5 Things You Need To Know Before Planning Your Outdoor Wedding [2023]

Of course like many of us, you’ve been dreaming of your wedding day since you were a little girl. And now that the big day is finally here, you want everything to be perfect, including the weather. With so things to worry about during the wedding planning process, should you also add on the stress of having an outdoor wedding?

Outdoor weddings provide a unique experience and can be great for couples who want ditch the traditional church wedding for a more family renuion style wedding. They are also perfect for couples who want to have a more intimate event and prefer the outdoors over the indoors. Outdoor weddings are also very affordable, which is very convincing for couples on a budget. We’ve gathered a few pre-wedding planning tips for you to consider to help make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch.

What are some of the benefits of having an outdoor wedding?

Scenery

Here are just a few benefits of saying “I do” outdoors. One of the most obvious advantages of an outdoor wedding is the scenery. Whether you’re in a lush garden, by the ocean, or in a city park, an outdoor setting can be incredibly romantic and photo-worthy. I may be bias, but North Carolina has some of the most beautiful beaches, and gardens for outdoor ceremonies. And, if you’re fortunate enough to have good weather on your big day, your guests will appreciate being able to enjoy the fresh air during the ceremony and reception. A wedding outdoors can be a beautiful way to show off your love story and your wedding party in a unique and memorable way. An outdoor wedding can be a magical event. It can also be a fun and festive setting that your guests will never forget.

Budget

Budget is always a huge factor when it comes to making decisions for your wedding. Outdoor weddings can be a huge budget saver. Venue rental fees can be quite expensive, especially if you’re getting married in a popular city or during peak wedding season. Peak wedding season in North Carolina is usually May -June and September-November. If you have access to a beautiful natural setting (like your parent’s backyard) hint hint, you can save a lot by skipping the rental fee altogether. While outdoor venues can be cheaper than indoor ones, you want to make sure you factor in the cost of things like tents for shade or in case of rain, chairs for seating, decorations, an officiant, permits if needed, and the cost to rent the outdoor area.

While outdoor venues can be cheaper than indoor ones, you want to make sure you factor in the cost of things like tents for shade or in case of rain, chairs for seating, decorations, an officiant, permits if needed, and the cost to rent the outdoor area.

What are some of the considerations when choosing an outdoor wedding location?

When scouting out your perfect location for your outdoor wedding, your should consider a few more things than just the weather, although it would be my primary concern. Let’s dive in a little more.

Weather

The weather is probably the most important factor to consider. You need to pick a date and time that has the best chance of having good weather. Check the historical weather patterns for your area and pick a date accordingly.

Season

The time of year you are getting married will play a big role in what type of location you can choose. If you are getting married in the middle of summer, an outdoor wedding by the beach would be perfect. Whereas if you are getting married in the fall or winter, then an outdoor wedding near a river or in a forest would be more ideal.

Guest Count

The number of guests you have invited will also help narrow down your location choices. If you are having a large wedding with over 200 guests, then you will need to find a location that can accommodate that many people. You need to find a spot that is convenient for all of your guests. Another thing to take note of is that your location should be easy to find and have plenty of parking.

Theme

The theme or style of your wedding should also be taken into account when choosing an outdoor wedding location. A rustic chic wedding would be perfectly suited for a barnyard or farm setting, whereas a glamorous black tie affair would do better in an urban setting like a rooftop downtown.

Amenities

Does the venue have everything you need? Make sure there is a place for the ceremony, the reception, and any other activities you have planned. Make sure that your chosen venue is accessible for all of your guests, especially those with limited mobility. First, always have a backup plan in case of bad weather. It’s also important to think about how you will keep your guests comfortable during the event. Plan for shade if it’s going to be hot, or heat lamps if it will be cool.

What are some of the best outdoor wedding ideas?

Here are some fresh ideas to make your outdoor wedding a little more special. I’ve put together 7 of our favorite outdoor wedding ideas that will wow your guests and keep them entertained.

1. Use a vintage truck as the backdrop for your ceremony.

2. Use a fire pit and serve s'mores as part of the reception menu.

3. Create a DIY photo booth area with props, backdrops, and fun signs where guests can take photos and share them on social media after the event.

4. Have an outdoor ceremony with stringed instruments playing in the background - it'll be romantic!

5) Hang paper lanterns from trees to create an intimate atmosphere for dinner or dessert time.

6) Serve food from different countries at your reception to make it feel like you're traveling around the world without leaving home!

7) Play games such as cornhole or bocce ball at cocktail hour to get people mingling before dinner is served - we love this idea.

Tips for making your outdoor wedding a perfect celebration.

Here are some tips to make it a perfect celebration:

• Chose a wedding planer who has experience with outdoor weddings.

• Choose a day that is not too hot or cold so guests will be comfortable.

• Make sure there is enough shade for all guests.

• Make sure there are enough bathrooms for all guests.

• Provide water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energized.

• Have someone designated as the wedding photographer so you can enjoy your ceremony and reception without worrying about taking pictures.

• Make sure you have access to electricity

Conclusion

I hope that we have given you a more clearer picture of what planning and outdoor wedding entails. And hopefully we have eased some of your wedding planning pain points. Remember when planning your big day to pick a spot with a beautiful view. An outdoor ceremony with a scenic backdrop is MUCH more impressive than an indoor one, so take advantage of being outdoors and pick a spot that means something special to you and your partner. I know it will wow your guests. Second, remember that weather is always a factor with an outdoor wedding. Make sure you have a backup plan in place in case of rain, and be sure to communicate any changes to your guests in advance. Finally, take advantage of the fact that you’re outdoors! Decorate with lots of lush greenery and flowers, and use creative lighting to make your reception space glow. All things considered, it's all about you and what you desire your special day to be. We're here to help you along the journey of what will be a magical day in history. Congratulations friend, bask in the sun.