There’s something charming about weddings al fresco, isn’t there? Still, it takes a fair share of planning to stage a superb outdoor wedding: from venue selection and registrar fees to weather-proof decorations and plans for an odd chance of rain, hosting a marriage ceremony out in the open can be a tad stressful for a first-time wedding planner. Still not deterred? Well, then, feel free to help yourself to these smart outdoor wedding organization tricks and throw a marriage ceremony al fresco your guests will remember for years to come.
A permit to tie the knot al fresco
In some states, couples need a permit to get hitched outside formal wedding venues, so it would be best to check with local authorities if you need to get a special permit or pay additional fees to move your marriage ceremony outdoors. Such detail can cause you lots of hassle and expenses if overlooked, so it’s best to see to it before you schedule the wedding and start tackling other wedding essentials.
Pick your wedding venue wisely
There are several factors you’ll need to bear in mind when picking the outdoor wedding venue. As a rule, it’s best to pitch a tent or opt for a site in the vicinity of a roofed facility so that guests could take shelter should the weather take a turn for the ugly. If you’re planning to get hitched in the park, you can book a few tables in a nearby café for the after-party, just to stay on the dry side of the wedding banquet (and within your wedding budget, too).
Comfort first, aesthetics up next
When staging a wedding al fresco, your guests’ comfort should be your number one priority. To make sure your invitees feel at ease during the ceremony, deck the venue with outdoor heating units, fans, parasols, refreshments, mosquito repeller torches, string lights, scented candles, and other comfort-oriented props: it’ll allow you to max out venue functionality and aesthetics by a single decorative blow.
Fancy frills and trims
As for ornaments and fancy frills, these will depend on your personal preferences and venue of choice. A few flower garlands, colorful ribbons, string lights, and a colorful jute rug are the ornamental minimum you’ll need if you’re going to adorn your wedding venue al fresco the DIY way. For superior aesthetics, you should consider hiring a professional designer: it’ll take stress off your back and allow you to focus on other important aspects of the ceremony.
March down the aisle in style
The walk down the aisle is the pinnacle of every wedding ceremony, so you’ll need to make sure your bases are covered before the time to march out comes. A red carpet will make a chic venue touch and it’ll also come in useful if you’re going to be threading across uneven ground such as a lawn or bare ground. Slips or trips halfway through the aisle strut are a shortcut to disaster, and you should take the steps to prevent them from ruining your big day.
Wine ‘em and dine ‘em al fresco
Once you’ve sorted out the wedding venue and scheduled the event with the local registrar, you should turn your attention to the menu. Based on guests’ dietary preferences, you can order the cake and plates of vegetarian, vegan, or standard finger food from a local restaurant or catering service. Also, don’t forget to stock up on alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: your guests will need lots of liquids to stay up and merry on a hot, sunny day al fresco.
Buckle up for the shifty weather
Even if the forecast says your wedding day will be all sunny weather and no clouds in sight, you shouldn’t leave anything to chance. To stay on the safe side of the outdoor wedding venue, it’d be a smart move to pitch a tent and have adequate weatherproof accessories at hand, such as umbrellas and blankets. After all, it’d be a shame to let nasty weather ruin your W day.
Ready to tie the knot al fresco? Follow the tips above and your outdoor marriage ceremony will go down in history as the best wedding ever. Congrats to all newlyweds-to be out there!
Written by: Emma Joyce
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