You have always wanted to get married outside, AMAZING! It’s been your dream and you can’t wait to start getting everything put in place to make it happen. We are HERE for it and so excited – but have you thought it through? What happens if it’s 100 degrees? What happens if it’s 25 degrees? Rain is said to be good luck, but only if you plan for it! Did you pick a photographer that has experience shooting outdoor ceremonies? Don’t worry – we’re here to help! Here are 5 things you need to consider before planning an outdoor wedding.
#1: When are you getting married?
Time of year for an outdoor ceremony is EVERYTHING. What season will it be? This will determine weather, the background scenery, and timing of your day (when does the sun set?) It’s important to remember that an outdoor ceremony can be absolutely gorgeous, but the time of year you’re getting married really determines if it’s plausible. Outdoor ceremonies are almost always possible, but they may not be the best fit all the time depending on the time of year.
#2: Have you informed your guests you’re planning an outdoor wedding?
This is especially important if you’re getting married during a time of year where getting married outside could be questionable (read: possibly snow on the ground, or possibly 100 degrees). Letting your guests know of the intention of your ceremony being outdoors is really courteous, and it gives guests a chance to prepare if they need to. Maybe it’s late November, or they’ll want a jacket. Maybe it’s the middle of July so they will wear a lighter suit jacket over a thicker one. We always recommend informing your guests if your ceremony is outside so they can be prepared!
#3: Can your vendors accommodate an outdoor wedding?
While most vendors these days can 100% accommodate an outdoor ceremony, it’s important to double check. What if the DJ only has one setup and will need to move things between ceremony and reception? What if the venue only has enough chairs for one set for your guests and those need to be moved? There are always little details that need to be accounted for with an outdoor ceremony, so making sure your vendors can accommodate is important. Especially if there may be weather on the day of your wedding, vendors should have a heads up that an outside ceremony is an option.
#4: Will your shoes and outdoor space work together well?
There is nothing worse than planning the wedding of your dreams only to find out on the day that you physically cannot walk where you’re planning to have the ceremony. It seems small, and like not a big deal. But, if your outdoor ceremony space is on grass, you need to avoid those stiletto heels, or make other shoe arrangements for the ceremony. If you can’t make it down the aisle without getting stuck in the grass, or the gravel is giving you balance troubles, it’s going to throw off the whole mood of you walking down the aisle – and we don’t need you falling!
#5: Have you prepared to pivot?
We are dealing with the weather…do you have a backup plan? While we always want “Plan A” to happen on your wedding day, sometimes things are out of our control. (This is why you hire us! Ackin Events always has backup plans when planning an outdoor wedding!) Maybe the ceremony needs to move inside due to rain. Maybe you have to switch sides once you get up there because the wind is blowing your veil in your face. At the end of the day, if you’re planning to have your wedding outside, you also need to be prepared to pivot if something unexpected comes along to make those plans change.
Outdoor ceremonies are amazing. The gorgeous backdrops, the fresh air, and the sunshine are the unpaid actors that really make an outdoor ceremony thrive. But if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, these things to consider will make sure your day is absolutely perfect. Contact us here to schedule a consultation and chat with us about how we can make your outdoor ceremony the absolute best for your wedding day!