Weddings

Weddings require a lot of planning. Outdoor weddings require slightly more planning, due to the nature of the event. The most important aspects of an outdoor wedding that should be considered during the planning stage are the location, the food and the backup plan.

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Location
Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, meaningful, and practical, if you choose your location wisely. Mother nature has already created some of the most amazing backdrops, including the ocean, flower gardens, or the top of a mountain. The location you choose for your wedding should be have a number of picture-perfect spots where you can pose for the photographer. A green, lush garden will make the photos of you in your white gown look more beautiful than ever.

The location should also hold some meaning to the bride and groom. Your mother's garden, the beach where you met your new spouse, or the local zoo where you went on your first date, all have some meaning that will make the day even more special.

Choosing a practical location is also important for your big day. If you want to be married on a kayak in the middle of the river, there will be no place for your guests. Instead, you may choose to marry on the beach by the lake. That way, your guests can stay on dry ground.

Food
Outdoor wedding receptions are typically less formal than indoor receptions. The food you serve should be light, fresh, and fun. There really is no limit, however, on the kind of food served, based on serving it outdoors. Food preparations and storage are what need special consideration for outdoor weddings. Adequate covering must be provided so insects don't have access to the food and the sun cannot spoil the food before your guests have a chance to enjoy it. Many outdoor weddings are Do-it-yourself weddings, but the catering should be left up to the professionals to make sure the reception is a big hit.

Plan B
Outdoor weddings should ALWAYS be planned with an indoor alternative, just in case. None of us can really predict the weather, even the weatherman, especially when we are trying to plan an event so far in advance. Your guests should be informed on the Plan B indoor venue ahead of time, so they can head straight there if it rains on the big day. Ideally, the indoor venue should be close in proximity to your outdoor venue. To make things easier for your guests and your vendors, you may need to choose a location where you would otherwise not hold your wedding, like a hotel or a VFW. If you choose an indoor Plan B that is located in another city, you may loose some guests who where not planning on the extra travel. Hopefully, you won't have to use your Plan B, but it's always best to be ready for anything.

Outdoor weddings can turn out to be the most amazing weddings of all. They take a little extra planning, but in the end it can be worth it. It is important to remember, however, that outdoor weddings are at the mercy of Mother Nature and we have to be forgiving and understanding if she doesn't agree with out plans.