Here are a few tips to make sure your outdoor wedding goes smoothly.
Whether your outdoor wedding will be in your backyard or another location, there are a lot of things you should keep in mind during your planning process. From lacking a weather back-up plan to not having enough seating, don’t make these common mistakes if you’re planning an outdoor wedding.
Not Communicating Specifics To Your Guests
No matter the outdoor venue, you should make sure your guests know that it will be outside. Make sure that they know to dress accordingly (think suggesting they have a jacket if it gets cold, or not wearing heels because they’ll be walking on grass). You want to make sure guests know what to expect throughout the event.
Not Having Appropriate Seating
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s important to make sure you have enough seats for all your guests. This probably means having extra seating, but at least you’ll know that all your guests have the option to sit if they want.
Not Enough Lighting
String lighting is nice, but will it be enough lighting for all your guests? Make sure specific areas are well lit, including walkways, entrances, exits, and restrooms..
Not Having a Weather Back-Up Plan
This is huge. We all expect to have beautiful weather on our wedding day, but sometimes that’s not in the cards. It’s important to have a backup plan for any sort of weather. Can the party be moved indoors? Is there a backup location (if so, how will you communicate this to your guests)? Do you have a big enough tent to protect from the elements?
MORE: 6 Reasons Why Rain on Your Wedding Day Can Be Awesome
Not Planning for Outdoor Conditions
It’s one thing to have a weather back-up plan. But have you thought about wind, dirt, bugs, extreme heat, or colder temps? There are simple ways to nip all of those in the bud. For example – provide bug spray or citronella candles, make sure the tent is sturdy enough to withstand wind, or consider having a heat source (think a heater or fire pit). If it’s going to be hot, look into fans in any tent you have, or provide smaller fans for guests.
Not Having Enough Shade or Shelter
While we’re talking about weather, it’s important that you have enough shade for guests. Even in the cooler months, the sun can get hot without any shade. Make sure you have enough areas that provide ample shade or shelter from the sun and any other elements.
Forgetting About Parking
There’s no way all of your guests will fit in a driveway. So, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough parking – be it in the street or a nearby parking lot. You could also think about getting a valet to handle parking if there’s not enough close to where the wedding will be.
Not Having Enough Restrooms
Depending on where your outdoor wedding will be, you’ll need to think about ample restrooms. If it’s a backyard party, definitely consider port-o-potties or other portable facilities. Most companies offer upscale trailers for a classier option. Don’t forget this, otherwise you’ll have all of your guests lining up for the restroom in your home.
Not Having Enough Water
You’ll want to make sure you have enough, especially in the warmer months. Water should be free-flowing at your outdoor wedding.
Not Checking on Noise Ordinances
When you start planning your outdoor wedding, think about your music. Will you have a DJ? Or will you be using speakers and a great Spotify list? Either way, you’ll want to check with the town on any noise ordinances (such as no DJs or loud music after a certain time). This way you can plan accordingly.
MORE: How to Make a Small Wedding Guest List
Not Considering a Dance Floor
If you know your crowd will dance all night, consider getting a dance floor. It will elevate your outdoor wedding, and will save people from getting stuck in the grass or possibly slipping if it gets wet.
Not Hiring Enough Wait Staff
When it comes to your wedding day, you shouldn’t have to lift a finger. This includes an outdoor wedding that you’ve DIY’d, so it’s important to hire enough wait staff. They will stick with your timeline, tend to your guests, clean up and make sure your kitchen is spotless after it’s over.
Some other things to remember when planning your outdoor wedding is making sure the area is accessible for guests who might need assistance, ordering enough food and drinks, and ensuring there’s enough ice.
MORE: 8 Tips to Help Throw a Backyard Wedding
Just remember, it’s going to be a day filled with love, joy and happiness, as you and your future spouse start the next chapter in your lives.
