How to Choose a Site for an Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings can be breathtaking, but the planning can involve quite a bit of work, even though the outdoor atmosphere creates its own ornamental surrounding. Whether you choose a site for an outdoor wedding in your back yard, a park or on the beach, you will have some planning to do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lighting
• Tent
• Portable latrines
• Cordless microphone
• Outdoor location

1. Decide whether you want both the wedding and reception to be in the same place. Having them in the same place will make it more convenient for your guests.
   

2. Check out the facilities at the place you choose. Do they have enough bathrooms? Portable latrines might be a solution if restrooms are scarce at the particular venue you are considering.

3. Determine what kind of audio/visual equipment you will need. Will you need a microphone and lighting? You may need to arrange for a microphone that does not have to be plugged in to an outlet.

4. Make sure your guests will all have a place to park. If necessary, you can instruct the guests to park in a local parking lot and shuttle them over, or hire valets for the wedding guests.

5. Make arrangements for a permit. When you are getting married in a public park or beach, you may need to check on a permit. You don’t want the police to crash your wedding.

6. Have a back-up plan. It’s a good idea to rent a big enough tent or several tents that all your guests could sit under in case of rain.

Tips & Warnings

• They now have portable latrines that are specifically designed for weddings. They come in shades of pink and blue, indicating “his” and “hers”.
• Include a note in the invitations to inform your guests what to expect. They might want wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra sweater, or wear sunscreen.
• Consider purchasing a wedding dress without a train, as the train may pick up some dirt as you walk on grass.
• Do not wear high heels if you think the ground may be soft. You don’t want to fall or twist your ankle.