For many couples, saying ‘I do’ surrounded by impressive scenery in ideal weather, amongst the beauty and the magic of the outdoors, feels like a natural attraction. Whether you’ve dreamt of an outdoor wedding for your perfect union since you can remember or you’ve only just begun to imagine the possibilities that unique weddings outside can offer, take some time to consider the additional challenges involved in the creative wedding planning process.
Successfully translating your ceremony ideas into a memorable event of this kind entails a more thoughtful approach than an indoor wedding typically does. However, if you are open to navigating the complexities, you can achieve your dream wedding reflective of your personal style and comfort.
First and foremost, be honest with yourself. Do you struggle with letting go of control? Do you actually enjoy being outdoors for hours at a time? If you do love the outdoors, it's important to take the time of year you wish to get married into account, in order to avoid weather conditions that may be unappealing to you and your guests.
Setting the scene
When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding, prioritizing the guest experience is of utmost importance. Some of the most frequently asked questions include:
How should we approach our vendors for an outdoor event?
Creating a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception requires coordination with a trustworthy team of vendors. By and large, finding your vendors will be comparable to planning an indoor ceremony and reception. That said, it is wise to research vendors with prior experience in outdoor events. You’ll want to gain a clear understanding of what each one of them will need to perform their roles and responsibilities successfully on the big day, and then, partner with a reputable rental company that can provide generator power and miscellaneous odds and ends to meet their needs.
Additionally, there are a number of all-inclusive rental companies equipped to provide everything from tents, tables, chairs, lighting, generators, bars, and even assist with any necessary permitting. Tents and rental furniture will be the most expensive line item in your wedding budget next to catering, due to demand, so getting that taken care of straight away before you continue planning is essential. Knowing that you are in good hands with true professionals capable of handling all the logistics can alleviate so much stress and confusion before your special day.
How should we decorate our outdoor setting?
Outdoor locations afford you the luxury of using the natural landscape to your decorating advantage. You are in a unique position to leverage the beauty and aesthetic of the natural settings at the site chosen and make your outdoor wedding as formal or informal as your heart desires.
If you prefer a formal wedding, you may elect to tent the space with either a sail top tent or pole tents with tulle draping on the ceiling. You may choose to install chandeliers or setup bespoke bistro lighting. Furthermore, adding hardwood flooring to your tent floor will elevate the formal vibe, as will premium linens to dress your tables and Chiavari chairs versus garden chairs. Decoration ideas that incorporate natural textures like wood, linen, and natural silks often create an elegant, show-stopping appearance to the decor. Air conditioning may also be a feature you’ll want to request, depending on the locale and time of year.
Is a weather contingency plan necessary?
One of the top concerns for couples planning an event outdoors is inclement weather.
If you intend to go with a tent already, be sure to reserve one with side walls even if you think it won’t really be necessary. Tents are a priority item, so you are better off reserving the tent in advance, just in case. Then, if you so choose, you can cancel it in the days leading up to your event. Though you may risk losing part or all of your deposit, it’s much better than being stuck the week of your wedding without one if the weather forecast calls for rain and dealing with that unwanted stress. Side walls should be treated the same, even though they may not be critical for a light rain, you will want your guests to be protected if there is a real downpour.
Your rental company may also be willing to negotiate a protective caveat into your contract on request. See if they can get your deposit returned to you in the event you release your tent inventory and they are able to rent it to another client.
If the weather forecast predicts heavy rain, then you should take proactive steps to ensure your setup operates smoothly. For instance, find out if the venue will allow your tenting company to set up the structure several days ahead of the wedding, so it can protect the dry ground and avoid a soggy ground on the day-of.
How do we protect our guests against bugs?
Something you can do apart from getting your grounds professionally treated three or four days prior to your wedding is place citronella candles around the pathway or near your tent entrance. This can deter bugs, and so can choosing flowers that do not attract mosquitoes. Florals including lavender, marigolds, and peppermint in your personal arrangements and around the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception dually serve as a secret weapon.
Is there any way to make portable potties pretty?
One of the most-asked questions when outdoor weddings are concerned is how to alter the appearance of portable potties. According to experts, it’s all about a restroom trailer rental with hired bathroom attendants and tasteful touches that make it look pretty.
How can we prepare our guests for an outdoor wedding?
The most convenient way to advise your guests is by mentioning the outdoor setting in your wedding invitation and/or on your wedding website. Informing your friends and family in advance will help them to choose the appropriate attire, and anything else they might need, such as extra layers or accessories. For example, you would not want all the ladies wearing stilettos sinking in the ground all night if your wedding is taking place on grass, so you can let them know in case they want to bring another pair of shoes along to substitute their high heels or you can arrange to have heel stoppers on hand for guests who may need them.
Making it memorable
To ensure your nuptials are memorable for you and your guests while relieving you of the pressures of planning, consider hiring a wedding planner. Their purpose is to make sure everything is sorted in advance for betrothed couples, creating unforgettable weddings and enabling the bride and groom to focus on the joys of getting married and celebrating their union with the people that matter most in their lives.
Since outdoor weddings are usually tied to warmer seasons and better weather, demand for the best locations will be high. Booking your venue as soon as possible will help to avoid scheduling conflicts and reduce competition with other couples looking to secure the same date and location as you.
All wedding planners are keen to acknowledge that planning an outdoor wedding can be an expensive undertaking. However, at the Calabasas Country Club venue, the options and facilities offer a great value for wedding events which are usually held outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful setting.
Landscaped with magnolia trees and islands of roses, the expansive clubhouse patio is large enough to host your entire celebration. Showcase your unique ceremony ideas at one end with a rolling, pine studded golf course serving as the gorgeous backdrop and the shimmering lake and bridge of the 18th hole in the foreground. Capture your wedding photos in front of the serene and picturesque waterfalls, bridges, and old oaks on the fairways while your guests mingle over cocktails. At the other end of the patio, enjoy dinner served to you under the glow of the bistro lights overhead.
Whether opting for a more formal seated dinner or dining buffet style, the executive chef with over 30 years’ experience strives to include personalized touches and deliver a 5-star experience. Although he specializes in California cuisine, he’s happy to accommodate special menu requests, as many regional and ethnic influences are reflected in his dishes.
