There’s something about an outdoor wedding ceremony venue that gives the ultimate ethereal, magical, and reminiscent feeling of fairy tale wonders. Deciding on whether you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony is typically at the top of the planning process and one of the most important decisions in wedding planning. This guide will provide you with considerations so you can find the perfect outdoor venue for your big day.
Choosing Your Outdoor Wedding Venue
One of the most exciting things about wedding planning is choosing the venue. From the serene beaches to rustic barns, elegant gardens, and majestic estates, the choices are as varied as they are enchanting.
What have you always dreamed of? What do you envision when you think of celebrating your love with family and friends? A small, intimate outdoor gathering or the grandeur of an elegant outdoor wedding ceremony?
Outdoor ceremony venues are not just about the location; they’re about creating a setting that reflects your love story. When choosing, think about proximity for guests with “outdoor wedding ceremony near me” searches, making sure your venue is accessible for everyone on your special day. That is, unless you want a destination wedding!
Hire a Wedding Planner
A good wedding planner can make sure your big day goes off without a hitch. They also take so much off of your plate so you don’t have to shoulder all the stress and can choose to focus on what you want. Wedding planners know the ins and outs of what needs to be accomplished and they should be your go-to’s for anything and everything when planning your big day.
The ideal wedding planner will help you from the very beginning until the very end. You can also hire a planner to help you plan in as little as a few days or as long as a few years — you just have to find the right one!
Hiring a wedding planner requires a lot of time and effort because you want to make sure you’re both compatible with each other. In a way, they’ll become your temporary best friend or even your lifeline during this time in your life. Wedding planners can make the wedding process seem seamless and will help in any way to make it easier on you. They will be there to give advice and tips on how to successfully have an outdoor wedding and will help you budget your finances.
Another important thing to remember though is to not let a rogue wedding planner derail your plans. This is still your wedding and if you prefer not to go with their suggestions or ideas, don’t be afraid to speak up! Your input is necessary and will ensure you love every single detail of your wedding.
Crafting the Atmosphere: Decor and Details
The decor plays a huge role in the ambiance of the wedding. It is what adds the personal touch that also tells a story. From the path you walk down, lined with bespoke outdoor wedding ceremony aisle runners, to the outdoor wedding ceremony arch under which you’ll exchange vows, every detail will play a part in contributing to the theme.
There are so many ways to play up what’s available at the venue already. Consider incorporating outdoor wedding ceremony decoration ideas that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, using flowers for outdoor wedding ceremony settings, candlelight for an evening celebration, or vibrant fall colors for an autumnal theme.
Planning for Guests and Weather
When planning an outdoor ceremony, you have to consider the comfort of your guests and the unpredictability of weather. From selecting chairs for an outdoor wedding ceremony that match your style and ensuring ample shade or warmth, to having a contingency plan for inclement weather.
Sending out RSVPs as soon as you decide the time, place, and date is a nice gesture for your guests. This gives them ample time to prepare and make the proper plans necessary for them to attend your big day. Since it’s going to be outdoors, different guests may need different things, depending on the season. If you choose summer, some people might need sunscreen available if they have fair skin, or bug spray to avoid those pesky nuisances. If you decide on Fall or Spring, it might be a good idea to have a heat source so your guests can enjoy the event in comfort. The last thing you want is shivering and teeth chattering over vows.
The season will also determine what guests will wear. Dresses and tuxedos can be hot in the summer, so maybe going for a more casual look with linen or some natural material is better for that weather. In the winter, accessories like dress gloves, or traditional hats could be worn to ward off the biting cold. Other things to consider when it comes to the season are, how muddy the ground might get, how weather can impact travel, and how lighting might impact pictures. If possible, it would be a good idea to visit the venue during the actual time of year you plan to get married so you can get an idea of what to expect.
Have a Backup in Case of Bad Weather
Having a backup plan for your wedding ceremony is extremely important, especially if you have an outdoor ceremony. You cannot control mother nature, and your big day may be a washout due to inclement weather. The ideal choice would be to have another venue in mind by chance you may need to use it. This could be a nearby indoor venue or an additional outdoor venue that will ensure to keep you and your wedding party/guests safe. Dallas Palms has taken this into consideration and has both ballrooms and gardens so you can move easily in and out of the venue.
Capturing the Moment
The beauty of an outdoor setting provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. Hiring a skilled photographer familiar with outdoor conditions is key to capturing the natural light, picturesque settings, and candid moments that will tell the story of your day.
Photographers must capture the perfect angles and need to time everything perfectly due to the sun and shadows. They must be cognizant of their surroundings and need to know when to zoom in to encompass the scenic background.
Discuss your vision and ensure they’re prepared to leverage the best of what your outdoor wedding ceremony venue has to offer, from the golden hour glow to the charm of an outdoor candlelight wedding ceremony. It might also be a good idea to have the photographer visit the venue beforehand so they can tour the layout and get a better understanding of where they need to be and when to get optimal photos.
Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding
A crucial aspect often overshadowed by the excitement of planning is the financial commitment. Work closely with your wedding planner to outline a budget that accommodates everything from the venue to the decor, without compromising your financial well-being.
Also, consider different funding sources such as:
Paying out of pocket
There will be some things that you and your partner can afford right away. The more you budget ahead of time, the more you will be able to buy out of pocket. Some smaller outdoor wedding costs that you and your partner should be able to afford are:
- Tables and chairs rentals
- Smaller decorations
- Tent rentals
- Invitations and table markers
- DJ or Live Band
- Wedding cake or other dessert options
Out-of-pocket expenses will add up fast, so make sure you create an exhaustive list out of everything you purchase.
Using a loan
After you cover out-of-pocket expenses, now is the time to tackle the higher-cost purchases. As mentioned, you likely will need to lean on an outside financial resource to be able to afford the wedding. This most often will come in the form of a fixed-rate personal loan that can be used for wedding expenses. Some larger expenses that a loan can help cover are:
- Venue
- Wedding Dress
- Catering
- Open Bar
- Photographer
These are typically the most crucial aspects of the wedding. Selecting things like the perfect venue, or what food to serve will be costly, but it is also one of the most fun aspects of planning your big day.
Leaning on loved ones
Finally, you can ask your loved ones to help pay for part of the wedding. Traditionally, the bride’s family handled most of the wedding costs, but in today’s world it is not unusual that the costs are more evenly distributed. If your bank account is getting a bit lower than you’d like, you can take it to your family and friends for smaller purchases. Some things they can help with are:
- Decorations
- Hotel Rentals
- Photo Booth Props
- Other Entertainment
When you borrow money from a family member or friend, ensure that you two agree on the terms laid out. Mixing money with your loved ones can be a slippery slope to go down if you don’t formalize the process. While it may seem unnecessary, using something like a legal personal loan agreement document to guide your process could be helpful.
Your Outdoor Ceremony Awaits
Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony is an adventure filled with endless possibilities. From the initial vision of saying “I do” under the open sky to navigating the logistical and financial intricacies, every step is a part of crafting a celebration that reflects your unique bond. Dallas Palms is here to be your guide offering a selection of breathtaking outdoor ceremony venues and the expert team to bring your dream wedding to life. Let the natural beauty of your chosen setting, combined with personalized touches and a shared commitment to love, create a day that’s as unforgettable as the journey that brought you together. Embrace the beauty, embrace the challenges, and let your outdoor ceremony be a tribute to your love, set against the backdrop of nature’s incredible canvas.
FAQ
Planning your outdoor wedding ceremony is an exciting step towards saying “I do” in a setting that truly reflects your love story. Start by teaming up with a wedding planner who knows exactly how to bring your dream day to life with grace and ease. They’re your go-to for making the process enjoyable and ensuring every detail is spot-on.
Next, sit down with your partner to map out a financial plan. It’s all about finding a balance between your dream elements and what’s realistic for your budget. This early planning helps you focus on enjoying your day without worrying about the finances.
Choosing the right season is key to setting the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Whether it’s the warmth of a summer sunset or the cool elegance of a spring morning, the time of year can dramatically enhance the ambiance of your ceremony.
Finding a photographer who can capture the natural beauty of your outdoor setting and the joy of your celebration is crucial. They’ll freeze those once-in-a-lifetime moments in time, giving you memories to cherish forever.
Lastly, having a backup plan for bad weather is essential. It’s about peace of mind, knowing that rain or shine, your day will be just as magical.
For your outdoor wedding ceremony, you have the option to hire live musicians like a string quartet, harpist, or acoustic singer, or you can play recorded music through a speaker system connected to a phone or tablet. This ensures your wedding music is just as you envisioned, uninterrupted by the elements. It’s important to provide cover for the musicians to protect their instruments from direct sunlight and rain. This can be anything from a part of a nearby building to a large umbrella, gazebo, or marquee.
Creating your outdoor wedding ceremony setup is about painting a picture of elegance and charm under the open sky. Imagine framing your “I do” moment with lush floral arrangements set upon wooden plinths, not only adding a touch of natural beauty but also cleverly transforming your reception space later—a savvy blend of beauty and budget.
Consider the allure of unique seating arrangements; a circular layout embracing an arbor creates an intimate atmosphere, inviting every guest into the heart of your celebration. Picture a rustic yet luxurious ambiance achieved through thoughtful placement of rental furniture, making every corner a statement of your love story. Innovative seating, from vibrant arrangements to sleek ghost chairs, ensures that every guest enjoys a clear view of your vows, fully immersed in the romance of the occasion.
Your backdrop plays a starring role in this day—whether it’s the urban elegance of a neon and blush palette or the serene beauty of custom-built beams that echo the grandeur of an open-air church, it frames every moment in perfection.
And for those magical moments, think of a ceremony beside the water, with dusky florals and soft linens stirring in the breeze, or a tree altar adorned with delicate linens and florals, setting a scene straight from a dream.
