6 Outdoor Wedding Planning Do’s & Don't’s
2024-09-29
Photo by Arrilita Film & Foto
A romantic outdoor wedding, with stunning natural scenery and open skies, is a dream for many couples. However, turning this dream into reality requires much more planning and consideration than a traditional indoor wedding. From unpredictable weather to logistical challenges, outdoor weddings come with their own unique set of requirements.
To help you plan the perfect outdoor wedding, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts for planning this type of wedding, bringing you one step closer to the dream wedding you've always wanted.
1. Do carefully choose your Venue
When planning an outdoor wedding, it's crucial to decide on the specific types of wedding you envision. Do you dream of a beach wedding with soft sand beneath your feet and the gentle lapping of waves? Or perhaps a garden or forest wedding surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers? You may also consider a fully outdoor wedding or a combination where the ceremony takes place outdoors while the reception is held indoors or under a covered area.
The outdoor wedding venue you choose should align with your vision, needs, and concerns about weather. Once you've narrowed down your options, it's advisable to visit the locations in person or have a professional team conduct a site inspection to ensure that the venue meets all your requirements before making a final decision.
Source: Melia Hồ Tràm Beach Resort
2. Do hire Wedding Planning team
Outdoor weddings often present unique challenges due to their distinct setting compared to indoor venues, so consider hiring a professional Wedding Planner for your special day. Wedding planners with experience in outdoor weddings have a vast resource of solutions and can help you navigate potential obstacles like unpredictable weather, outdoor setup logistics, and vendor coordination. They can even introduce you to venues that perfectly suit your wedding requirements!
Source: Pexels
3. Do keep your Guest List concise
Compared to indoor weddings, outdoor weddings often offer a more intimate, cozy, and romantic atmosphere. Therefore, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, you might want to keep your guest list concise to match the space and vibe you want to create. A smaller guest list also makes planning and coordinating an outdoor wedding less challenging as a smaller group is easier to serve and care for.
4. Don't assume it will be cheaper
While often perceived as more budget-friendly, outdoor weddings aren't always cheaper due to a number of factors.
Outdoor venues may require additional rentals such as tents, canopies, or even exclusive use of the space for setup days, increasing overall costs. Additionally, you might need to spend more on decor if structures need to be built for support, and there could be additional costs associated with guest transportation and accommodations. Outdoor weddings also require more planning, coordination, and collaboration with various vendors. All of these small details can add up to make an outdoor wedding more expensive than an indoor one.
Therefore, if you're considering an outdoor wedding or a destination wedding because you think it might be cheaper, you might want to reconsider. However, if you're still determined to have an outdoor wedding, make sure to account for all the additional costs in your wedding budget or consult with a wedding planner before contacting other vendors.
Photo by The Noir Team
5. Don't Forget About Permits
Always thoroughly research the regulations or consult with your wedding planner regarding the permits required by the venue, such as permits for flying drones, construction regulations, or food safety permits if you have a different catering team working in their space. Additionally, adhere to the venue's rules regarding operating hours and other guidelines to ensure a smooth wedding process.
6. Don't Stress Over Things Beyond Your Control
Truth be told, no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding to ensure everything goes according to schedule, there's bound to be some unexpected surprises, big or small.
This is especially true for outdoor weddings, as they are more susceptible to unpredictable elements like weather and nature. Instead of letting these things stress you out, focus on the positive aspects of your big day. Embrace the unique charm of an outdoor wedding and accept whatever happens (or doesn't happen!) with grace, enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
We hope this helps you feel confident about planning your outdoor wedding! Check out our amazing Wedding venues and find the perfect spot for your big day.