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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The Real Key to Planning Your Own Wedding

In my experience, the main reason why couples choose to hire a wedding planner is that they lack the confidence to do it themselves. Having confidence in your own abilities is the key to successfully planning your own wedding. Here are a few quick tips that will boost your confidence right away.

As I was planning my little girls' birthday party recently it came to my mind that we all have some type of experience in party planning. However, when we think about wedding planning we just assume that we are in need of an experienced planner. What if it's you that is the experienced planner? Who says that your experience can't come from baby showers and birthday parties? You know you have the experience to plan your own wedding you just need the confidence.

Sure a wedding is a little more detailed and elaborate than your average birthday party, but all the same facets are involved. You generally have décor, food of some type, a cake of course and some type of entertainment. The only major difference is the theme and perhaps the scale. Now you are thinking that a wedding takes a lot more work to plan and I would say that yes while there is more involvement you have more time to plan generally speaking. With a birthday party or a shower you plan about a month or two in advance. Hopefully with your wedding you have at least a few months. If you don't there's no need to panic; it is still possible to do the planning yourself. Spread the decision making out as not to procrastinate to the very end. This eases the stress and worries of all the details.

Once you have your date chosen start on the guest list right away. Make sure that you and your fiancé agree on the size of the event. Once you have the list and figure how many guests you are to have start looking into venues. Decide whether to have the wedding and reception in the same or different places. Make sure that you also have a budget set and stick to it! Be thinking about the style of wedding that you want to have and this will help you in your choices. Picking the venue right away is very important as most places book months and years in advance. Be aware of the peak wedding season or be willing to be flexible on days or times of your event.

Interview florists and tell them your ideas and let them create your vision. Try a few and see which does it best and within your budget. Remember you are the customer. Getting your flower choices chosen in advance is a good idea. Don't forget to include bouquets and corsages. Next meet with bakers and look at their portfolios and check prices. Choosing your cake should be a fun part, because there's a taste test involved. Next you need to line up a DJ for your reception. Have a list of wanted songs ready to pass on. Whether you want a sit down meal or finger food, interview different caterers and see what your options are. Yes, this includes another taste test!

With all the interviewing and choices to be made the easier part is focusing on you. You need to pick a dress that fits the time of year and the venue. Make your choice in enough time in advance to allow for alterations. Choose your shoes and accessories based on the style of your gown. Have an idea for how you want your hair and makeup. Set up trial runs and the appointments for the day of the wedding.

So, while a wedding is not a birthday party it is a party, a celebration; and you know how to do that right? Just think about all that needs to be done and spread out the decisions, you don't need to make them all at one time. You have the skills and experience with the planning you're just changing what the event is!

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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.

Related Wedding Planning Resources

Money-Saving Wedding Planning Ideas
Wedding Planner App

Wedding Planning Budget Calculator

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How to Make A Memorable Bride's Speech

The heartfelt moments that occur on your wedding day are the ones that people cherish the most. And a sincere thank you to those that have helped to make your wedding day special should not be overlooked, and here's why.

Getting engaged is amazing. It is quite simply a dream come true. You have met the man of your dreams, he has asked you to spend forever with him, and your friends and family are ready to celebrate your union with you. There is a lot to plan with your upcoming wedding, but one thing that you do not want to forget about is your bridal speech.

More and more brides are taking the opportunity to create a bridal speech. "Why?" you ask? Well, the truth is that much of the wedding is about the bride. Many people help you to create this wonderful day in your life, and giving a bridal speech gives you the opportunity to thank them for their efforts. You have your bridesmaids to thank, any special people involved in your wedding, your family to thank, and of course your new husband to thank for making all of this a possibility.

When constructing your bride's speech you will first of all want to think about when you would like it to occur. There are generally a couple of different places. If what you have to say is primarily for the women in your life and you are hosting a bridal luncheon this may be the perfect place. However, if you would like to talk about some gentlemen (like your own prince charming) you may want to choose an event like the rehearsal dinner. Generally this is a much more informal event to speak at, but it is also typically more intimate. However, if you want to give your speech in the grandest event possible you may want to opt to speak at your reception.

As you start to put the speech together it is important to keep the length in mind. The key to most speech writing is to keep it within a reasonable amount of time. Often brides find themselves carried away with the emotion of the event which can lead to rambling so it is best to map out what you are going to say prior to the big day. Clarify who you want to talk about and what you want to express about each person.

Next, you want to write down those sentiments. You do not necessarily need to put it together in speech format, but instead you simply want to brainstorm your sentiments. From there you want start to assembling the order of your statements. As you do this you may want to read your speech out loud. Often things may look good on paper, but will sound awkward when they are read aloud. Instead, by reading your speech aloud you can be sure that one sentiment flows into the next one.

In the end what you need to do is to trust yourself. Allow yourself to speak freely from your heart, and trust that what you are saying will be interesting to those attending your wedding. If you are honest and heartfelt there will not be a dry eye in the house.

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Jane Martin is an expert in how to create the perfect wedding for you. To find more great inspirational ideas like a Bride's Bootcamp to help you look your best, join our FREE brides club.

If you are looking for more wedding planning information that will help to make your wedding day the one of your dreams, be sure to check out the resources below.

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