There’s nothing that creates a magical and romantic vibe quite like an outdoor wedding. Whether it’s in a lush garden setting, an ethereal woodland or a scenic beach, being amongst nature creates an atmosphere for your wedding day that indoor venues struggle to replicate. From the stunning backdrops to the photography opportunities, the possibilities for creating unforgettable moments are endless! Planning an outdoor wedding, however, can come with challenges, but if you are focused, well-informed and open to some amount of uncertainty, you can make sure it’s a stunning success! In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore all the things you need to consider to make your outdoor wedding vision come to life!
1) Choosing The Season for Your Outdoor Wedding
Each season has its unique charm, from the cosy hues and falling leaves of autumn to the fresh blooms of spring, so choosing the perfect season will depend on what you envisage for your outdoor wedding. Many couples planning an outdoor wedding in the UK will choose spring or summer. The advantage of a summer wedding is that the chances of having rain that will last all day are lower than at other times of the year, and daylight will last longer, so your guests can be outside more. However, factors like temperature can play a role in selecting the perfect season for your wedding,g too.
2) Selecting Your Outdoor Venue
Getting the venue right is key to your whole planning process. Select a venue that complements your vision and the overall ambience you want for your outdoor wedding. This could be a rustic, relaxed wedding vibe or a botanical garden party. Ensure the venue aligns with your style and offers the necessary facilities for a seamless celebration and a less stressful planning process. Some venues will offer much more in terms of logistics than others, so decide on how much planning and coordinating you are willing to do. For example, a beautiful woodland in the middle of nowhere will require much more logistical planning than a purpose-built outdoor wedding venue.
3) Outdoor Wedding Decor and Styling
The beauty of outdoor spaces is that they hold beauty within themselves! Using this to your advantage and enhancing your outdoor setting with thoughtfully chosen decor is the perfect way to create a space that’s personal to the two of you. Consider seasonal flowers, fairy and festoon lighting, and complementary touches that reflect your theme or season. Natural elements in your decor that blend with the nature that surrounds it are the perfect way to honour your outdoor wedding space.
4) The Extras
Some outdoor wedding spaces may require you to hire extras. This especially applies to couples who are choosing to get married in a family home. If you are hiring a venue or going it alone, you may need to think about temporary indoor spaces such as marquees or tipis too, for the varying aspects of your day. Since these are virtually a blank canvas, you will need to hire tables, chairs, crockery, glassware and portaloos, etc, and think about bringing your outdoor decor in, so your wedding theme and aesthetic flow through your day perfectly. Rental companies are the key here as they generally will have everything you need to create the perfect wedding space.
5) Welcoming Areas
Outdoor weddings tend to have lots of beautiful space that you can use to your advantage! Think about different areas you can create for you and your guests. If you have lots of children attending, you may want an entertainment zone for them. A chill-out zone is always a great idea at weddings, too, where your guests can relax in an outdoor lounge. Fire pits are a great centrepiece for welcoming areas and, even in the summer, can create a beautiful evening ambience. If you have multiple zones or you have a large outdoor space,e make sure there is a natural flow between them and that your guests know where they all are too! You wouldn’t want them to miss out on part of your special day. Signs or hand-drawn maps are a great way to do this!
6) Wedding Attire for Outdoor Weddings
Choosing your wedding attire comes down to the season and the location where you are choosing to get married. For suits, lightweight fabrics and breathable designs are ideal for warm weather, while layered options work well in cooler climates. Choose an attire that suits the outdoor setting, for example, huge ball gown dresses with tulle skirts may not be ideal for woodland areas. It’s also important to inform your guests of the expected conditions, so they can dress appropriately. They may need a warmer coat for the planned outdoor ceremony, or heels on grass, for example, might not be the best option. Being prepared and preparing your guests is always a good idea!
7) Catering Considerations for Weddings Outdoors
Food is the way to your guests’ hearts, and it will keep them happy all day, so tailor your menu to the season and setting. Discuss food options with your caterer, ensuring that the selections are suitable for outdoor dining. Keep in mind factors like insects and melting desserts, and work with your wedding suppliers to address the potential challenges that could come with any food choices you make. Food stations are a great addition to any wedding, but make sure that they will be suitable for an outdoor wedding. For example, you wouldn’t want lots of sweet treats out all day in summer.
Think about drinks stations too, you will no doubt have a bar area but what about a ‘pimp your punch’ station for a summer wedding or a mulled wine or hot chocolate station for the cooler seasons. You may have the option of having your food indoors or partially covered, so consider planning the food for your outdoor wedding.
8) Guest Considerations
Prioritising your guests’ comfort will ensure that everyone has a great time! For the spring and summer months, provide shaded areas, fans, and cooling carepacks. Or, for chillier weather, provide blankets, fire pits or heaters to keep your guests warm. Consider the terrain, and ensure that pathways are accessible, especially if the venue is in a natural setting. This will ensure all your guests, no matter their age or ability, will be able to relax and enjoy the day.
9) Weather-Proofing Your Outdoor Wedding Day
A weather contingency plan is a must! As we know, the weather in the UK is unpredictable, and whilst it can bring some positive aspects to your day (rainy wedding photography is epic), it can also provide some challenges. Having a plan B, such as an internal space where your day can still go ahead undisturbed, is essential. Rent a tipi for your wedding or a marquee for shade or rain protection, and invest in stylish umbrellas too, just in case. Communicate your plan to guests well in advance, allowing them to prepare accordingly. Having a wedding website is a great option to do this. Acknowledge the unpredictability of the weather; you can’t change it, but having a plan in place will ensure a smooth transition if weather conditions change.
10) Outdoor Wedding Logistics
Outdoor venues may present a few or lots of challenges when it comes to the logistics of the day, and it’s something that couples don’t always think about. This could be anything from the audio and visual setups, including music and lighting, right down to the parking availability and accessibility for your guests. Ensure that you have the correct power supply in place, and you have a backup power source too. Rent generators to provide a consistent power supply for lighting, music, and other electrical needs. Ensure that your chosen entertainment can be heard clearly, and consider lighting too,o for after the sun sets. Work closely with your wedding suppliers to overcome any potential obstacles.
Available and accessible parking is ideal when it comes to an outdoor wedding, especially if you have lots of guests. Make sure there is ample room, and you have also communicated where to park. This will ensure a stress-free process for all involved.
11) Permits and Regulations for Outdoor Weddings
Check with local authorities regarding permits and regulations for outdoor events. This includes the legalities around getting married legally at your chosen outdoor wedding venue. Some venues are licensed for marriage whereas others will only be able to host blessings. Some locations may have restrictions on noise levels, parking, or the use of certain structures too. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines will help your wedding day proceed smoothly without any unwanted visitors. If in doubt, double-check and verify the regulations for hosting an outdoor event in your chosen location.
12) Outdoor Wedding Photography Opportunities
My favourite topic, of course, is photography! As a Derbyshire wedding photographer, one thing that I do at every single venue is to scout locations for portraits to ensure you get the best moments and most epic backdrops! Share your vision with your photographer, allowing them to plan for the best lighting conditions too; this is even more important if you are getting married in autumn or winter. Honouring the beauty of the setting in your wedding photographs will bring your outdoor wedding to life and capture the essence of your day perfectly.
Planning a wedding outdoors requires attention to detail, flexibility, and an appreciation for nature’s beauty. By considering factors such as weather, the comfort of you and your guests, and the logistics of the day, you can create a memorable and stress-free celebration that reflects your love and a day that ensures lasting memories are made!
When it comes to your wedding photography, embracing the outdoors and all that comes with it, including the weather, is a must! Some of my favourite wedding photography has emerged from unexpected events, and that’s exactly why I love what I do!
If you are a couple who is more about the people than the posing and want to embrace all the quirks of your wedding day, let’s chat. I shoot weddings in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the whole of the UK
If you’re looking for an amazing outdoor wedding venue, you can peruse some of my faves here!