Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity – and it is easy to see why. These types of weddings offer the chance to embrace nature’s beauty as a backdrop, at the same time as enabling couples to personalise their ceremony and reception to match their style.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the many ways you can draw upon the wonders of Mother Nature, in order to make your outside nuptials truly magical and distinctive.
From choosing the ideal outdoor wedding venue in Hertfordshire, London, or elsewhere for your celebration, right through to curating exquisite floral arrangements, we’re here to help transform your dream of an outdoor wedding into reality.
- Location
One of the best things about outdoor weddings is the abundance of potential locations. From lush green fields to romantic beach backdrops, there are plenty of stunning outdoor settings to choose from.
Start by considering the size and style of your wedding. If you’re planning on a large gathering, you may want to opt for a spacious park or meadow with plenty of room for guests. For smaller ceremonies, a beach or garden might be more appropriate.
- Decorations
You might imagine that choosing to hold your wedding in the open air wouldn’t give you too much flexibility as far as decorations are concerned. After all, wouldn’t you have to make sure whatever decorations you choose are waterproof and can stand up to other possible external conditions?
That may be true to some extent – although of course, if it does begin chucking it down, you and your attendees will quickly be heading indoors regardless (drawing upon alternative plans that we hope you will have prepared).
Plus, outdoor weddings do offer you a lot of options as far as the general aesthetic of your decorations is concerned. You could, for instance, create a captivating ambience by incorporating string lights, floral arrangements, and chandeliers into your setup.
If, on the other hand, you prefer a relaxed and rustic atmosphere, you might want to include wooden furniture, screw-top jars, and hessian accents in your decor.
- Weather
As we touched on above, there are no prizes for guessing that the weather is one of the most important factors to consider when you are planning an outdoor wedding. Depending on where in the world you will be getting married, you may need to ensure you have a plan for every possibility!
Make sure you know what the forecast is for your big day, and plan accordingly. Have a backup plan in case it rains or get too hot outside. You may want to rent a tent, bring along umbrellas, or invest in some fans. Regardless, it is always better to be prepared, than to simply hope to “get lucky” with the outdoor conditions.
- Flowers
Flowers can play a big role in enhancing the feel of any outdoor wedding, and it is worth considering flowers that are in season, when picking your wedding bouquet. After all, not only will in-season flowers look stunning, but they will also have better longevity compared to out-of-season varieties.
For an added touch of uniqueness, incorporating wildflowers or native plants into your decorations can be a stunning choice.
- Music
Music will inevitably play a key role in almost any wedding, and the situation should be no different for your nuptials in the open air.
From a string quartet to a live band, there are plenty of options for creating the perfect musical atmosphere. Make sure you select music that fits the style of your wedding and that pays tribute to the natural beauty of your surroundings; as a rule, calmer, more tranquil tunes are always a good choice.
- Outfits
An outdoor wedding offers a great chance to get a little creative with your wedding day attire. Brides may want to consider lightweight fabrics, such as silk or chiffon, or even a stylish linen dress that will help keep them cool in the summer heat. Grooms can dress up their look with a linen suit or go for a more casual vibe with khakis and a shirt.
When it comes to footwear, you should opt for something comfortable, yet fashionable. Flip-flops or sandals are great for a beach wedding, while cowboy boots can add a unique touch to a country-themed event.
- The ceremony
As the central event of your wedding, your ceremony should be a reflection of you and your partner. Whether you decide to have a traditional wedding or something more unique, there are plenty of ways to make it special. Consider having a handfasting ritual, exchanging vows in the middle of a grassy meadow, or walking down the aisle beneath an archway made from flowers and foliage.
When you are planning to wed outdoors, you should double-check that you will be able to get legally married in that particular location, or whether you will need a legal ceremony elsewhere at another time. As we mentioned, it is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of bad weather!
There’s a lot that you can do when organising an outdoor wedding
An outdoor wedding offers an amazing chance to incorporate nature into your special day. With the right preparations and decorations, you can create a beautiful and unique setting for your ceremony and reception.
Do make sure, though, that you have a well-prepared backup plan in case of bad weather. After all, no one wants their big day to be ruined by rain, snow, or whatever else the elements might throw at them.
