The Guests
- Provide your guests with a wedding favor that has some purpose! Whether it is a pair of sunglasses, a colorful umbrella, a paper fan, or some flip flops - give them something to keep cool while you say your "I Do's!" If you need some "cooling favors" inspiration, check out our previous post: The Summer Heat - How to Keep Your Wedding Cool
- Let your guest know that all or part of your wedding will be outside. You can do this by putting a tag line on your invitation - this way, your guests know to dress accordingly for the weather.
- Keep your ceremony to a minimum. Now this does not mean RUSH through it, it simply means to have the ceremony not last more that 30 minutes if possible.
- Offer your guests water or a cool lemonade to sip on during your outdoor ceremony. For the reception, make sure your bar is stocked with lots of water and cold beer (wine typically won't be of much interest on a steamy day)
- In corporate "cooling" things into your big day if the weather is going to be HOT. Ideas: an ice cream bar, a cooled summer salad, or frozen margaritas as your signature drink.
In Case of Rain or Shine
- If you are having an outdoor wedding, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a back-up plan! Your back-up plan, depending on the facility you are using, could simply be to move the wedding inside (i.e. a ballroom, banquet room, etc); however, if your venue does not have an appropriate "indoor" area for emergency, you SHOULD rent an event tent. Your event tent should be big enough to cover all your guests, decor, seating, band, food, etc. More often than not, an outdoor wedding should have some sort of tent no matter what the weather - this not only helps with inclimate weather, but it is a perfect source of shade for guests and to keep the food from spoiling. There are some majorly beautiful event tents out their for rental -- check out your local renting company or event coordinator for further information.
- If you know the weather is going to be pretty toasty that day, rent an AC unit. These units are not that expensive for rental, but can quickly cool off anyone under a tent. Large cooling fans (sort of like the "cooling zones" at theme parks) can be rented as well.
The Wedding Party
- Include a hand towel in your wedding party's gift set. If you want to step it up a notch, have the towel monogramed with each person's name.
- Encourage the groomsmen to rent an extra shirt. An extra button down is only $2 more dollars at any tux rental - well worth it!
- Allow your wedding party to go barefoot or wear flip flops during your reception.
Overall, I 100% believe that an outdoor wedding can be perfectly successful if you are prepared! A wedding with nature as its backdrop is always breathtaking and memorable to all - so if you have always dreamed of a wedding against a big ole' oak tree or in a luscious garden - my advice = GO FOR IT! Check out some beautiful outdoor weddings below!
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| Photo Credits: |
Lisa Franchot
Samm Blake
Shannon Montez
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