If you’re planning an outdoor or marquee wedding, there are some extra planning areas that it’s essential not to forget! I’ve put together a list of just a few of the fundamentals, to help you on your way.
But with so many moving parts and extra things to think about for an outdoor or marquee wedding, it’s always worth getting a helping hand from a professional to make sure your day runs seamlessly… and ensure nothing gets forgotten! If you’re looking for support, get in contact today to discover how I can help!
So, lets get going on the fundamentals… what you absolutely can’t be without for an outdoor or marquee wedding!
If you’re love the idea of a fully outdoor wedding (that’s including everything from the ceremony, reception drinks, wedding breakfast and evening reception) be sure that you are comfortable spending all that time outdoors. Consider the time of year that you’re planning your wedding- are you happy to be outside in the sun for a minimum of five hours? The advantages of an outside wedding can mean a glorious day, but just be sure that you’re comfortable with not just the idea, but everything that goes with it.
Book your venue as soon as possible. With a limited season for outdoor wseddings, you will find that dates get booked up quite quickly. So, if you find a venue that you fall in love with and they fit your requirements, then book early to avoid disappointment.
Access to electricity at an outdoor wedding is not necessarily a given, so you will need to check with each of your vendors what access they require to power and whether they can be on a shared circuit. This will determine the size of generator you will require (if you need one!). Be sure to hire your power supply from a reputable supplier to prevent any unexpected power outages.
If you’re opting for a less formal affair, pizza ovens and hog roasts work well. Be mindful of large buffets to prevent pests hovering around. If you’re looking for a slightly more formal, plated meal, consider your style and theme, season and surroundings to complement your menu.
The great advantage to an outdoor Wedding is in-part that there is already decoration all around you! So, take note from your surroundings and complement the natural aesthetic with any additional decoration that you plan for your wedding. You can make your space as formal or informal as you like to suit your style, by adjusting the décor accordingly. Consider hardwood floors, tulle drapes and chandeliers for a more formal affair.
If you’re planning a marquee or tipi for your wedding, you should be fairly well protected from any inclement weather. Reserve some sides for your set-up which can be put up should you experience any extreme rain or wind. If you’re planning an entirely outside day, it’s worth including a back-up plan just in case the weather turns against you. If you know that the weather's not going to be great, ask your venue if you can pitch a few days earlier, to keep the ground underfoot a little less soggy for the big day.
The simplest way to deter the bugs is with citronella candles around your tents and surrounding pathways. Consider too, flowers that are less appealing to biting insects to decorate your venue, such as lavender, marigolds and peppermint- add them to your floral displays for a secret bug deterrent. If all else fails, keep bottles of bug spray in your guest comfort kits, to help themselves when they need to.
Make sure you have sufficient for the number of guests… you don’t want people resorting to nearby bushes! For an event with 150-175 guests, you would need approximately 3-4 cubicles for women and 3 for men. That works out to be roughly one bathroom for 25 guests.
Think about where you intend to stand your bathrooms- it’s probably not the first thing you want everyone to see when they arrive! Try to place them in an inconspicuous area, tucked behind another building or disguised by shrubs and trees, but not too far, that your guests need to trek across a field when they need the loo! Consider too, your power and water supply, to keep things running smoothly. You can dress your toilets to keep them a little more luxury, by adding flowers, a toiletry basket, pretty soaps or scented candles- although you don’t expect your guests to spend long in the bathroom, small touches will make it a luxury experience!
Let your guests know that you have planned an outdoor wedding- by telling them in advance they can wear appropriate attire and bring any additional items that they may need with them (like a change of shoes or a pashmina!).
If you know you’re going to have a scorcher of a wedding day, then make sure that your guests are protected. Have suncream on hand and provide some shade to relieve everyone from the rays. Consider fans, hats and sun glasses as your wedding favours to give your friends and family the best guest experience and keep everyone comfortable and safe. Umbrellas are also a great option- they can be perfect for sun and rain protection… just in case!
If you’re expecting some heat on your wedding day and you have a marquee set up for your reception, it may be worth hiring some air conditioning units to keep your guests comfortable throughout your reception. Patio heaters are also a great option for warming your outdoor spaces after the sun sets.
Conversely, if you’ve planned a marquee for your winter wedding, think about including some heaters in your marquee package to keep everyone comfortable for the day.
You’ll likely need to hire the same suppliers as you would at any other venue, but there are a few extras that you’ll need to think about, such as a power supply, toilet facilities, structure (marquee/tent/tipi), flooring, tables and chairs, crockery, glassware & silverware and lighting (to name just a few).
Since your venue isn’t necessarily already set up, you will need to factor in the time it will take to put up structures, decorate the space and organise the vendors. I would suggest starting your set-up at minimum, 2-3 days before your event, to make sure everything runs to plan and to time and your other vendors have time to set-up once any structures have been erected.
Consider the space you need for your event. Not only will you require the space for your guests, you need to factor in the space needed for any structures (the type of structure will depend on the space that you need), caterer’s trucks, set-up for other vendors, toilets, bars, wedding breakfast tables (round vs. rectangular), guest parking etc. Be sure that there is sufficient space for everyone that will be attending your Wedding.
If you’re looking to plan your own, unique Wedding in Essex and the surrounding areas, you too can experience the perfect Wedding Day with the help, support & guidance of a professional Wedding Planner.
I can help you to unravel your ideas, develop you dreams & bring your Wedding vision to life. Connecting you with the very best and most trusted, local Wedding Professionals to craft your day; I can help you to create a more sustainable Wedding, without compromising on the style, elegance & luxury of your event.
With luxury & dedicated Wedding Planning support, you can enjoy a fun, relaxing & stress-free Wedding Planning Journey. You can also rest assured that every detail will be taken care of and your journey from start to finish will be in the safest hands.
No matter where you are in your Wedding Planning journey, I can offer support and guidance to help you achieve your perfect Day. To learn more about the Wedding Planning services available to you, follow the links below or contact me to discover how I can help.
