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Outdoor Wedding Tips
The bride was dressed in white. The groom was dressed in black. The sky was dressed in gray.
I recently provided floral designs for a couple who chose an absolutely gorgeous location for their wedding and ceremony. They were not concerned that the venue was unable to accommodate all of their guests inside, because everything would take place outside, under tents if necessary.
Unfortunately, it has rained all spring, and poured the day of the wedding. Despite the valiant efforts of the staff, it was impossible to contain the saturated ground. This is an extreme case, and the happy bride and groom hardly seemed to notice the rain. However, planning ahead is key to ensuring a dry, comfortable reception.
Most couples getting married in the Poconos take advantage of the many picturesque locations by having some, if not all, of the day's events outside. There are many types of outdoor venues, including resorts and bed & breakfasts, state and municipal parks and private clubs and homes.
There are special considerations to keep in mind when deciding upon your outdoor locations. Most importantly, consider potential weather issues. Rain, extreme cold, heat and wind can put a damper on the festivities. Be sure you have a backup plan.
The most foolproof alternative is to choose a venue with ample indoor space for your guests. Discuss your options with their wedding representative before booking your wedding. If it will be necessary to use tents during inclement weather, what measures will be taken to ensure the floor does not turn into a mud pit?
For events at state or municipal parks, check to see if a building or pavilion is available as your backup location. Other considerations for these venues, as well as private homes, are permits, parking availability, number of bathrooms and space.
When planning a backyard wedding, be sure to erect a tent or have one or more on reserve. When deciding how many tents are needed, take into consideration the number of guests, as well as how many elements of the day will take place on the premises.
Take advantage of all the Poconos has to offer. Plan the outdoor wedding of your dreams. But make sure you have a backup plan, just in case...
Another important consideration when planning your outdoor wedding is the question of who is going to make sure all of the pieces fall into place. Commercial facilities usually have someone on staff to organize and direct the day.
If planning an outdoor wedding anywhere other than a commercial facility, I strongly suggest hiring a wedding planner. While we have touched on some of the elements of planning such a day, there are so many things to consider and to coordinate.
I had first-hand experience with a bride who planned her own outdoor wedding at a friend's estate. Everything was beautiful and peaceful, except the bride (beautiful yes, peaceful no). She spent the two days prior to the wedding making last-minute changes and finalizing plans for the big day.
On the day of the wedding, she was frantic, attending to details and overlooked issues right up until she walked down the aisle (about one hour late).
Avoid that kind of stress. Hire a professional who can guide you through the planning process, troubleshoot and let you enjoy your wedding day.
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