Go EXTRA! What You Need for an Outdoor Wedding Celebration
It’s all about making your guests happy & comfortable
Especially given the times, outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years and it doesn’t look like the trend is slowing down any time soon. It’s no wonder couples are flocking to alfresco celebrations – it’s hard to compete with the beauty of Mother Nature. It’s easier for guests to social distance in the great outdoors. However, when choosing to tie the knot outside, there are additional factors to consider that an indoor wedding doesn’t have to contend with. Some of these issues can be minimized if you only have the ceremony in the open air and the reception indoors, or vice versa, while there are other preparations that are critical to make to ensure your guests are well taken care of.
Below is a short list of EXTRA personal touches you should consider for an outdoor wedding:
– Refreshments. Being thoughtful of your guests goes a long way and it’s the extra touches they will remember like providing refreshments for the ceremony. Warm weather can be tough for those waiting around for the ceremony to start, especially in tropical climates and in summer season. Early birds can be satiated with infused or sparkling water, along with lemonade and iced tea – or even chilled champagne. For a cool touch, you can personalize the refreshments based on the area. In Newport RI, couples have the local Del’s frozen lemonade cart at the ceremony to help hydrate guests. In Palm Beach Fl you could drive Boozie Bluebell right on the ceremony site! Boozie is a portable, electric, eco-friendly mobile bar serving beer, wine bubbles, and craft cocktails. According to creator Kate Aborgast Stubbs, ” We pride ourselves on our friendly service and the fun atmosphere Boozie creates. With fixtures like subway tiles and gold wine racks…this cute little lady is sure to compliment and elevate any event.” I just photographed a birthday party and Boozie was the “belle of the ball”. Boozie looks like a hybrid cross between a mini retro ice cream truck meets golf cart and Vespa, they got together and Boozie Bluebell was born, all tricked out. It’s that cool.
– Ways to make temperatures comfortable. If it’s too hot, provide fans, parasols, or even a spot in the shade. Heat lamps and canopies can help regulate the temperature when it comes time for dinner and dancing. Flip flops are always a big hit for hot, tired, aching feet. If it’s too cold, same goes for blankets or Pashminas. These items also make for functional & thoughtful wedding favors for your guests to take with them.
– Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent. You want guests to remember your wedding because of the fun they had, not because of the sunburn and bug bites that linger days after you said your “I dos.” You can even make these seemingly mundane items cute by customizing a label with your monogram.
– A plan B. No matter what time of year you choose to tie the knot, there is a chance that the Mother Nature won’t cooperate. Even if you have your heart set on having your event in the great outdoors, it’s best to be prepared with another option. Whether the venue has an indoor space or you keep a tent rental on standby, your guests will appreciate your foresight if rain starts to fall.
Being thoughtful and doing EXTRA, to keep your friends and family comfortable
is always appreciated. Especially when they have already gone the extra miles, just to come together and celebrate your special day with you.
