When it comes to summer weddings, few venues can rival the natural beauty and charm of the great outdoors. Whether you are dreaming of a garden ceremony, beachfront vow exchange, or rustic barn reception, an outdoor wedding offers a unique and charming backdrop for your special day. If you are brave enough to trust the English weather, then an outdoor wedding can offer a great experience for both you and your loved ones. In this article, we will explore some great features you can add to your special day, to make your outdoor wedding a celebration you will never forget.
Choosing the right venue is vital for making your special day perfect. You will need to consider a lot of factors. One factor should be the venue’s location. You will want to make sure that it is easily accessible for all of your guests, for example, it will most likely have to cater for people with disabilities. You will also need to consider the distance between your ceremony and reception locations, as you may not want to travel very far. You should also opt for a location that offers some stunning natural scenery to really get the outdoor feel. Make sure there are some great places to take photographs to capture the feel of the wedding.
When organising an outdoor wedding, many people worry that the weather will suddenly turn, and all your guests will get caught in the rain. One way to combat this is to hire a marquee for your special day, so people can still embrace the outdoors, but also be under cover in case the rain comes. You can search for Marquee Hire Near Me and find many different companies that will offer you the right marquee for your wedding. An example of one of these companies is goodintents.co.uk/marquee-hire-near-me/
Finally, you will need to consider what live entertainment you will have for the evening of your wedding day. Live music can elevate the ambience of the wedding, so it is a great idea to book a live band that can serenade your guests. You will want to find a band with a diverse repertoire and can play various music genres. Also, make sure they have the right equipment to play music that can reach all of your guests.
Planning for changeable weather
Even in the warmer months, British weather can bring sunshine, showers and a cold wind on the same day, so plan for all three. Lightweight outfits work best with a wrap, shawl or jacket on hand, and clear, full-size umbrellas protect hair and outfits between cars and the venue while still looking good in photographs. Brightly coloured wellies can turn a muddy field into a fun picture rather than a problem.
When choosing a venue, look for one where the ceremony or reception can move indoors, or under cover, at short notice. Some grounds can take a marquee as a backup. Talk to your photographer about where they would shoot if it rains, as they will often know the best sheltered spots. Wedding fairs are a useful way to see venues and meet suppliers in one place, and popular dates fill quickly, so book the venue and key suppliers well ahead.
Rain-proofing a marquee
A marquee can make an outdoor wedding possible whatever the weather, but only if it is set up for rain. Choose a hire company with plenty of experience of British weather, as they will have contingency plans and know what works. Ask them to recommend a hard floor. A raised wooden floor leaves a gap above the ground so water can drain away underneath, instead of soaking into matting and turning the space into a mud bath.
Guttering between joined sections of the marquee stops water from dripping onto guests and tables, and sides that can be closed quickly keep the wind and rain out. Think about the outside as well. Covered walkways between the marquee, the house or toilets, and the car park keep guests dry, and matting or boards on the main routes stop mud from being trodden inside. Have umbrellas ready by the entrance, and agree a wet-weather plan for photographs with your photographer beforehand.
Choosing a live band for the day
Music does a lot of the work in setting the mood outdoors, where there are no walls to hold the atmosphere in. A good wedding band can play quietly enough to create a warm, relaxed feel during drinks and dinner, then switch up a gear and get everyone kicking off their shoes once the dancing starts.
Most couples have never hired a live band before, so start with the music itself. You need to genuinely like what they play, so listen to recordings of their repertoire and, if you can, watch them at a live gig before you book.
Then get practical. Ask how many members there are, how much equipment they bring and whether they will fit the space you have, whether that is a marquee, a barn or a corner of the garden. Check how far they need to travel and talk openly about money, setting a budget and sticking to it. Personal recommendations are one of the best ways to find a band, but remember a friend’s taste in music may not match yours.
Summary
This article gives advice for planning an outdoor wedding. It recommends a venue that is accessible for guests, close to the reception location, and set in scenic surroundings good for photographs. It suggests hiring a marquee in case of bad weather, so guests can enjoy the outdoors under cover, and booking a live band with a varied repertoire and the right equipment.
Questions this article raises
- How far in advance should an outdoor wedding venue typically be booked?
- What size marquee is needed for a typical wedding guest list?
- How do couples usually plan for accessibility needs among older or disabled guests?
