With fall upon us, you may be dreaming of an outdoor wedding and welcome drinks in the beautiful gardens. If you've got your heart set on an outdoor wedding, we hope these tips will offer some inspiration.
1. Do Consider Your Guest
Advise your intended guests on what to expect at the location before the day of the wedding. Send a simple email outlining the logistics of the area, how to find the spot, where to park, what type of shoes/clothing is most suitable for their comfort, and anything else you think might be appreciated by those who might need to decide if they can attend based on the information. Visit your ceremony site at the time you plan to have your ceremony begin. Take into consideration where the sun is so guests won't be blinded as they try to watch you say your I Do's!
2. Don't Chance The Weather
Have a back-up plan. Nobody likes to think that their wedding could go wrong. Chances of disaster are slim if you and your wedding planner have prepared every detail. But, there are no guarantees that mother nature won't sprinkle a little rain on your day. You cannot control everything. For the sake of saving the day in an emergency, draft a contingency plan. Inside or outside (at another spot), it doesn't matter as long it's easy to transition from one venue to the next.
3. Do Provide Sun Protection
Providing a cooling station is a good idea, but also consider sun protection for you and your guests. If you have an outdoor wedding in a sunny area, you might want to provide sunscreen as a party favor and leave some bottles out on the tables. A friendly reminder to your guests to wear big sun hats, bring sunscreen, and stay safe isn't a bad idea either.
4. Do Think About Photos
Be sure to hire a professional photographer that is comfortable with multiple lighting situations. Ask to see their portfolio and look for good photos indoors and out. Be sure to ask questions about their work and if they have shot an outdoor wedding similar to yours.
5. Do Serve Lighter Food
Heavy food and heat are a no, no, they don't mix. Choose a seasonal menu that includes grilled entrées and local, fresh produce. Grilled fruit skewers make tempting appetizers, and for dessert, consider fruit pies or tarts, remember something light. Frozen cocktails can be festive touches too.
6. Do Get Permits
Some outdoor wedding sites may be public, but still require reservations and proper permitting for guests and events. Contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.
Being one of the leading elopement planners in Atlanta, and carrying out several successful elopements and micro weddings, what matters the most in any wedding ceremony is that everyone is happy and satisfied throughout. Seeing the happiness of the bride and groom, the satisfied faces of the guests, and the excitement of your team pulling off yet another fantastic wedding makes it all worthy.
We'd love to hear about your upcoming wedding! Book a consultation with us today for your elopement or micro wedding preparations.