The Everything Outdoor Wedding Book by Beckius, Kim Knox -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Title Page Copyright Dedication 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