Wedding Ideas: 5 Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Wedding (Dedicated Post) by Wedding Snap

Rebecca Hinden Photography

Whether held during summer or winter, seaside or way up high on a mountaintop, outdoor weddings are unrivaled in their versatility and beauty. With the help of our real-time photo-sharing app, we just love seeing all the fun and creative outdoor wedding ideas, Wedding Snap couples come up with, and we’ve also managed to pick up a few helpful planning tips along the way. Ready to get started creating the outdoor wedding of your dreams? Check out our top five tips below, and don’t forget to also share your own helpful suggestions!

1. Choose the Right Location 
It almost goes without saying that not all outdoor wedding locations are created equal, with a number of things to take into consideration that are entirely unique to each locale. Thinking of planning a seaside celebration? Things like tide schedules, noise levels and wind are especially important to consider. Is tying the knot at a local vineyard more your style? You’ll need to plan ahead to account for things like bugs, restroom availability and whether or not there will be enough shade for young and elderly guests.

With so many things to consider and no two locations being exactly alike, be sure to spend plenty of time thoroughly scouting venues and hashing out potential hang-ups before you commit to one spot over another. Some couples who initially have their hearts set on a specific dream location might actually end up changing their minds when they take into account things like inclement weather, permit requirements and other aspects that may not have come to mind when first envisioning their day. By addressing any possible snafus up front, however, you’ll be better able to relax and focus on having fun later.

2. Consider the Season
Since the time of year can affect everything from temperatures and weather conditions to the types of flowers that will be in bloom at your venue, it’s important to choose the best season to match your vision. A spot that’s warm and gorgeous during the summer months, for instance, might be a bit too damp and cold in the spring. If you have time to plan things out far in advance, it definitely helps to visit potential locations during the same season in which you hope to have your wedding. Plus, don’t forget to also talk with your hired vendors about any specific things that might be affected by the weather and climate. A buttercream cake, for example, might not hold up especially well outdoors on a hot summer’s afternoon, so think ahead and make sure nothing is left to chance.

3. Select the Best Time of Day 
The time of day you choose can impact everything from temperatures to lighting, making this yet another key thing to consider while planning. Sunset weddings are always popular during the warmer months, since they typically provide somewhat cooler temperatures and also allow for some truly gorgeous photos. Of course, there’s also the possibility of planning a morning wedding or even one that takes place midday, so think about the climate and conditions at your chosen venue when making a decision.

4. Have an Inclement Weather Backup Plan
While you of course hope your wedding day will be free of rain and extreme weather, having a backup plan is always important. Tenting, if your venue allows it, can help protect against things like rain showers and intense sunshine, while severe storms or unbearable temperatures will likely result in a need to move things indoors entirely. Talk with your wedding coordinator and the venue’s staff to determine the simplest plan that will keep everyone safe.

5. Don’t Let Hot or Cold Temperatures Spoil the Fun
Finally, when your guests, not to mention you and the rest of your wedding party, aren’t sweating or freezing, it’s easy to focus on the reason you’re there – to celebrate and have a great time! Take the terrain and climate into account when choosing your shoes and dress, and help keep guests from becoming too hot by providing plenty of water and shade in warm climates, along with things like paper fans and parasols. Cold weather, on the other hand, might call for hot chocolate and pashminas, so just as with everything else already mentioned, spend some time focusing on the details that will help ensure a fun and enjoyable time for everyone!

Are you planning an outdoor wedding? What other helpful tips and wedding ideas do you have to share? Leave a comment below for us here at the wedding blog!

About Wedding Snap:
Wedding Snap is an innovative photo-and-video-sharing platform and app that allows couples to instantly collect and share hundreds of their guests’ wedding photos and videos in real-time. With Wedding Snap, couples can gather all of their precious wedding memories in one place with ease. Wedding Snap is the simplest photo-and-video-sharing experience that uses iPhone and Android apps to instantly collect guests’ memories in an online, real-time album. Every photo and video taken with this wedding app is immediately uploaded to the online album. No waiting or begging. Your guests can watch your wedding happen in real-time, no matter where they are. And best of all, it’s so simple, a 5-year-old could use it.