Best tips on your outdoor wedding
photo credit:SunnySeptember, Venue: Retiro Sambana
Outdoor weddings in Spain can be truly beautiful but their logistics can be a little bit more complete than an indoor wedding because you have to consider several things that in case of indoor weddings not. Like weather conditions, sunshine, plan B, etc.
Spain with over 300 hours of sunshine is the perfect wedding destination to keep breathtaking outdoor weddings.
Southern Spain is one of Spain’s hidden gems for destination weddings not only because of the weather but because of spectacular wedding venues like beautiful private villas, cortijos, farmhouses, botanical gardens surrounded by nature. Any of them can be the perfect choice for your stylish eco-conscious destination wedding.
But let’s see all those things, you should consider if you are planning an outdoor wedding
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Have Plan B
The ideal solution would be to choose a venue that has an indoor area or areas where your wedding ceremony and reception can take place in case of inclement weather. But if it’s not possible, the other option you have is to rent a tent. In this case, you’ll need to consider factors such as size, color, style, time of year, and location.
2. Decoration on your outdoor wedding
One of the benefits of an outdoor wedding is that it gives you an incredible backdrop where you hardly need to use cut flowers.
It’s important to work with what is already provided by Mother Nature and complement it with the additional decor. Consider using local and seasonal flowers where you need some extra beyond what nature has to offer. This is important if taking care of our environment takes an important place in your life and you want this to be reflected in your wedding as well.
Lights
Check your location to see if you are allowed open flames like candles or tiki torches. At lots of outdoor venues, it is not allowed as it can cause a fire. Consider having string lights and bulbs. They can create a magical and romantic atmosphere. If candles are allowed, place them in vases so the wind won’t blow out them. In case they are not allowed, you can use led candles.
Also, keep in mind that even a little breeze can blow away the place cards and paper decorations. So You may want to make sure that your name cards are weighted down if you’ll be having a seated dinner outside. Instead of paper name cards you can use other things like stones and write your guest’s names on them or potted plants that you can double for a wedding favor. So during the wedding, they are not only serving for name cards but also as part of the table decoration and at the end, your guests can take them home as a wedding favor.
3. Bugs and mosquitos
Be aware of which flowers may attract bees to your party and avoid setting these blooms out too early or avoid them completely. Incorporate natural insect-repelling plants into your arrangements, like sprigs of lavender, mint, or rosemary. I also recommend placing citronella candles (if they are allowed) around the entire wedding venue. Consider providing bug sprays to your guests among the other things I will mention in the next point.
4. Keep your guests cool and hydrated
For anyone having an outdoor wedding, hydration is KEY for yourself and your guests!
If you’re preparing for an outdoor ceremony on a warm summer day, keep your guests hydrated with flavored waters and other frozen beverages.
- Try to locate your ceremony in the shadow, so your guests not going to start the celebration already sweaty. Check out where the sun going to be at the time of your ceremony and at least try to hold it not at the hottest spot of the location. It is also true for dinner time.
In Spain, the sunset during the summer is around 9:30 pm, and even at night time the temperature is around 23 degrees and during the day is around 35 degrees. But in Southern Spain, it can go as high as 45 degrees. So keep in mind the shades when planning your outdoor wedding in Spain is essential.
- Figure out where the sun will set at your venue, and at what time, and angle your ceremony in a direction that will take advantage of the natural light, but that won’t leave your guests staring into the sun.
- Consider printing your wedding programs on fans so that guests may cool themselves.
- For a very warm location, look into renting or buying high-velocity electric fans (don’t forget about that generator!) and/or a tent to shade the sun’s rays.
- Don’t forget about your musicians/ DJ, they need to be in shade also.
- (Be aware of your vendors’ hydration also)
Maybe you want to also consider providing to your guests the followings:
- Umbrella
- Flip-flops
- Hats,
- Suncreams and bug spray ( as I mentioned before)
- Fans
5. Sunset
Figuring out when the sun sets will help you in multiple ways. If the sun sets before the ceremony, guests won’t see any of the magic and the photos will be dark. Knowing where and what time is the sunset also ensures you’ll have gorgeous photos of your special day. You don’t want to miss the most gorgeous ‘golden hour’ photos, do you?
So when you are looking for your wedding venue, don’t forget to add these to your list of questions as well.
6.Restrooms
Make sure you have enough rest room for your guests. Even if your venue has some indoor restrooms nearby, you may need to rent additional ones for a larger event. Make sure the water and power sources are located ahead of time. The general rule of thumb is have 1 restroom for every 25 men and 1 restroom / 15 women. Bear in mind the staff also.
7.Generator & Music
Make sure you have enough electricity to power your lighting and sound, including extension cords and generators, if needed. It can ruin your whole wedding so please take this question seriously.- Think about how much electricity you’ll need to power your wedding. Your space will need electricity to bring the DJ booth to life, turn the lights on and more! Your caterer will also need it to do some of the cooking on-site.
- Ask about these details your wedding venue and consult your Dj/ Musician what they need in terms of power access.
- Check with the wedding caterer, baker, and florists about refrigeration or electricity needs
- Some venues provides generators if not you will need to rent them.
Make sure you have enough electricity to power your lighting and sound, including extension cords and generators, if needed. It can ruin your whole wedding so please take this question seriously.8. Dancefloor
If your reception is outside, you’ll want a portable dance floor. They come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, so look for one that fits your wedding theme.
Think of how many guests will be attending and make a decision based on that – industry standards recommend four and a half square feet per guest (assuming half of your guests will be dancing at a time).
9. Parking
Make sure your guests will have enough parking:
Most outdoor wedding venues have ample parking, but if the location doesn’t have enough, perhaps you can arrange with a nearby school, church, public lot, or community center. Also, I recommend to consider to hire a shuttle service, it is not only will help reduce the carbon footprint by not using many cars, but you don’t have to worry about providing so many parking places and it is also more comfortable for your guests as they can enjoy your wedding to the fullest as they don’t have to drive. 😊
10. Notify Your Guests About Your Outdoor Wedding
Photo credit: SunnySeptember, Invitations by: Papelosophie
Be sure to notify all of your guests that the wedding will be hosted outside, either via your wedding website or your invitations. It will help them to know what to wear.
Not only your guests but your vendors also! Don’t forget to let your florist and catering know that is going to be an outdoor wedding. You may have chosen flowers or wedding cake icing that just won’t work with an outdoor wedding.
I hope these tips will help you organize your outdoor wedding. Make a checklist about all of the above-mentioned factors and make sure you will tick off all of them on your list.
Lastly but most importantly, think about your vision and how you’d like to celebrate your special day. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s all about you and the celebration of this new chapter in your life.
Nothing compares to the natural beauty of Southern Spain so an outdoor wedding here will be one that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.
If you feel stuck or feel that you need a professional hand to help you create your dream wedding, check my services out and find the best fit for your needs.
If you have some questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me either here or by email at info@hojasdeamour.com
