When planning an outdoor wedding ceremony the key to success lies firmly in the planning stage. In the UK, as we all know too well, any event that is going to happen outdoors can be subject to the whims of the great British weather. Fortunately, if you follow some relatively simple tips you can ensure that the best laid plans will definitely not go awry.
Location, location, location
Photographer Pablo Laguia
Location is the fundament to any seamless and beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony. First of all you need to choose somewhere aesthetically pleasing, as after all if you're not in an idyllic spot you're not doing it right! After you've picked a few potential dream spots you can begin to narrow them down based on their proximity to key wedding services and their suitability for those all important tipis to keep everyone dry should the worst happen – or shaded should you be blessed by the sun.
Get the paperwork in order
Don't forget to make sure that your ceremony is being conducted on licenced ground and that you are allowed to serve alcohol. Ensure that all such boxes are ticked before progressing with any further plans or reservations.
Clarity on the invite
Photographer Pablo Laguia
When sending out invitations for your outdoor wedding, make sure you inform your guests as best as possible in terms of which parts of the day will be held outdoors and what the terrain will be like, so they can plan any footwear changes, coats or accessibility needs.
Hydration stations
Nobody wants guests fainting on them, so it's always best for outdoor wedding ceremonies to provide some drinking water for guests to keep hydrated before the after-ceremony festivities begin. If the day is going to be particularly warm then this is absolutely vital.
Lighting provisions
Obviously you will hope, should your ceremony be during the day, that the sun will do its duty but should things become overcast during the ceremony the lighting can substantially deteriorate, so if you are under cover for your outdoor wedding it is imperative that your tipi or other outdoor structure be fully prepared for the lighting that will keep things bright and allow for those perfect memories and photographs.
Comfortable seating
Outdoor wedding ceremonies have a tendency to be a little sparse when it comes to home comforts, so if you really want your wedding to be remembered for the right reasons, a little attention to detail, like cushions, in terms of keeping bums (comfortable) on seats will go a long way. Nobody wants to be distracted when giving their vows by their uncle Terry or Auntie Marge doing seated stretches with groaning sound effects!
Get the right photographer
It may sound a little particular, but there are some wedding photographers who are more adept at shooting outdoors than others. Make sure you enlist the services of a photographer who is experienced in shooting outdoor ceremonies in varying light conditions as they will have the right equipment and skills for the job.
