What to Consider When Arranging An Outdoor Wedding

Deciding to hold your wedding outdoors can be hugely rewarding. Through weaving nature into your wedding plans, you’re opening you and your loved one up to unparalleled tranquility and beauty. However, as with any outdoor activity, you are relying on the elements. Unfortunately, the weather can be very unreliable, so you need to make sure you have done adequate planning to ensure you’re not left out in the cold - literally and metaphorically! We’ve put together our top 5 tips that you need to consider when arranging an outdoor wedding.

Let nature set the tone:

So you’ve decided to hold your wedding in one of the most beautiful venues on offer - the great outdoors. Nature is a such a huge part of Australian life, and so to be able to incorporate it into your wedding, or even to emphasise it as the focal point, is a truly wonderful thing. Knowing this, it’s important that you try and work with nature rather than against it when organising your outdoor wedding. Use simple, coherent additions to the scene to truly set off what is already a stunning setting.

Be prepared for the elements:

The thing about being outdoors is that you are indeed exposed to the elements. Make sure you’re adequately prepared for anything nature throws your way by hiring heaters or fans, and having the option of an undercover space, such as a marquee hire by Open Air Events. If the ground is going to be wet or undesirable to walk on, consider hiring flooring as well. Another thing to remember is that the outdoors can bring pests. Make sure you have an effective method of pest control on hand for your guests. It could be as simple as a few cans of Aeroguard at the bar to ensure your guests aren’t eaten alive!

Permits:

Unless you’re having your wedding on private property, you’re probably going to require a public permit from your local council. Make sure you consult your local council or community group to enquire about what permits you may need in order to avoid disappointment! It’s all in the planning. You should also be able to find most of this information online on your state council’s website.

Have a backup plan:

As your wedding is going to be subject to the weather, it’s important you have a backup plan. This could be as simple as arranging a 'plan B' indoor space in case your wedding gets rained out. Hiring a marquee is usually most couples’ go-to back-up plan, but you could also use a hall or even someone’s house. Ask around and lock in a back-up plan so you aren’t left without an option on your big day.

Decorations:

Because you’re involving the raw beauty of nature in your wedding, it’s generally a good idea to keep your decorations fairly rustic. This means it can be as simple as borrowing or recycling decorations to use around your wedding, such as old bottles or crates and wildflowers. It is also a good idea to have someone go down and check the location the day before the wedding in order to make sure the area is clear of litter. Be sure to check for any graffiti too.

Remember to have fun with your wedding planning! An outdoor wedding has the potential to be one of the most gorgeous ways to spend your special day, so keep in mind these 5 tips to make your wedding the absolute best that it can be.