12 Tips for Outdoor Weddings

So you’re thinking of having an outdoor wedding? Outdoor weddings are often quite beautiful and even a backyard wedding can be nice and cozy. They do, however, have an entirely new set of challenges that can arise vs. an indoor setting. Here are some helpful tips to take into consideration when preparing for your ceremony in the great outdoors:

1-      Have a back-up plan just in case the weather takes an unexpected turn

2-      Consider the time of year and animals or insects that may be prevalent to the area (ie; backyards, canyons, deserts, fields, forests, islands, lakes/rivers, meadows and parks). Areas with water nearby may also have mosquitoes so consider using a bug repellent  

3-      If close to an area of traffic or other noise consider renting a microphone and speaker

4-      Ensure plenty of water is on hand for hot summer days & remember to stay hydrated

5-      The Bride may want to consider wearing flat shoes for grassy areas  or uneven ground

6-      Bees are drawn to flowers and perfumes; consider having an EPI-Pen on hand if you have a severe allergy to bee stings

7-      If taking place at night ensure there is plenty of lighting available for purposes of safety and so that your guests can clearly see you during the ceremony

8-      Ensure that any tents, trellises or archways are firmly secured to prevent tipping or flight if the wind should pick up

9-      If the ceremony is taking place near a body of water (ie; ponds in parks or rushing streams in canyons) consider a way to safeguard so that guests and any children attending do not fall in

10-   Ceremony additions are always beautiful, though some are not very practical in outdoor settings such as any ceremony involving candles or even sand if it is particularly windy

11-   Depending upon apparel and your sensitivity to the sun’s rays you may want to apply sunscreen

12-   Hay fever and allergy sufferers may want to have eye drops and/or allergy medications on hand (red, itchy, watery eyes and the sniffles rarely make for great photos)

All in all, with enough forethought, careful planning and consideration, outdoor weddings can still be beautiful, fun, elegant and exquisitely romantic. Enjoy the beauty of nature!

©2012 Rev. Christopher T. Scuderi

How Important is a Wedding Rehearsal?

Is it fair to say that you would like to save money wherever you can? Of course it is, especially when you are looking at the wide variety of costs involved in a standard wedding. There are the invitations and stamps, the cake and favors, the venue and perhaps a DJ, tuxedo rentals, floral bouquets, the wedding gown, food for the reception, photographer and/or videographer, the rings and let’s not forget the clergy/ officiant who creates and solemnizes the wedding ceremony.  It can all add up rather quickly.      

So it is entirely understandable to want to save money anywhere you possibly can.

Given all the money that you are spending to make your big day just as flawless and beautiful as you always dreamed it would be why would you then scrimp and cut out a vital piece of the puzzle? That’s right; a rehearsal is a vital part of preparing for your ceremony. A proper rehearsal allows for everyone involved in your wedding, from your line to your parents and most importantly to the two of you, to KNOW what will take place and when. Understanding even the general timing can make all the difference.