Hosting an outdoor wedding radiates elegance. The breathtaking scenery and fantastic atmosphere create a wonderful ambiance an indoor wedding simply cannot capture. The advantages of an outdoor wedding indeed surpass the challenges you may encounter when planning your special day.
If you and your fiancé plan on hosting an outdoor wedding, you will likely have to deal with wind, rain, and other disturbances. Although an outdoor wedding poses some challenges, you can host an astonishing outdoor wedding with the right preparation.
Ask Questions
When searching for a venue for your outdoor wedding, bring some questions with you when you tour potential venues, as some details tend to be forgotten. You will need the relevant information before choosing a location for your outdoor wedding. Iron out your vendors’ needs during your initial talks to ensure your big day goes as smoothly as possible.
Book Your Venue Early
Outdoor wedding venues are typically in high demand, especially during the spring and fall. To avoid competing with other couples for the perfect venue, reserve your choice as soon as possible to secure your preferred date.
Plan for Weather
One of the most common problems couples experience in an outdoor wedding is too much wind. Unfortunately, this is something you can’t control, but you can work around it. Avoid using flowy fabrics in your bridesmaids’ dresses, tablecloths, and other fabric decors. Ensure your hairstylist knows your wedding is outdoors so they can style your hair accordingly.
In addition to wind, the blazing Sun can also pose an issue. Especially in the summer months, find a shaded area to host your celebration. Book a venue with enough trees to provide shade to stay cool in the heat. Avoid sunburn and uncomfortable guests by choosing a cool area with plenty of shade, or use canopies or tents to provide some relief. You should also consider pest-proofing the venue or offering your guests bug spray as needed.
Find the Right Caterer
Hiring a catering team familiar with working outdoor weddings is vital. You should come prepared with questions like: “How many outdoor weddings have you done?” “Have you worked in a catering tent before?” Hiring a company with a liquor license that can manage your alcohol order is a major win.
One benefit of outdoor weddings is that you can be creative with your menu. Serving small, bite-sized portions of your favorite cuisine is another fun option you have for the day.
Have a Back-up Plan
Nobody wants to anticipate the worst-case scenario, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. The ideal outdoor wedding venue also has an indoor option in the case of bad weather. Consider having tents as backup, but this will likely not help if there are heavy thunderstorms. A venue with an indoor location can quickly move your tables inside to save the day.
HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.