Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. You want it to reflect who you are as a couple and provide a forum for celebrating with friends and family. Summer weddings have always been the most popular, and choosing an outdoor location for a summer wedding has recently become more common. However, they’re tricky. How do you choose the right outdoor wedding venues?
Tip 1: Think about the size of the guest list
Outdoor wedding venues often limit the number of guests. Gardens tend to be best for smaller weddings, while beaches (depending on the specific beach) allow for more people. You don’t want to book a location and then realize it’s way too small for the number of people you want to invite.
Tip 2: Choose a place close to a backup location
When you plan an outdoor location, you need a backup plan. Even if you live in a place that’s sunny 90% of the year, there’s always a chance that the weather won’t cooperate. Choose outdoor wedding venues that offer a backup chapel, or at least is relatively close to one you can book separately.
Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Location for a Summer Wedding
Tip 3: Think about the “vibe” of your wedding
Location has a big impact on the “feel” of a wedding. Farms speak to the rustic, simple side of life, while beach weddings are almost always casual, and fun. If you’ve always wanted a really formal wedding, an outside location may not be the best choice.
Tip 4: Consider clothing
Clothes are a huge part of the wedding. If you’re on a beach in the summer, you want loose, comfortable clothing for everyone in your party. If you’re on a terrace on a high-rise building, you can probably get away with a bit more formality, but still consider the temperature in your area around that time. Don’t forget your guests! Be sure to let them know as soon as possible in your Save-the-Date and invitation that the wedding is outside.
Tip 5: Prioritize safety
For everyone’s safety, check out the location of your choice to make sure the terrain is safe to walk on. You don’t want elderly guests tripping on uneven ground. You should also make sure that emergency services are within a reasonable distance, and that there are restrooms close by. This way, you won’t have to worry about anyone during the big day, and you can just celebrate.
