4 Tips for Planning the Outdoor Wedding of Your Dreams

Each year, an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed. When it comes to wedding plans, there is so much to consider: the location, the time of year, the wedding party, the food — sometimes it can be so stressful that you don’t even know where to begin. One of the most important decisions, however, is deciding whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding venue. There are many pros and cons to both, but this is a decision that should be made early on in the wedding plan process. If you want to have an outdoor wedding but don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions.

• Location, location, location
  If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding, keep in mind that the location could make or break the whole thing. A beach, for example, is a beautiful and picturesque location to wed, but if it’s the wrong time of year, it can be a disaster. You can’t control the weather, of course, but you can plan ahead and hope it turns out in your favor.
• Keep your budget in mind
  Just because a park or campsite is open to the public, doesn’t mean that it’s free to use as a wedding venue. Be sure of costs before making any final decisions. Be aware that public areas may have excess fees for things like parking or sanitation services. Pro tip: save money on other expenses by opting for an all inclusive wedding — many of the best wedding venues and wedding planner packages offer all inclusive weddings, which means that they will handle everything from catering to photography and DJ services. Take the time you need to do research!
• Have a ‘Plan B’
  As said before, you can’t plan the weather. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. It’s not being pessimistic, it’s being realistic. A good idea is to put down a deposit on a tent, just in case. That way, if you wake up to rain on the big day, everything can still run smoothly.
• Stay cool
  Many outdoor wedding venues offer options for cooling down. If you’re anticipating a heat wave on your big day, don’t just expect guests to deal with it. Make sure there are some shaded areas where people can go for temporary relief. If you have the budget, it may be a good idea to shell out for an air conditioning system to keep you and your guests cool. Tables should be covered by umbrellas, and it’s also recommended to set up a ‘help yourself’ style mini bar stocked with plenty of beverages.

Overall, planning an outdoor wedding may add some stress, but the beautiful scenery and sense of nature make it worth it. Before you make any final decisions, research wedding venues and wedding packages thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to seek out professional help if you have questions. After all, you deserve to have the wedding of your dreams.