Letters To The Bride { Planning An Outdoor Wedding }

It has been an unusually cold winter this year here in Virginia.

I am not sure about you but this Florida girl is ready for Summer!!!

The other day we had a little teaser of 80 degree weather! It was perfection!  And then I woke up yesterday morning, jumping out of bed, excited for another gorgeously warm day and was welcomed at the door with frigid wind.  I slammed my door and ran back to bed angry at the world!

( Not really but in my mind I did).

There is something so lovely about Spring.  About the warm weather, sunshine, and blossoming trees.  It brings a sense of joy and happiness all around!

The idea of hosting a wedding outside during the Spring/Summertime is often times an ideal idea for some couples.  They love the idea of getting married on the beach or under a gorgeous willow tree.

I absolutely LOVE outdoor weddings.  Nature can be such a beautiful nostalgic backdrop for a ceremony as well as reception.  It creates a laid back/backyard feel.

If you are dreaming of the perfect outdoor wedding… Then read on as we share some tips on planning  the outdoor wedding of your dreams!

1. Have a Plan B.  The one thing that is predictable about weather… Is that it is unpredictable.  Having a Plan B in case of rain is a must.  Having a back-up plan eases the stress if something happens the day of.  You don’t want your guests, musicians, and other vendors running around trying to find cover and not sure of what to do next.

*Remember that if you need to rent a tent it will take more than a couple of hours to set up.  You will need an ample amount of time as well as a team of people helping.  This cannot be something thrown together.  So ordering the tent a few days out as a backup is important!

2. Let’s talk about the food.  Be sure that the food is in accessible area with plenty of room to get around.  Maybe you are having your wedding on your Grandpa’s farm. (Which sounds beautiful)! However, it might not be a good idea ushering 150 guests through the kitchen.  Setting up an area that is accessible and comfortable helps keep the flow of the day.  Also, remember to keep the food covered to keep the food not only warm but those pesky flies out!

3. All about the Light about the Light no darkness ( In my Meghan Trainor Voice) I know I am cheesy… 🙂 However, in all seriousness.  If your ceremony is outdoors be sure you have ample light.  Think of adding Tiki Torches, Sting Lights, and anything that can add to the ambience of the event.  You definitely don’t want to have a wedding in complete darkness.

4. I think when you are inside a ball room, conference room, or other venue it is easy to set up everything and keep a flow of how the wedding will go.  However, sometimes I feel that when the wedding is outdoors it can kind of get overwhelming on where to set everything up.  Remember to keep a flow going. You can do this by adding signs to help direct your guests where to go.  Also, if you have a lot of space then create some lounge areas where your guests can hang out comfortably.  Keeping the flow keeps things organized as well as comfortable.

Outdoors weddings can be absolutely beautiful!  They take a lot of work to plan and orchestrate but if done right then they are so worth it!  Are you planning an outdoor wedding?  If so let me know below and any tips you might have!  I would LOVE to hear from you!