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Planning an Outdoor Wedding? Things to Keep in Mind

My best friend recently got married in a dreamy outdoor wedding setup in Chicago. It was exactly how she dreamt of. 

The wedding went off without a hitch. Of course, there were a few things that went wrong or could have been better if we had done prior planning.

If you are planning an outdoor wedding but don’t know where to start, Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning an outdoor wedding in the UK.

Have Enough Space

This one may sound a little bit redundant. When planning an outdoor wedding, you want to have enough space for people to move comfortably, without having to shake and shuffle to get around others. So, make sure you get an outdoor wedding reception venue that is big enough, depending on the guest count. Look for ‘outdoor wedding places near me’ with a prefix that tells the number of people you want to have at your wedding.

You can save some money on the venue by getting married in a nice backyard. My friend got married in her cousin’s backyard so she was able to save a good sum of money on the venue.

Get a Good Photographer

I have seen a lot of people talk about not hiring a photographer if you are trying to stay on a budget. But in my opinion, hiring a good wedding photographer is non-negotiable. A good photographer ensures your candid memories are captured beautifully and last a lifetime. The last thing you want is to rely on the other guest’s iPhone for your wedding photos.

We had bought some fake flowers from Amazon and put them around branches of the main tree and the photos turned out to be beautiful – all thanks to our amazing Indian marriage photography expert.

Make Sure the Food is Amazing

My best friend and I are both foodies. So, we wanted to make sure that the food we served was amazing! Try to find a caterer specialising in outdoor events. They can ensure smooth food service, handle potential challenges like weather changes, and provide appropriate equipment and staff for a successful outdoor wedding party. For instance, they might have experience setting up buffet stations under shade or keeping food warm in outdoor conditions.

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Rent a Tent

With a backyard wedding, if you don’t plan on having all your guests go inside an indoor place like a house, or a barn (in case your property has one), you have to think about the weather. On my friend’s wedding day, the weather forecast promised sunshine, but as the day approached, dark clouds gathered. Fortunately, we had two spacious tents set up, saving the day.

The tent can also be one of the most attractive elements in your Asian wedding photography. Our Indian wedding photographer was able to capture a lot of shots during the late evening with the tent in the background.

When choosing a good tent for your backyard wedding, consider the number of people and the desired space you want within the tent. Select a tent that complements the overall theme and decor, including the aisle of your wedding. You can also look for tents with outdoor wedding lights, sidewalls, flooring, or heating and cooling options, if necessary.

Start Buying Alcohol Early

The good thing about backyard weddings is that you don’t need a liquor licence. You don’t have to worry about things like having a limited open bar or paying for really expensive alcohol. 

You can start buying the alcohol about six months before the wedding. You can always be on the lookout for deals or you can ask your friends or family to also be on the lookout for deals from their local liquor stores. You could also buy the alcohol in bulk so you will be able to get some wholesale discounts.

Rent Enough Bathrooms

A lack of bathrooms can be a major inconvenience for your guests, especially if you have a large number of attendees. Consider the number of guests and the length of the wedding to decide on the number of bathrooms you want. For a wedding with 100 guests, 2-3 bathrooms should be sufficient. 

Make sure to plan for peak usage times, such as during cocktail hour and after dinner. You also want to ensure there is an appropriate balance of bathrooms for both genders. If you have guests with disabilities, provide accessible bathrooms. Provide toilet paper, hand soap, and air fresheners. Consider hiring staff to maintain cleanliness and assist guests.

Get Yourself a Day of Coordinator

Hiring a day-of coordinator can be a game-changer for your wedding. They take care of all the last-minute details, ensuring everything runs smoothly and you can relax and enjoy your special day.

I learned this firsthand when planning my friend’s wedding. With so many things to think about, we felt overwhelmed. Hiring a coordinator was the best decision we made. They handled everything from vendor communication to guest logistics, allowing her to focus on enjoying her wedding.

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Planning for an Outdoor Wedding – FAQs

What is the best time for an outdoor wedding?

The summer months of July, August, and September are the best months for an outdoor wedding in the UK. The warm weather, less rain, and the summer feel are most suitable for an outdoor wedding.

What to do if it rains during an outdoor wedding?

If it rains on your outdoor wedding day, don’t panic! There are several options to consider. First, have a backup plan in place. This could be a nearby indoor venue or a covered area like a tent or pavilion. Second, communicate with your guests promptly. Let them know about the change of plans and provide clear directions. Third, embrace the unexpected. Rain can add a touch of charm and create unique photo opportunities. Consider using umbrellas or rain boots as props for your photos. Most importantly, remember that the focus is on celebrating your love, and a little rain won’t dampen the spirit of your special day.

How much do outdoor wedding venues cost?

There’s a wide range of wedding venues available across the UK. You can easily find something suitable for your taste and budget: Affordable – £3,000-£5,000. Moderate – £5,000-£10,000. Luxury – £10,000-£15,000.

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