What You Need for an Outdoor Ceremony

It's important to make sure that your guests are comfortable.

Outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years and it doesn’t look like the trend is slowing down any time soon.

By Emily Lasnier

bride-and-groom-beneath-chuppah-at-santa-barbara-wedding
Photo: Elizabeth Messina

Outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years and it doesn’t look like the trend is slowing down any time soon. It’s no wonder couples are flocking to alfresco celebrations – it’s hard to compete with the beauty of nature. However, when choosing to tie the knot outdoors, there are additional factors that those who wed inside do not have to deal with. Some of these issues can be lessened if you only have the ceremony in the open air and the reception indoors, or vice versa, while there are other preparations you’ll need to make no matter what.

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Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Planning & Design by International Event Company; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

Below is a list of what you should make sure to remember for an outdoor wedding:

- Water and other refreshments. Of course there will be food and beverages at the reception, but warm weather can be tough for those waiting around for the ceremony to start. Early birds can be satiated with infused or sparkling water, along with lemonade and iced tea – or even chilled Champagne. 

- Ways to make temperatures comfortable. If it’s too cold, provide blankets or pashminas. If it’s too hot, the same goes for fans, parasols, or even a spot in the shade. Heat lamps and canopies can help regulate the temperature when it comes time for dinner and dancing. 

- Sunscreen and insect repellent. You want guests to remember your wedding because of the fun they had, not because of the sunburn and bug bites that linger days after you said your “I dos.”

- A plan B. No matter what time of year you choose to tie the knot, there is a chance that the weather won’t cooperate. Even if you have your heart set on having your event in the great outdoors, it’s best to be prepared with another option. Whether the venue has an indoor space or you keep a tent rental on standby, your guests will appreciate your foresight if rain starts to fall.

Learn expert tips for planning an outdoor wedding, find out what to pack in a wedding-day emergency kit, and discover how to have tech-savvy nuptials. 

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