6 things to note when you are planning an outdoor wedding

Outdoor wedding has becoming more and more popular these days, many couple nowadays are inspired by pictures from overseas weddings that feature barnyard wedding, garden wedding, rustic wedding etc. However having an outdoor wedding is not as easy as having one in a hotel, take a look at the list of things that you need to know when you have an outdoor wedding

#1 Lighting

image source: https://www.theknot.com/content/9-ways-to-light-your-reception

Most outdoor venue may not have sufficient lightings at night, before the event, visit the venue at the time where you are going to have your cocktail reception and stay till around 9pm to see what the lighting is like during these hours. Are the lightings sufficient for guests to have their dinner or for them to leave the venue? Do you need to bring in extra lightings?

#2 Wet weather plan

in case it rain, still make it a beautiful wedding by preparing colorful umbrella for everyone! image source: http://www.colincowieweddings.com/articles/wedding-basics-etiquette/rain-check

This is a must for all outdoor venue, what happens if it rains on the actual day, is there a backup venue nearby that you can have your wedding? If there isn’t, do we need to build marquee and does the venue allow you to do so? Do you need to patch back the grass as a result of your tentage?

#3 Power & Water

image source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/totally-ingenious-tips-for-an-outdoor-wedding?sub=2480689_1466668#.hmO3jleaM8

Are there enough electrical points and water supply for your caterer? Do you need to bring in your own generator? Most outdoor venues may allow you to tap into the building power points, however the voltage may not be high enough to support industrial cooking, would be good to check if you are having a sit down banquet.

#4 Washroom

image source: http://www.heartlovealways.com/2013/04/25-of-the-best-wedding-signs/

You may not think of it when you are planning your wedding, but nonetheless, it is a basic necessity that can have a huge impact on the comfort of your guests. Check whether there are washrooms available and are they on exclusive use basis or private use. And depending on your guests size, is there a need to hire additional portable washroom for your guests use.

#5 Accessibility

image source: http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/claire-loz/

Couples love outdoor venue because it is away from the city and provides good scenery for the guests, however this comes with the price of being not accessible. Consider the various ways that your guests are coming, if they are not driving, is there a MRT station nearby or a bus stop that they can take public transport? How long do they need to walk from the station and the bus stop to the venue?

You can consider hiring coach service and pick up guests from nearby places where it is more accessible for them and to send them back to the pick-up point after the event as it is hard to grab a cab at night. And also ensure there are enough signages to guide the guests to your wedding venue

#6 Bugs & Insects

keep the bugs out from your desserts and food image source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/totally-ingenious-tips-for-an-outdoor-wedding?sub=2480689_1467318#.laAAd3nW7o

Being out in the nature, it is common to have mosquitoes or bugs as part of your guests, you may want to consider fumigating the area a day before your wedding event. Alternatively you can also prepare small bags of insect repellents and mosquito patch to be placed on the table for guests who might want to use it or light citronella candles to chase the mosquitoes away.

Planning an outdoor weddings is a especially tedious process with many details to take care of BUT it would be all worth it when you see it realising on your wedding day. Have fun planning your wedding!

Love and Be Merry,
Denise and Michelle
For enquiry on our wedding planning service, drop us an email with your wedding details at hello@hitchedweddings.com.sg