How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding in Memphis
Outdoor weddings can be beautiful- there’s nothing quite like natural decor, blue skies, and a slight breeze while you are saying your vows. However, there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting married at an outdoor wedding venue. If you are planning an outdoor wedding in Memphis, take these considerations to heart to make your day as memorable as you deserve.
Talk to Your Vendors
Just like if you were having an indoor wedding, talk to your vendors and make sure they know your wedding will be outside. When you are researching vendors for your big day, it is advantageous to make sure they have experience with outdoor weddings. This is especially important with DJs, caterers, etc., who will need access to electricity.
Hire a Reputable Rental Company
A rental company with a lot of experience handling outdoor events is your best bet. They will look at all aspects of your wedding and make sure that you have everything you need. A rental company will provide you with tents, generators, tables, chairs, and anything else you might need in order to have your wedding outdoors. We recommend walking through the venue with your rental company representative to make sure that all aspects are covered.
Prepare for Adverse Weather
There is nothing worse than rain on your wedding day if you are having an outdoor wedding. However, if you have a backup plan, there is nothing to worry about!
Whether you are having your wedding in the spring, summer, or fall, having a tent or a venue with indoor capabilities can save the day in the event of scorching sun or rain. A tent will shield you and your guests from adverse weather while also offering a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony and reception. Consider a tent with removable walls in the event of a harder downpour.
If you don’t love the idea of having a tent, choose a venue where you can easily move your wedding indoors if there are adverse weather conditions on your big day. That way, rain won’t ruin your wedding or cause you to scramble on the day of.
Weatherproof Your Tent
If it is going to be hot and humid, you can add fans or portable air conditioning units. If you have always dreamed of a winter wedding but still want to hold it outside, portable heaters will allow you to get married outdoors with everyone still being warm and comfortable.
Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
While a wedding planner can be extremely helpful in planning any wedding, they really show their value and expertise when it comes to outdoor weddings. An experienced planner will know all of the elements needed in order to have a successful outdoor wedding. If something does go wrong on the day or in the event of extreme weather, they will be the ones who take care of everything. They also will have advice in picking out an outdoor venue, taking your wants with decor and other things into consideration.
Book Your Outdoor Venue Early
Outdoor venues typically have more limited time in which you can have a wedding there. Most people won’t want to have outdoor weddings when it’s really cold outside, so there is more competition to book dates in the nicer months. By booking early, you are more likely to get the venue you want on your desired date.
Protect Your Guests From Bugs
No one wants to sit outside for hours while being eaten alive by bugs. If your wedding is going to be in the dusk hours, consider spraying your outdoor area for mosquitoes a few days before. You can also put citronella candles on tables or near the entrance to your tent. Flowers such as lavender and marigolds also deter mosquitoes, so using them in your floral decorations can be both pretty and beneficial!
Make Sure There are Accessible Bathrooms
If you are having a wedding outside, you need to make sure there are accessible bathrooms. Some venues might have indoor bathrooms your guests can use, but not all offer that luxury. In the instance that there are no accessible indoor bathrooms at your venue, you might want to consider renting portable bathrooms. You can rent upscale portable toilets and make them nicer by hiring bathroom attendants and stocking them with fancy toiletries and floral arrangements.
Use a Microphone for the Ceremony
Being outdoors can sometimes make it hard to hear what the officiant, bride, and groom are saying. By having a microphone, you will ensure that all of your guests will be able to hear you as you pledge to spend the rest of your lives together. There are discrete microphones that attach to your shirt, so you don’t have to worry about holding a traditional microphone during the ceremony.
Use the Natural Scenery to Your Advantage
The beauty of the outdoors is probably one of the reasons why you chose an outdoor venue in the first place. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the outdoors. You can use beautiful trees or gardens as the backdrop for your ceremony or for pictures. If you have a tent, it is a blank canvas. You can do whatever you want to make it beautiful. By hanging lights on the trees and tent and adding florals here and there, your wedding and ceremony will be breathtaking.
Let Your Guests Know the Wedding will be Outdoors
We recommend telling your guests ahead of time that you will be having an outside wedding so they can be prepared. By including a short sentence on your invitation or adding it to your wedding website, your guests will know to wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
Keep Your Guests Comfortable
Personal touches go a long way. If you are having your wedding in the summer, parasols or handheld fans will help to keep them cool. If it is going to be a little chilly on your wedding day, offering blankets can help to keep your guests comfortable and warm. Not only will these be great wedding favors, but your guests will appreciate them.
Call Evergrove Estates for Your Wedding Needs
Evergrove Estates has several beautiful outdoor wedding venues, Heartwood Hall and Cedar Hall. We also offer full-service wedding planning services. For more information or to take a tour of our breathtaking venues, please contact us. We look forward to helping you make your big day one you will remember forever!