Everyone knows that planning an outdoor wedding party can be a lot of work.
There are so many things to think about, from the type of food you want to serve, to who will officiate your ceremony and when it should start. But there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about: where the party is going to take place! You’ll have plenty of options for this – whether it’s at a park or on someone’s lawn, these are just two examples. And if you’re lucky enough to live in an area with wonderful weather year-round, then all the better! Here are some helpful tips on how to plan an outdoor wedding party.
The Right Time of Year
The most important thing to consider when planning an outdoor wedding is the time of year. If you choose a cooler time of the year such as fall or winter, your guests will be more comfortable in the open air and the falling leaves and snowflakes can add to the beauty of your wedding day. On the other hand, if it’s currently summertime, you’ll want to limit your guest list, since it would be too hot for some people.
But summer nights are something special – warm enough to stay outside, but dark for a romantic atmosphere. You can also use outdoor fairy lights to add to the mood, something that would be harder to do during winter as nights tend to be too cold to stay outside. Many people prefer autumn for their wedding date, as it is the traditional time of year for it, but also because the weather is just right day-round!
Location, Location, Location
The next thing to think about is the location. If you have a backyard or large front lawn, that’s perfect – just make sure there’s enough space for guests to spread out and for the wedding party to take their places. If you’re not so lucky, don’t worry – there are plenty of other beautiful outdoor locations to consider. Parks, gardens, beaches, and even vineyards can be great settings for a wedding party.
When choosing your location, also keep in mind what kind of scenery you want in the background. A beach wedding might be perfect with the ocean as a backdrop, while a garden wedding could use lovely trees and flowers in the background. Another thing to think about is what type of surface you’ll be having your wedding on. If you have a paved backyard, that’s great, but if you’re planning on using a park or beach, make sure to check for any rocks or sticks that could cause tripping.
Weather Considerations
If you’re going to have a summer wedding, make sure to check the weather forecast for your date! You don’t want a thunderstorm or downpour ruining your big day.
When planning an outdoor wedding party you can never be too prepared as mother nature always has her own ideas about what the best-laid plans are. Make sure there is a backup plan in case of rain or other crappy weather. Even if it means going inside and marrying in a hall instead of outside on the lawn, at least you’ll still have a beautiful wedding party. Just make sure that everyone has a good time by making sure they’ve dressed appropriately for whatever weather may arise on your special day!
Serving and Preparing Food Outside
Serving food at an outdoor wedding can be a bit of a challenge. You don’t want to have your guests standing in the sun or rain while they wait in line for their chicken skewers, do you? One way to get around this is to have a buffet-style setup where people can serve themselves. This also has the added bonus of being less formal than having servers bring out trays of food.
Another thing to consider is what type of food you’ll be serving. If you’re doing a barbecue, everyone will be happy, but if you’re serving something like lobster tails, it might be a bit more difficult. One option is to have two different menus – one for those who want heavier foods and one for those who want lighter fare. This makes it easier for guests to choose what they want and cuts down on food waste, too!
Other options to consider are vegan-friendly plates and plates that cater to those with allergies. There’s no need to miss out on your big day just because you have dietary restrictions!
Decorating for Your Wedding Party
Once you’ve chosen a location and date, it’s time to start decorating! This is where your creativity can really shine. You can use flowers, trees, lights, or anything else you can think of to make your wedding party look amazing.
One thing to keep in mind is the scale of your decorations. If you’re using large trees as part of your decorations, make sure they’re not in the way of people walking or sitting down. You don’t want anyone hitting their head on a branch while they’re trying to enjoy a slice of cake! The natural decoration is, of course, the best, but be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want your wedding to look like a nature hike.
Another thing to consider is the color scheme of your party. You might want to use colors that match your location, or you could go for something completely different. White is always a safe option for an outdoor wedding, but feel free to get creative!
If you’ve decided to throw an outdoor wedding party, there are certain things that you should keep in mind. The first thing is the weather! If your reception will be outside, make sure it won’t rain on your big day- or at least plan for a backup location inside if necessary. You also need to consider how many people can fit where and what type of food they like best (or allergies). One more important detail: don’t forget about music! Your guests want to have fun too; so make sure they’re entertained by live musicians who play well-known songs everyone loves. It’s up to you now– planning an outdoor wedding party doesn’t sound as hard when you know these helpful tips!
