Planning an outdoor wedding can be a huge undertaking for any bride, even if she is the epitome of organisation. There are hundreds of details to fret about, from the weather forecast to backup plans in case of rain, to making sure you have a sound system that works. Look over our ultimate outdoor wedding checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything essential.
Have you got a contingency plan?
Exchanging vows on the beach followed by a picnic might be your idea of a fairytale wedding and, while you can plan everything down to the most minor detail, you don’t have any control over Mother Nature. If it rains cats and dogs, a cyclone hits land or your venue is under water, what are you going to do? Put a plan B in place and know when it’s necessary to activate it. Have umbrellas on stand-by if only light showers are forecast, but for a torrential downpour, make sure you have an alternative indoor venue available.
Have you considered the practicalities of your location?
While your ceremony location might seem magical, you need to ask yourself if it’s practical. Is it easily accessible? Is it in easy walking distance for elderly parents or relatives and guests with strollers? Do you need to have access to a power source for fairy lights, a sound system, the band or caterers? Are there nearby toilet facilities or are you planning to hire portaloos?
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Have you got a permit?
If you are getting married in a park or on a public beach, you’ll need a permit and you’ll also have to abide by the stated regulations. There may be a fee for using the location and usually at least a month’s notice or more is required. Booking does not ensure exclusive use of the location, so bear in mind that other people may be in the area picnicking, walking dogs or playing.
Will your guests and bridal party be comfortable?
Australian summers are notorious for their scorching hot weather, so be sure to provide shade, refreshments and outdoor mist-spraying fans to beat the heat. If your celebrations are continuing into the evening, be sure to have citronella candles to deter pesky mozzies and other bugs.
Will you be wearing sensible shoes?
It seems like a crazy thing to worry about, but you’d be surprised how many brides decide they’d like to go barefoot only to find the beach sand is scorching hot. Some have chosen to wear sandals and then they end up having to plow through paddocks and discover a whole new level of torture when they have to walk through a bindi patch. So make sure your shoes match your wedding location.
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Are you prepared to get your dress dirty?
You can’t expect to get married in a paddock and not have to deal with good old-fashioned cow poo. On the beach, the train of your dress is likely to get wet and sandy. You may not be bothered by this at all, unless of course you have hired or borrowed the gown. Watermarks, grass stains and mud splatters are all part of getting married in the great outdoors.
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