!
What Food Should I Serve?
Outdoor weddings can be any type of celebration you want, and you can serve any type of food you like!
Just be sure to choose a caterer who has experience in hosting al fresco dining events. There are lots of logistics to consider when serving food in an outdoor venue, and a caterer with a lot of outdoor experience will know how to handle all of the details.
Be Sure to Let Your Guests Know You’re Getting Married Outside
Don’t let your outdoor wedding be a surprise to your guests and loved ones. Let them know ahead of time so that they can prepare, wear the right type of footwear, and dress according to the weather.
Whether you’re holding your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or the entire celebration outdoors, let your guests know in advance.
Having the right footwear on your tootsies can make or break the entire experience. Recommend shoe options, such as flats or wedges, if you’re having your wedding on the grass or on the beach.
This goes for the bride and bridesmaids, too! Instead of those strappy stilettos you love, you may be more comfortable saying your vows in sturdier heels, flats, or no shoes at all.
Related: What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding as a Guest
Dress Your Wedding Party for the Climate
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids NYC / Hannah B. Miller
When picking bridesmaid dresses for an outdoor wedding, be sure to consider the season and the climate. Whether you’re getting married in tropical summer heat or chilly winter temps, consider the weather when selecting fabrics, colors, and bridesmaid dress silhouettes.
Need a bit of inspiration to get you started?
Here are some gorgeous bridesmaid dresses that are perfect for winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Winter: LulaKate Lola Bodice with Dahlia Skirt
With ¾-length sleeves and a full-length A-line skirt, the LulaKate Lola Bodice with Dahlia Skirt in drapey bengaline is a stunning option for a winter wedding. The closed back and longer sleeve length provide added coverage for chilly temperatures while the box-pleat skirt and V-neckline offer structured sophistication with a formal vibe.
Spring: Amsale Everly Dress
In fluid satin fabric, the Amsale Everly dress offers sophisticated style for an outdoor spring wedding. This gorgeous gown features spaghetti straps, a slim skirt with a slight flare at the bottom, a soft ballerina neckline, and unexpected racerback straps in back.
Summer: Dollhouse Stein Dress
Crafted in lightweight chiffon fabric, the Dollhouse Stein dress offers timeless elegance in a flowing silhouette that will make bridesmaids look and feel great at a warm summer wedding. Supportive straps, a deep V-neckline, and an A-line skirt make it a flattering option for every member of your wedding party.
Fall: Jenny Yoo Lennox Dress
Available in a variety of rich, autumnal tones, the Jenny Yoo Lennox dress in stretch velvet is fall wedding perfection. This fit-and-flare gown features a body-hugging silhouette with a halter bodice, an open back, and a draped mock neckline that gives it a decidedly fall feel.
No matter which wedding party dresses you choose, make sure you order bridesmaid dresses about six months in advance of the big day. Bridesmaid dress alterations are to be expected, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time for fitting and tailoring.
Related: How to Get the Most Accurate Bridesmaid Dress Measurements
Ready to have the best outdoor wedding of all time? You’re going to!
As long as you prepare for inclement weather and unforeseen circumstances, your outdoor wedding will be a roaring success.
And if it does rain, who cares? There’s nothing you can do to control that, so just roll with the punches, and whatever you do, never let a little rain spoil your day!
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