PLANNING | Want an Outdoor Wedding? Here’s How!

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I’m not a huge fan of outdoor weddings (apart from this ranch wedding earlier on this year), but get it right, and you can create an event which will be talked about for years to come. In the end, it’s all about you, your partner and the day you want to create, but there are some tips and tricks you’ll need to adhere to so you can enjoy your day without any mishaps. Here are our top tips for hosting the outdoor wedding of your dreams.

Photo: Scott Webb

Comfort

self love handbook for plus size brides, self love for plus size brides

Make comfort your top priority for your guests by ensuring your site is well equipped with fans, blankets, heating units, well-lit pathways and citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay. You will need a plan to accumulate all the things necessary that you don’t already own – whether that’s begging and borrowing from friends or family, buying or renting.

BYOB

An outdoor venue can be a lifesaver when it comes to cutting costs, for both you and your partner and your guests. An outdoor venue that allows you to bring your own booze (remember to check corkage costs) will free up a huge chunk of your budget and will bring a smile to your guest’s faces when they know they won’t need to spend a fortune.

Permits

It can be difficult to get married outside sometimes, due to a whole load of laws, permits, and regulations. Before you plan anything or get your heart set on the park around the corner from your mom’s house, do some research into what you are and aren’t allowed to do in that space.

Prepare for weather

plus size bride, curvy bride,
{REAL PLUS SIZE WEDDING} RAINY DAY SPRING WEDDING IN GEORGIA | ANDIE FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

We can’t order in the sunshine for every wedding, and there are some pretty high chances that it will rain on your wedding day. Let guests know that wellies may be appropriate if you are celebrating in a field, and invest in a good area where you can party all night, no matter the weather, under shelter. Marquees and tents offer shelter from the sun too, and remember that clear-topped tents have a habit of turning into greenhouses in the heat! Investing in professional help with decorating is the best way to keep stress at bay – even though the idea of DIYing the whole thing is great, it can sometimes end in tears – there are a wide variety of companies out there which offer their services, such as Barlens event hire, who will give you guidance, advice, and inspiration from start to finish.

Plan the photography

Before your wedding day, show your wedding photographer your venue and discuss where the sun will be at certain times of the day. It’s no use finding out the morning of the wedding that you’re going to be standing in the shade throughout the ceremony!

Decor
Your decor is going to need to be both wind and waterproof. Make sure your decorations can withstand a gale and aren’t going to be completely destroyed in the rain if you are desperate to keep them safe. Make sure things are weighted down or tied properly if the wind is likely to be an issue.

Looking for an outdoor wedding gown? Check here.

The following two tabs change content below.
Shafonne Myers is a certified wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration that looked like her. She has created a website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size brides. She does speaking engagements educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.
plus size self confidence