22 Sep 5 tips to ensure your outdoor wedding goes to plan

Everyone loves an outdoor wedding! With the backdrop of soaring mountains, lush forests or sand and sea, saying ‘I do’ in nature is the ‘must have’ for many brides and grooms to be.

However, outdoor weddings can be both a blessing and a curse. Having conducted my fair share of nuptials in nature, here are my tips to ensure your day goes ahead without a glitch.

Tip 1 – Always have a Plan B

It goes without saying that you can’t control the weather, so having a Plan B is essential! Wind, rain, extreme heat or cold are just a few elements that can impact your big day. There are many factors that can turn your idyllic ceremony into a disaster. If your chosen venue doesn’t provide an ‘inclement weather’ alternative, then I would seriously advise you to look elsewhere.

Tip 2 – Be prepared for onlookers

Outdoors often equals ‘onlookers’. If you are a very private person, this might cause you significant stress. Public parks and beaches are magnets for families, half-naked adults, bird watchers, hikers. So, think about what matters to you. If you don’t mind your intimate ceremony appearing on strangers’ Instagram profiles, or unwanted ‘guests’ merging with your stylish posse, then go for it. But, if that is a concern for you, ensure your ‘outdoor’ wedding is in a private location.

Tip 3 – Check other events on the day

Depending on the location of your outdoor ceremony, you should be mindful of the fact that other events may be occurring in close proximity. Music festivals, surf carnivals, antique fairs, farmers’ markets, fun runs. There are many activities that can impact your special day! Make sure you check out the local tourism website and information centre so you can be prepared for potential traffic congestion, parking challenges, and noise issues. Or have the opportunity to change your date if necessary!

Tip 4 – Rethink hair, makeup and dress

You’ve chosen your dream dress, you’ve had the hair and makeup rehearsal – you’re all set! Or are you? Have you thought about how your dress may billow in the wind, your makeup may run in the heat and your hair may frizz in the grip of rain or humidity? These are all factors that will impact your perfect wedding ‘look’. If you have opted for an outdoor wedding, I recommend considering a slim-style dress (or at least one made from a heavy fabric that won’t blow in the wind), a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle and waterproof makeup.

Tip 5 – Consider the comfort of your guests

Usually, an outdoor wedding involves either you or your guests (or both) being at the mercy of the sun. As most ceremonies occur in the late afternoon, this involves a setting sun – into which either you or your guests will be squinting! So, think about a north-south orientation rather than east-west if possible. If your wedding is during the summer, consider a water station and parasols for your guests, or have umbrellas on hand if rain seems likely. If your wedding is during the winter, advising your guests to ‘dress warmly’ may be required. Also think about the ground surface. Your female guests in particular will appreciate being advised to avoid stiletto heels if they will be walking on grass or stones.

If you enjoyed this article please feel free to leave a comment or share on social media.  If you have been inspired, contact me to schedule a time to discuss how I can help you to create your dream celebration.