How to Plan Your Perfect Outdoor Wedding
Planning a perfect wedding requires tons of preparation and organization, but if you opt for an outdoor event, it becomes an even bigger challenge. From the right venue, to the entire setting, logistics and making sure everyone is having a good time, orchestrating an outdoor wedding is anything but simple. That’s why we’ve put together this little guide to help you pull off a gorgeous, glamorous outdoor event.
Think about location
A beach, park, your backyard or maybe a botanical garden ‒ the choice of outdoor venues in Sydney is rather vast and diverse. Depending on the feel you want to achieve, you can go for a rustic backyard wedding, or a more romantic and easy-going beach wedding. A backyard is also a good budget-friendly choice, but you’ll have to take care of all the potential pest problems, ensure enough parking space, and solve several other logistic issues. A vineyard is also a fabulous choice if you’re not on a budget. Many vineries have a canopy tent, a gazebo and indoor dining option in case the weather doesn’t allow you to have a reception outdoors.
Consider the weather
Having an outdoor wedding sets the perfect ambience, allowing you to enjoy all the loveliness of nature and the setting Sydney provides you with. However, the fact that you’ll be out in the open means that you’ll need to be aware of all the predicaments the weather can bring along. The hottest part of the day is between 1 and 3 PM, so try to schedule your ceremony start time around 4 pm to avoid the strong sun. High humidity can also be a problem, making your hair frizz and guests perspire excessively. That’s why you should consider renting a canopy, to protect your wedding party from the negative climate influences and pesky insects.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Paper lanterns, pin spot lighting, twinkling lights or stately chandeliers will set the right mood at your wedding. For an easy access to the bathrooms, think about lighting up the surrounded walkways. Mason jars or tea lights hanging from nearby tree branches will offer you the perfect romantic feel you need. It would be a good idea to call a Sydney electrician to check out the space and inspect it before you light it up, and maybe even make a few suggestions about the extra generators and safety. You don’t want to risk having a blackout in the middle of your big day, so make all the necessary assessment before you decide how you’d like your venue illuminated.
Get all the necessary permits
Cut off times for noise can be strict in some cities in Australia, so make sure you know what the rules are in your city and get the right permits. Don’t risk having your wedding cut off by the authorities, just because you didn’t have time to take care of the paperwork. It’s possible that you’ll need special permits for weddings with over 50 people. Ask around about the rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography too.
Have a backup plan
Planning an outdoor wedding is risky, because you can’t know for sure if you’ll have a nice sunny day or if the rain will spoil your plans. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose an outdoor venue that can provide you with backup indoor facilities in case of bad weather. Alternatively, pitch a tent and host your wedding outdoors, but away from the wind. Just make sure the tent is sturdy with thick and weighted sides so it won’t flip over.
If you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, get ready for some serious planning. After you choose the venue, think about the best season for organizing the wedding, keep in mind all the potential weather problems, get all the permits and have a back-up plan in case you are faced with a rainy day.
