OUTDOOR CEREMONIES

More and more the trend is leaning towards outdoor ceremonies . (I had 6 this summer!!)

They are casual, relaxed and there is nothing more beautiful if it is a warm sunny day with a cool breeze!!

WHAT IF IT RAINS ????? WHAT IF IT IS HOT AND STICKY ????? DO YOU HAVE A PLAN B ?????

Below are some tips for you to follow to help make your outdoor ceremony everything you dreamed it would be.

SELECTING THE TIME: You should consider the month of your wedding when selecting the time for your ceremony.

~SPRING OR FALL: Spring or fall: The middle of the afternoon is a good choice when
the sun is the warmest.
~ SUMMER: Late afternoon or early evening works best when the sun is beginning to set
and not blazing on your guests.

PLAN B: Weather can be VERY unpredictable, you never know when a thunderstorm or windstorm may blow in. Make sure there is an inside location available a your site that you can use in case of bad weather. If thee is not, you should rent a tent

What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case.

Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be moved to the back of the room during the ceremony.

A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy and muddy shoes. Make sure any tent you rent is sturdy so it won't flip over, and that it has thick and weighted sides.

MAKE YOUR GUESTS COMFORTABLE: Take a few steps to ensure your guests comfort at an outdoor ceremony:
~ Have large tubs of ice water available as your guests arrive or have your usher hand out bottled water as they seat your guests.
~ Print your programs on fans.
~ Check the weather report the week of the wedding and if the forecast is HOT, rent some fans!
~ If you are not having a tent, have a basket of sunscreen available. Some guests may not realize that they will be out in the sun and not be prepared.

PREPARE FOR THE WIND: Not only do you have to think of the rain and the blazing sun, DON'T FORGET THE WIND!!!

If you are having a unity ceremony, consider a sand ceremony or wine ceremony instead of the traditional Lighting of the Unity Candle. If you must have a candle, make sure you have it in glass, but even then, remember you have to light a match or torch to light the candle and that may be difficult.

Tell your hairstylist that you'll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style accordingly..

SOUND SYSTEM: Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the bride, groom and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

DECORATIONS: One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you. Work with that, not against it.

If you have an idea in your mind for decorations, make sure you select a site that will support your ideas.

Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the groomsmen to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it's been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows.

MUSICIANS: Strings or a harp are great instruments of an outdoor wedding, but remember, Instruments do not like the hot sun…make sure there is a shady spot under a big tree or arrange for a canopy for the musicians to sit under.

DON’T INVITE PESTS: Ask the management of your ceremony site if they spray for pests. If they don’t, be sure to provide citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won't spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air.

PERMITS: Don't forget to 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.