Planning an Outdoor Wedding? Here’s How to Make It Work In Any Weather

Celebrating your nuptials in the beauty of the outdoors is a great alternative to a traditional reception hall and can even be more affordable. But when you’re at the mercy of the weather, there are far more factors to consider to pull it off successfully. Because planning your wedding begins long before you could ever predict the forecast, here’s what you need to know before saying “I do” under the open sky.
 

Choose the ideal location

Your outdoor wedding location sets the stage for your entire celebration. It could be in a garden, on the beach or in a forest but no matter what, it has to check a few boxes before it's deemed fit for a party. Ask yourself, can it hold all your guests and is it accessible, even for those with mobility issues? If yes, check whether you need special permits or approvals to use the space. Just as important as your guests, you’ll need to ensure that all your vendors can access the space too. This can include caterers, florists and the crew setting up a stretch tent to protect from the rain.
 

Prepare for rain

Devon isn’t exactly known for its reliable weather, so if you’re planning your outdoor wedding here, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. While you can’t control the precipitation, you can take it into account with the likes of a festival tent for your big day. Because you’re not under one big roof when you’re outdoors, you might consider setting up separate stations that can easily be sheltered from the storm if necessary. A dining tent is a must-have but a tent for the bar, the DJ and the caterers can make sure everyone stays dry. If you’re lucky enough to get sunshine, tents provide much-needed shade.
 

Decorate your outdoor space

If you’ve secured a beautiful spot for your ceremony and reception, nature has done most of the decorating for you. But to transform it even more to match your theme, consider using lights to create a magical atmosphere as the sun sets. In a tent, string lights can be hung throughout for a warm glow that keeps everything well-lit without being too harsh.
 

Enjoying the outdoor experience

Because weddings are planned so far in advance of the actual day, there isn’t a lot of wiggle room for last-minute changes. That’s why planning for multiple scenarios for an outdoor wedding will save you from unwelcome surprises. If that’s bad weather, taking care of it early with a tent rental (or even umbrellas) means you can enjoy your special day stress-free.