Contents

Top Ten Reasons to Choose an Outdoor Wedding

Introduction

1 Why Wed Outdoors?

Your Day in the Sun

A Place That’s Near and Dear

Spectacular Photography

Advantages of an Outdoor Event

Costs of an Outdoor Event

Trends in Outdoor Weddings

2 Weather Concerns

Conquering Your Biggest Fear

Long-Range Weather Forecasting

Selecting a Season

Anecdotal and Statistical Evidence

Rain Is Not the Only Enemy

Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella

3 Potential Pitfalls

Transportation

Creepy Critters

Uninvited Guests

Guest Comfort

Dirt, Sweat, and Tears

Sound Effects

4 Contingency Planning

Foul-Weather Gear

The Tent Question

Alternate Sites

Scheduling a Rain Date

Photography Flexibility

Communicating with Guests

Prepare for the Worst

5 Selecting the Setting

Beach Weddings

Garden Weddings

Historic Properties

Public Places

Getting Permissions

The Right Questions

6 Weddings at Home

Advantages of At-Home Weddings

Should You Do It All Yourself?

Parking Issues

A Big Job

Liability

When the Party’s Over

7 Weddings Away from Home

A Wedding “On Location”

Selecting a Destination

Cruise-Ship Weddings

Will They Come?

Planning from Afar

Pre- and Post-Wedding Events

Making a Distant Place Your Own

8 A Built-in Theme

A Locale That Speaks to You

Incorporating the Place into the Planning

Local Lore, Language, and Libations

Adding Theme Elements

Avoiding Thematic Conflicts

Sneak Preview and Welcome Ideas for Guests

9 Dressing the Setting

Outdoor Wedding Design

Arches and Other Architectural Elements

Seating

The Aisle and Altar

Where’s the Sun?

Seasons Change

Embracing Natural Elements

10 The Ceremony

Selecting an Officiant

A Service That Fits the Setting

Keeping the Focus on You

Sound Issues

Music

Involving Guests

11 Outdoor Receptions

Shelter

Restroom Facilities

An Intimate Atmosphere

Music and Dancing

When Darkness Falls

Bringing the Outdoors In

12 Catering Considerations

Dining Al Fresco

Interviewing Caterers

Menu Do’s and Don’ts

Seating Arrangements

Wind Concerns

Carting in the Cake

13 Photography

Selecting a Photographer

Before or After?

Out of the Shadows

Makeup Touchups

Creative Effects

A Shot List for the Photographer

Videography

14 The Invitations

Save the Date

Themed Invitations

Instructions for Guests

Directions to Hard-to-Find Places

RSVP with Contact Information

Something Fun

15 Outdoor Attire

Bridal Gown Selection Tips

How to Wear Your Hair

Bridesmaids’ Attire

The Groom’s Garb

Communicating Correct Dress to Guests

Changing Attire Midstream

16 The Final Countdown

What Can Go Wrong

Things to Do One Week Before

Watching the Weather

Rehearsals

Assembling an Emergency Kit

Keeping Guests in the Loop

17 The Day Dawns

Last-Minute Decision-Making

Your Communications Plan

Getting Ready

Smile for the Camera

Schedule Private Moments

When It’s Not What You Hoped For

18 A Grand Entrance

Transporting Guests

Your Transportation

Together or Separately?

Horses and Other Antiquated Modes of Transportation

Limo Limits

Aerial Arrivals

19 Cleanup

Delegate Responsibilities

Clean As You Go

Do No Harm, Leave No Trace

Functional Favors

Saying “Farewell” to People and Place

Final Practicalities

Appendix A:
State-by-State Directory of Suggested Outdoor Venues


Appendix B:
Wedding Day Emergency Contact Sheet


Photo Credits

Index