Outdoor ceremonies are my jam! I absolutely love them. Being outside, with incredible views, taking it back to nature and being in the wild. There's some magical about it that really does excite me!
If you're thinking about having an outdoor ceremony, then here are my 7 tips to consider when planning, so that you can make it even more amazing!
1. Footwear
Consider your footwear if having an outdoor ceremony. Is there a paved area that you will be walking down? Or is it grass, stones or uneven ground? If so are stilettos the right choice? A couple of options would be to consider having a chunky heel to avoid sinking into any grass, or you can get those little clips that pop onto the bottom of your stiletto to stop you sinking in. Alternatively why not opt for some cool trainers, or really be one with nature and go bare foot!
2. Tell People
Give your guests a heads up. By letting them know in the invites that you plan on having an outdoor ceremony, they can equip themselves appropriately. Especially if you want to have it outdoors no matter the weather.
3. Seating
If you are getting married in a slightly chillier month, you may want to provide guests with blankets on each of their chairs. Are you going for chairs or benches? What will sit steady on an uneven surface? If you decide to go for hay bales, consider having a cover on it. I have seen too many guests get up with wet bottoms after sitting on hay bales for an outdoor ceremony.
4. Wind
Choosing to get married outside, can mean you are out with the elements. They can however create some absolutely epic photos! If it is forecast to be windy, consider you're decor. Does it need to be tied down? Do you need to consider a lapel microphone so that guests can hear you? Sound can get thrown in the wind. Consider something that can come to life in the wind, such as tying ribbons to trees.
5. Confetti
Having an outdoor ceremony should now mean that you can have that confetti shot, walking back down the aisle. Which looks wonderful in photos, but also saves time trying to set it up. Saving you more time for partying and mingling! Yippie. Do check with your venue still though as they may have regulations as to types of confetti allowed on their grounds. Biodegradable is usually a given nowadays.
6. Backdrop
Consider the backdrop to your ceremony. Usually you will choose a venue because you love the venue and no doubt love the outdoor ceremony space. But if you are deciding to have your ceremony somewhere remote, then travel to your reception venue, then consider the backdrop. Do you want mountains, lakes, trees?
Bonus Tip: Licence
When choosing an outdoor ceremony, you need to be aware whether it will be a legal wedding ceremony. If you are at a venue that offers an outdoor ceremony, as if there is a licensed structure to ensure it is a legal ceremony. If it is not, then you can have a blessing or humanist ceremony. these ceremonies are hugely personally and can be tailored to however you want them. They are not however legal (unless you are getting married in Scotland). This is becoming more common and couples will usually have a legal ceremony in a registry office, the day before, but celebrate their wedding ceremony on their wedding day. Some venues may offer that you can get married outside where there is no licensed structure, but you can then slip into the venue and say a few lines to formally legalise your wedding. Guests do not even need to know that you are doing that final legal bit.
If you are having a destination wedding, you may want to opt for a legal registry office ceremony, that is small and intimate, then celebrate with all your friends and family at your outdoor destination ceremony.
Mindy x
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