Hot Tip #7 - Outdoor Weddings

By now you've probably been to your fair share of outdoor weddings and we couldn't agree more, they are extremely magical! With the sunset at pre-drinks, being out in nature and all of the amazing different things you can do with an outdoor space make is so much more exciting! With wedding season in full swing, we wanted to talk about outdoor weddings and events and offer a few hot tips we suggest you think about and maybe take into consideration when planning your wedding or event!

1. Do the elements of your wedding work outdoors?

Just like choosing everything in your wedding, will an outdoor location work for you? Of course outdoors means more possibilities but it can also be quite limiting and/or challenging. For example, hanging a floral installation in a venue is generally a fairly simple task as long as the weight bearing is approved, unlike an outdoor location where unless you are having some sort of structure, this isnt all that possible. Run through the things you have always wanted as part of your styling or your day/night and see if they are possible outdoors and if so, are there additional costs involved ie: delivery, additional structures, additional power etc.

Some other elements which can be a tad challenging outdoors:

Lighting
Ground Surfaces - heels in soggy grass or harsh gravel *EEK*
Sound/Acoustics
Curfew
Floral Installations
Power
Toilets
Water access
Weather elements
Parking
How to get there?

2. Understand what type of "venue" it is and what's included

The very first thing we would suggest is understanding whether your are utilising an outdoor venue or land only. Most "Outdoor Venues" or a venue with an outdoor space you can utilise will have the appropriate power, lighting, toilets, caterers and additional contacts to ensure you have all there is required to pull off your outdoor day. Compared to many paddocks or land that you can hire (or if you are lucky enough to have your own family member/friend who owns the perfect paddock and is offering it free!) generally will only have the land itself and then contacts for you to get in touch with for everything else.

If searching for vendors and researching outdoor events isn't your thing yet you are crushing hard for a "Land Only" venue - we would highly suggest a planner as they will know what is required for your outdoor wedding. Alternatively if a planner isn't in your budget, we would highly recommend utilising an "Outdoor Venue".

Outdoor Venues with the Planned It! Approval

Maleny Retreat - https://www.malenyretreatweddings.com/

Ardeena - http://www.ardeena.com.au/

Forget Me Not - https://forgetmenotweddings.com.au/

3. Logistics

We recommend, once understanding the things provided by the chosen venue, meeting with your suppliers as soon as you can to discuss bump in/out (set up and pack down), where they can park, what type of needs the supplier has and if there is anything you will need to provide or any additional costs incurred for outdoors. This will help you build a comprehensice run sheet as well as ensure all suppliers have what they reuire and the venue understands who will be onsite. Keep in mind that some venues which have the outdoor spaces may restrict you from utilising certain structures, vehicles and power so be sure to ask these questions before meeting with your suppliers.

4. Ceremony, Reception or Both?

This is a question we are asked a lot - whether an outdoor wedding needs to be completely outdoors. Of course not! Like we always say, your wedding is yours for a reason. If you want to have an entire day and night outdoors or whether you never want to see the sunlight, this is completely up to you and your partner. An outdoor wedding doesn't necessarily mean completely outdoors. You may wish to have an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, or opposite, or both! Maybe you wish to have your dining indoors but your party outdoors - or shake it up and have it opposite! With so many amazing structures and venues available at the moment, you are honestly spoilt for choice.

Speak to your venue and ask if they have any examples of previous weddings and how they utilised the space, then ask if they have utilised certain structure companies and check out what they offer. This will spark your creativity and give you an idea of what could work for you.

Depending on the time of year and weather expected, we would always recommend having some sort of shelter. Not only protection from the rain, sun and wind but also for guests who may not be able to hack it in the elements for the entire night. Thinking of your demographic will assist with your best option.

Some companies we LOVE for structures:

Tipi Luxe - https://www.tipiluxe.com.au/

Emma and Samuel have you covered! From there stunning Tipis to their most recent addition of the Sperry Tents - they have you sorted!