Planning Your Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings can be beautiful and romantic. They take advantage of natural settings to provide the perfect atmosphere and save money on decorations. Outdoor weddings also present specific challenges that need to be considered, as well as offering opportunities for unique touches that will make your wedding memorable.

Have a Backup Plan

Weddings take planning. Unfortunately, we can’t plan the weather. Having your heart set on a garden wedding can be heartbreaking if it happens to rain on your wedding day. Just the stress of the possibility is enough to make some couples rule out an outdoor wedding.

It isn’t necessary to give up on the wedding of your dreams, but it is a good idea to have a backup plan. If possible, choose a wedding venue that offers both indoor and outdoor locations (and make sure you like both). Then, choose decorations that will work in either location, in case you need to go with plan B.

Embrace the Elements

When you choose an outdoor wedding, you are inviting the weather to be a part of your wedding, for better or for worse. If you aren’t comfortable with that idea, an outdoor wedding might not be for you. But if you are ready to embrace the weather and the special opportunities it offers, you can make your wedding even more special.

Most outdoor weddings are scheduled in the summer. It’s at least as important to plan for heat as for rain. If your ceremony site isn’t shaded, consider renting a tent. Or print your wedding programs on fans so guests can cool themselves off. Don’t forget to have cold water readily available (have your ushers hand out ice-cold bottled water to each guest as they are seated).

Don’t forget to prepare for sun. Set out sunscreen in decorative dispensers, offer parasols for your guests, or give out sunglasses as wedding favors. Help guests cool off by serving ice cream or snow cones.

For spring or fall weddings, cooler weather doesn’t need to stop you from planning an outdoor wedding, especially in Colorado where we can have a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding in any month or season. Just make sure your guests know the wedding will be outside so they can dress accordingly.

Outdoor heaters can really warm up a chilly day. Or offer blankets. If you’re particularly adventurous, provide umbrellas on a rainy day and go forward with that outside wedding anyway. Your hair might not be perfect when it’s all over, but your memories will be!

Dress for the Weather

Don’t forget to consider wedding attire when you plan your outdoor wedding. If the weather is likely to be hot, you’ll be much more comfortable in a light-weight dress. Lighter attire for the groom and his attendants would also be appreciated.

If the ceremony will be held on grass, choose your shoes accordingly. Spiked heels may not be a good idea. If the weather will be hot, use makeup that won’t run if you sweat. And don’t forget to plan for wind when you choose your hair style.

Get Help

Choosing the right venue is probably the most important part of planning an outdoor wedding. A well-established venue that has experience in outdoor weddings takes a lot of the pressure off of you, so you can focus on your special day without stress. At Stonebrook Manor in Denver, we offer three beautifully-landscaped gardens for outdoor weddings. We also have wonderful indoor options in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We know how to plan your outdoor wedding to make it perfect for you and your guests.

Contact us today to learn how you can have the outdoor wedding you always wanted, without the stress.