Ten things to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings are a lot of fun and look absolutely dreamy. There is something romantic and stunning about letting nature be the backdrop for your special day. Even if you are hosting a wedding in your backyard, it will feel utterly special. However, planning such a soiree isn’t as simple as it seems. There are a few challenges to be conquered, and you will – thanks to these outdoor wedding ideas below!

Let's read through these in detail.

Plan your Budget

You must set aside a specific budget in advance and eventually finalize the essentials. While budgeting, take into consideration the costs for vendors, decor, venue, invites, catering, music, etc. 

Drafting a rough number from the beginning will help you keep track of the overall expenditure you are going to incur. Plus, it will help you set clear expectations for the day.

Make Advance Bookings

Outdoor weddings are not easy to conduct, unlike indoor weddings. The open areas need dedicated seating areas, audio equipment, electricity options, food, drink stations, entertainment, etc. All of these can increase your expenditure. So, it is advisable to make bookings in advance so you may not incur an increased cost at the last minute.

One option is to discuss all of your requirements with the coordinator at the venue. This is because some of the venues are willing to cater to all your needs in one place. That way, you won't have to manage coordination with different vendors at your end. If not, then consult with your vendors for everything and trust their judgement – they have done this so many times!

Be Prepared for the Weather

No matter what time of the year you are planning to host your wedding outside, there's always a chance when nature is not willing to cooperate. One of the most useful outdoor wedding ideas we can give you is to be prepared for unexpected weather conditions. And for that, you should have your backup plan ready in case of snow or rain. The best way to play safe is to have an indoor space nearby or check with the venue if they have the options to rent a marquee in case of rain. This will make you a lot less stressed when the weather turns out worse at the last moment.

What to wear to an outdoor wedding?

It would help if you considered outfits based on the venue you are going for. If you have chosen a beach wedding, you must keep the outfits light and breezy. And if the celebration is planned at a hill wedding venue during the fall months, then heavier fabrics would be more appropriate. These may appear to be small things or ideas but trust us; they are going to make a huge difference. Also, don’t forget to consider the terrain. Walking in heels in the sand is hard, so think about every single detail.

Entertain guests with seasonal refreshments

It will be very thoughtful to offer your guests seasonal refreshments. This means at a summer wedding it would be a great idea to serve them chilled refreshing cocktails. Likewise, for fall or winter celebrations, you can plan to have a dedicated hot station for serving hot chocolate, tea, and coffee.

Outdoor Seating Area

Seating arrangements must be made while keeping the climate into consideration. You can have some shade set up for the summer outdoor seating. Some of the best outdoor wedding ideas include offering mist fans or umbrellas to keep the guests cool during the day. In the colder months, you can even have heaters and shawls near the seating area.

Keep the outdoor wedding decorations minimal

If you're planning to host a wedding in the backyard or on a lawn, it is advisable to have minimal decor placement. You can use neutral colors instead of bright ones to complement the surroundings. Utilize nature around the location to help you with decor. For example, try to incorporate seasonal flowers or use fairy or bistro lights.

Discuss outdoor settings with your vendors

Discuss all the details with each of your wedding vendors. They are professional experts and know how to deal with challenges with ease. These pros can seamlessly advise you and offer insight on the backup plans when required.

Especially be sure to talk to your photographer about the whole timeline. This is because if you want sunset portraits after the ceremony, and the ceremony stretches too late, then it might not be possible. As a Charleston wedding photographers, I will help you tailor the perfect timeline so that every magical moment is beautifully portrayed. In essence, you should discuss it with the photographer and keep them informed. This way, they can guide you on another set of possibilities that you can incorporate into your schedule.

Plan meal

You may discuss the suitable food options with the vendor. For example, when hosting a wedding outside, avoid foods that attract bugs, such as fruit, cheese, etc, or have them served at a particular time instead of an open buffet for the whole day.

Lastly, ensure to rent a tent to use in the outdoor spaces and place tables beneath the fans to keep the food cool and bug-free. Also, think about the weather and time of the year too. A certain food doesn't hold up well when the temperature is higher. Discuss these with the caterers and listen to their suggestions before having your heart set out on anything in particular.

Keep your guests hydrated and protected

Staying outdoors at a Charleston wedding venue for a long time, especially in the sun, can be a bit dehydrating. Make sure to communicate with your outdoor Charleston wedding venues and have several hydration stations placed. Offer cool refreshing drinks like lemonade – your guests will be thankful for it. Also, giving out fans, sunglasses, or parasols will elevate the whole experience! As for the pesky bugs, include candles that repel them, such as lemongrass scented candles. Not only will they help you keep insects at bay but will prove to be a wonderful decor.

Whether you have planned your wedding at the beach or in the countryside, it doesn't matter. It is a perfect opportunity to showcase everything that nature has to offer. You can work with the team you bring on board to turn your vision into reality. These outdoor wedding ideas offer endless possibilities as all you need is a beautiful backdrop and a little bit of creativity.

Looking for Charleston wedding photography for your special day? Get in contact and look at the portfolio page to learn more about our work!