6 Things You Might Be Forgetting for Your Outdoor Wedding
The long, cold winter is finally behind us, and as we throw open our windows and race outdoors to soak up every last drop of sunshine, many of us are also in the final stretch of what may have felt like the longest. Engagement. Ever. A global pandemic wreaked havoc on life as we knew it, and weddings were no exception. With millions of weddings postponed or canceled for safety last year, it should come as no surprise that many of those couples will choose an outdoor wedding in the temperate months of 2021.
My brother-in-law is scheduled to say “I do” in late summer this year, and a few months ago he asked me what he might be forgetting for their outdoor estate wedding. I rattled off a short list for him, but realized there are likely thousands of couples who will be asking the same question, so today I’m sharing with you here!
Without further ado, here are:
6 Things You Might Be Forgetting for Your Outdoor Wedding
1. Make sure you have plenty of water.
If your nuptials will take place outdoors, do not underestimate the amount of bottled water your guests will need.
Regardless of whether the temperatures are moderate, cool or hot, your guests will need water, and plenty of it. Many couples are opting for private estate weddings, with outdoor ceremonies and receptions housed under those big, beautiful white tents. Your bridal party, family and friends will be outdoors for hours, and likely under the sun for part of that time.
Whether you’re serving alcohol at your reception or not, you and your guests will all need access to plenty of fresh cool water. Plan to provide enough water for every person present to have a minimum of one bottle of water, but I would recommend to err on the safe side and plan for 1.5 bottles per person. Some guests will drink more, and some will drink less, but it’s far better to have too much than not enough.
2. Provide protection from the elements.
Outdoor weddings can be tricky, and if you’re asking your guests to be outdoors, the least you can do is provide some protection from weather.
Think ahead and be sure you have an outdoor station with all the essentials. A few good items to have available include sunscreen, bug spray or wipes, over the counter allergy medication, a first aid kit, tissues, face masks for those who may be in close contact while dancing or during the ceremony, and bottled water. If there’s a possibility of showers or rain, be sure to have umbrellas on hand for guests to use.
If you’re planning for an entirely al fresco event from start to finish, consider renting a tent or having some type of shelter option available should you encounter disagreeable weather. There is nothing worse than a rained out wedding!
3. Don’t forget to feed your people.
You may be planning a truly spectacular dinner reception, but if your wedding party and family will be present all day setting up, and for photos, etc., you need to feed them every few hours!
The likelihood is that your wedding party and closest family and friends will be on site and running from early the morning of your wedding until the final strains drift off the dance floor that evening. Plan accordingly! If your wedding party must be on site before 10 AM, plan to have breakfast, lunch and snacks served or available for them. If they do not need to be on site until after 10 AM, you’re safe to serve brunch or lunch, and snacks later.
Choose items that are easy to eat while standing and do not require a full table service. For breakfast, pastries, bagels, fruit, coffee and mimosas will do the trick. For lunch, sandwiches, or simple individual salads with chips and fruit are perfect. Be sure to pick items with little to no grease and low mess factor. Don’t forget beverages and snack items everyone can grab throughout the day! Bottled water, soft drinks or your beverages of choice, and individually packaged snacks like granola or protein bars will keep everyone happy and engaged.
4. Make sure you have safety measures in place.
A private estate wedding or remote outdoor wedding location may be the perfect setting to say “I do,” but don’t forget this does mean you are farther from medical assistance should the need arise.
First, make sure to have a first aid kit available and readily accessible. Second, it’s always a good idea to make sure one or two people who are present are certified in First Aid and CPR. You never know when something unexpected could arise, and it’s worth it to have a designated “safety person” who will be present and capable of administering first aid or CPR if necessary.
Create a “safety card” or “emergency card” with the name and address for the venue, the name of the on site contact (or designated person, if a private estate), the phone number of someone who will be able to answer if EMS should need directions, and anything else you think pertinent. Place a copy of the card at the bar with the bartender, with the designated safety point person, and in the bride room and groom room, if there are any.
5. Don’t forget to tell everyone what to expect - and where to go.
If your wedding ceremony and/or reception will take place at a private estate, be sure to have some type of signage in place so your guests will know where to go and what time events will take place.
Consider having a custom sign created, or making one yourself. Include locations and what time each event will take place, such as ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, cake and toasts, dancing, and sparkler exit or fireworks.
Many couples include this in a program as well, and some creative summer wedding couples have even had their programs crafted into hand-held fans for their guests. Do whatever is the best fit for your day, so long as it communicates the important information to your loved ones.
6. Keep your littlest guests engaged.
If children will be attending your wedding, throw their parents a bone and consider providing activity packets or baskets just for your tiniest guests.
These don’t have to be over the top, but consider including a couple of coloring sheets, crayons, a half size bottle of water, treats, and glow sticks or something fun they’ll enjoy. They will be thrilled to receive something special, and it will help keep them engaged during any down time at their table. (Think, first dances…) Pinterest is loaded with cute free wedding coloring pages; just choose a couple and print however many you need.
There you have it! With my help, you won’t forget a single thing for your outdoor wedding! Thanks for reading! Remember: sharing is caring, so share this post with your friends, then tell me what I missed in the comments below!