Indoor or Outdoor Wedding?

You never know what will happen outdoors!

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Choosing Between an Indoor or Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Every wedding is going to come with endless decisions you’ll have to make and some will be much more important than others. One of the biggest decisions, which could affect many of the other smaller ones, will be whether to have your wedding ceremony indoors or outdoors. A few things should be considered before deciding on an outdoor wedding ceremony, so before putting any deposits down on a venue, make sure you’ve done your research on your intended location.

Weather in Your Area

If you live somewhere that has unpredictable weather patterns, an outdoor wedding could be a little risky. If you’re constantly facing the threat of rain and wind or if you risk seating your guests under a blistering sun throughout your entire ceremony, you may want to be prepared with some alternative options. An outdoor wedding can be lovely and romantic, but you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take a chance on the weather.

Creating a Backup Plan

You may have your heart set on an outdoor wedding and live in one of those areas where the weather can be tricky. Renting some tents to block out too much sun or some light rain can be a great way to protect you and your guests from the elements. These tents may act as mini greenhouses on the exceptionally hot days so do your research on what kind of setup you’re thinking about using. Clear roofed tents can also provide a beautiful view of the day while still offering some protection.

For more severe weather possibilities, having an indoor backup plan may be your best bet. A tent may not do much to shield you from heavy winds and sideways rain. If it’s a good chance you’ll be seeing conditions like this on your wedding day, it could be a better idea to just plan for an indoor wedding right from the start.

I remember years ago a bride of ours had picked Mt. Echo to have her wedding ceremony at.  When she first saw it, she thought it so beautiful.  She planned everything just perfect, even timing it to when the sunset would be for the photo she had always dreamed of.  Just in case of rain, they rented tents.  So prepared, yet so disappointed.  On her wedding day the big white tents totally changed the look of the location that she fell in love with.  It no longer looked the same.  The sky was so full of clouds, there was no way you would have ever been able to see the sun when it set.  Did it rain? Yes!  Did they need the tents? Yes!  Was she disappointed?  Yes!  A wedding in a tent, is not the wedding one dreams of.

Have a backup plan.  If the weather on wedding day is bad, go to Plan B.  Create a wedding website or blog and inform your guests on the invitation that in case of bad weather, check the website day of wedding for update as to the location of the ceremony and or reception.

Think About the Little Things

It can be easy to overlook some of the smaller factors that come with outdoor weddings. Keep in mind that certain locations may have a higher insect population and some spots may require you to walk through dirt and grass in your white dress. Are paths available at the spot you’ve chosen? Washrooms may be something you should be considering as well. Even if you aren’t having a long ceremony, be sure to think about the guests you’ve invited and what their needs may be. You’ll also be taking plenty of pictures that day, so think about the time of day you’ll be having your ceremony and what kind of lighting effects you can expect.  Will you be facing into the direct sunlight?  Will your guests?  Go to the ceremony location on a cloudless bright sunny day at the same time as your ceremony and see where would be the best position for your ceremony.  Don't have your photographer shooting straight into the sun.

An outdoor wedding can offer an amazing variety of breathtaking backgrounds for your big day. While some factors will be beyond your control, being prepared can help you minimize any surprises during your ceremony. If your desired location requires special clothing requirements, such as a sandy beach or breezy cliff side, be sure to keep your guests informed so they can be comfortable during your ceremony and are paying attention to your vows rather than being distracted by sand in the shoes or mist in their face.