6 Considerations in Planning Your Outdoor Wedding/Outdoor Reception/Receptions by Chuck Larsen

www.burntpineweddings.com

After years of feedback from brides and their parents, I have put some thoughts together to help make the process easier for all the parties concerned. I only wish that I would have known some of these things prior to my daughter getting married. Costs are always important, and by choosing to have an outdoor wedding, you are letting Mother Nature help provide most of the decorations, thereby saving money.

Location, choosing the right outdoor setting or venue for the wedding and the reception is the first step in the process. Get this right, and odds are that everything else will fall into place. Outdoor choices can be as simple as a back yard, nature preserve, botanical garden, parks, country club, country bed and breakfast, or similar property. By their nature public places tend to be less private and will come with more restrictive rules and time constraints. You should be looking for privacy and seclusion but not so far away that guests are going on a safari to reach the big event. A good question to ask is how many wedding take place at the venue that day or will yours be exclusive. Multiple weddings will surely put time constraints on yours. Another important question is parking, and can guests arrive without walking in any mud in case of recent rain. Even if a location is inexpensive, be careful that you don´t end up paying double or triple by the time you add in fees for other vendors to provide the "extras" not included in the venue´s price.

Facilities in case of inclement weather are an important consideration. Like Broadway and unlike baseball, the show must go on. If the facility doesn´t have a weather related back up plan, rent a tent to be on the safe side. Also, think about the dance floor, it´s hard to do the soft shoe on the grass. The tent should be sturdy so it won't flip over, and can withstand wind. Check the availability of restrooms, and an adequate place for the wedding party to get dressed. You will probably want music whether it is a band or a DJ; inquire if there is there is proper electrical service to the site.

Receptions and outdoor weddings can be as fun as your imagination and budget allow. A themed outdoor wedding can the time come alive. Carry the ceremony decoration theme right into the party/food area. Use similar colors and flowers to harmonize the two areas. Work with your caterer to determine the menu, and it should be adjusted to the time of year. It´s harder to have dishes that need to be served cold if it´s a going to be a hot day. If the caterer has experience planning an outdoor wedding menus it´s a plus. If it´s a warm weather wedding be sure to have plenty of ice and water available, even if you plan to have a bar. Guests will be spending a large part of time at the reception, so you want an area where they are comfortable eating, mingling, and dancing.

Decorations can take advantage of the natural beauty of the location. This will lessen your need for expensive decorations. To achieve just the right look just compliment the natural setting you are in. Natural centerpieces and seasonal flower bouquets will help control costs without sacrificing beauty. Look at the ceremony site and the planned reception from the view that the guest will see, and make the decorations enhance the scene.

Lodging for your out of town guests is an important consideration. The best scenario would be cabins or lodging on the grounds. Not all outdoor wedding sites have many choices for lodging. Check out the available motel/hotel and rates there as your guests will be asking. Then, be prepared to furnish directions so Aunt Betsy doesn´t get lost.

Personal Commitment is a big factor in a do-it-yourself wedding. There will be enough stress just on the personal side of planning a wedding. Are you sure you want all the work of bringing in tents, chairs, flowers, lights, etc.? Don't forget that someone will have to cart it all away at the end of the reception. Instead enjoy the event, get professional help. If the wedding planner has conducted outdoor weddings, and especially, if they have used your venue choice before, then that´s a big bonus. They can coordinate everything from food, flowers, and the wedding cake, right down to fans if needed.

By choosing your location carefully and utilizing natural décor as much as possible you will have an affordable outdoor wedding with memories to last a lifetime. If I can answer any questions contact me at c.larsen@mindspring.com or go to www.burntpineweddings.com