Planning an outdoor wedding: Planning an outdoor wedding

If you've always loved the idea of being married outside under a brilliant, sunny sky or a night full of twinkling stars, you should begin planning your outdoor wedding as early as possible to make sure you find an appropriate location.

Of course, if you have a large backyard, you may have the perfect spot right at home. Most of us don't have that much space, though, and it's nice to have a location that allows plenty of room for a large guest list.

The first step when planning an outdoor wedding is determining how long the guest list is. This will narrow down the list of appropriate locations to those large enough to accommodate your friends and family. Consider whether you want the reception in the same location as the wedding ceremony. If you do, you'll need a larger space so that people can easily mingle and there will be room for your caterers.

Consider Unusual Locations When Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Don't limit yourself to obvious locations like the botanical gardens (although these are certainly lovely!). You can also visit local museums, which often have beautifully landscaped inner courtyards, and historical homes. Many historical homes have elegant formal gardens or cottage gardens that are ideal for an outdoor wedding. If you want something casual, a beach wedding is lovely, and you don't have to live near an ocean - places like Lake Erie and Michigan often have beaches where you can get married on the sandy shores.

Logistics are Crucial When Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Visit every location you're interested in and check these important factors:

Is there enough room for the guests?
Is the access to the location easy even for elderly or handicapped guests?
Is there enough parking for everyone near the ceremony site?
Is there an alternate location nearby that will be available if the weather is bad?

If you keep these tips in mind, you'll soon be planning an outdoor wedding that will be stunning and unforgettable!