4 Tips in Planning Your Outdoor Wedding

There is something about an outdoor wedding that is indescribable. Its bright blue sky, the natural breeze, the picturesque backdrop, and so many others are primarily the reasons why brides, especially in New Zealand, dream and envision their big day to be. But in reality, there is a significant amount of work, coordination and orchestration to make your outdoor wedding vision to life.

Whether you are dreaming about a beach wedding or a backyard wedding, it is important to know the things you need to prepare, to think about and consider. With that, we have tapped one of our vendors who has been able to photograph several outdoor weddings from beach weddings to mountain wedding to even private bay weddings.

Sarah Watkins of Lucalia Photography is so generous to share a number of tips to prepare for your dream outdoor wedding, not only as a wedding photography but as a bride who had an outdoor wedding herself.

Tip 1: Choose Your Location Mindfully

Sarah shares, it is important to choose a location you are connected to, not just because you think it is pretty. She continues, “Be motivated by your feelings, history, and future together, instead of Pinterest. Meaningful locations could be the beach you had family gatherings at as a child; the mountain you climbed together on your first date; your favorite vineyard or the waterfall you’ve dreamed of visiting together.” This way, it gives more meaning to your celebration.

Tip 2: Always Check The Sun… and the Weather

Always consider the direction and the intensity of the sunlight at the time of your ceremony, especially at a beach wedding. It is very important to ensure everyone’s comfort especially you and your groom. You don’t want to end hurting your eyes as you try so hard to look at your groom or so exhausted because of the heat.

But don’t forget to take the sun to your advantage especially if you want specific look in your photographs (for example if you want bright blue sky above snow-capped mountains, ‘golden hour’, sunrise or sunset). Discuss this with your photographer as well as your wedding planner to make it happen.

Another important thing is to check the weather. According to Sarah, “Have a wet weather or bad weather back up plan, and make sure you love it just as much as your plan A. This will help to reduce stress leading up to and on your wedding day. If you love your inside location just as much as your outdoor spot, making the decision to relocate won’t be as difficult.” Sarah continues, “Bad weather can take many forms rain, wind, extreme heat, snow, ice the list goes on! Back up plans could be a stylish marquee, teepee, rustic barn, local hall or your reception venue. Our wet weather venue was in between the beautiful copper stills used for making aged apple brandy: we loved this idea very much!”

Tip 3: Consider Everyone’s Comfort and Access

Being an outdoor wedding bride herself, Sarah shares how important it is to think of everyone’s comfort as well as your own. Will it be hot or cold that day? Will it rain or will it be a hot sunny day? Sarah suggests, “Consider providing umbrellas, hats, bright woolly blankets to share or cute little bottles of insect repellent. Is there grass, sand, cobblestones, mud, steep slopes, does getting there involves bushwalking? Do any guests have a disability or need assistance to walk, can they safely attend your wedding? Similarly, advise your guests on appropriate footwear so they can be prepared and comfortable. Other things to consider regarding guest comfort are toilets and transport. Lastly, advise of these beforehand.”

Tip 4: Hire a Wedding Planner

Sarah shares her biggest tip, “Engage a trusted local wedding planner. These industry professionals take care of all the details and logistics and know the best way to achieve your vision. If you don’t know what your vision is, they can help with that too! They work with reputed vendors handling all the quoting, correspondence and exactly how many fairy lights you need. Wedding planners ensure your day runs smoothly, whilst you enjoy celebrating your love with family and friends.”

There are so many things you need to consider when planning an outdoor wedding. It is best to sit down and research your options before writing that check to an outdoor wedding. Have you been to an outdoor wedding before? Share your thoughts and comments in the comment section below.

Special thanks to Sarah Watkins of Lucalia Photography for the tips and the images in this article. Check her work and see how she can help you with your wedding.