3 Simple Steps to Planning an Outdoor Wedding


Are you considering an outdoor setting for your wedding or reception? If you are, there are three critical questions you need to answer, no matter if you're planning an intimate backyard gathering, or an outdoor event the size of Chelsea Clinton's wedding.

Now, without further ado, here's wedding planner Stephanie Lopez with the three questions you will need to answer. Take it away, SL...

To Have and to Hold an Outdoor Wedding
Copyright (c) 2010 Stephanie Lopez

Outdoors weddings are a thought that crosses almost everyone's mind as they plan a wedding. There is nothing more beautiful than a well-planned wedding outdoors; yet on the other hand there are so many things that could go wrong that it makes it a hard choice to choose. Fortunately there are 3 steps that can lead you to your own decision in whether you want an outdoor wedding or not. Can it really be this easy?

Step 1: Think About the Time of Year

What time of year is your wedding planned for? Are the chances of precipitation high? What is the normal temperature for that time of year? Weather and temperature are the two things that need to be thought out and considered the most. Decide whether or not you want to take the chance of changing your plans. Be prepared to be flexible and roll with the flow. Also consider if it is extremely hot or cold. Neither sweating nor shivering is an ideal environment for you or your guest. Try to have accommodations such as water and fans available. If it's a cooler time of year consider outdoor heaters to keep your guests comfortable. One way of picking the day with the best odds is to look at an almanac. Even with all the accommodations and pre-planning sometimes Mother Nature just has a mind of its own, but prudent planning really does go a long way.

Step 2: What is Your Décor?

Depending on the outdoor location, you may have to spend little or nothing at all on decorations for the ceremony site. Whether it's an outdoor garden, a beach or a grove of trees, it may just be the exact décor that you wanted in the first place. All that you may need are chairs, maybe some flowers, and sound equipment if it's a larger wedding. In many cases the risk of an outdoor wedding may give a beautiful ambiance as well as save a little cash. Consider the price as including as least some of what you would budget for decorations for an indoor venue.

Step 3: Do You Have a Back-up Plan?

Even if everything seems to be fitting right into place it's a good idea to have a plan "B"; whether it means moving the ceremony indoors or having a tent rental on hand. No matter what you decide for your back-up to be make it a priority to have one. Try to make it something that you would be just as happy with as the original plan (or at least close.) Unfortunately weather is not controllable and there is no need to have it ruin your wedding day, so plan for the unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Yes it really is that easy! Depending on the personalities of you and your fiancé an outdoor wedding may just be a wonderful choice for you. Outdoor weddings can be full of surprises and risks, but with the proper planning you can have the magical day that you have always dreamt of.

Now that you know what questions you need to answer when planning an outdoor wedding, make sure to check out the related resources below to find the items you will need to put the finishing touches on your outdoor wedding.

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If you are located in the Kansas City Metro area and are looking for the perfect setting to have an intimate wedding or reception visit
http://www.weddingreceptionhallandgarden.com/ . Not only is the setting readily decorated, but the family-owned Cotillion Room and Garden can alleviate the stress to assist you in your planning needs.

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