How to plan the perfect outdoor wedding

Are you a fairy tale wedding dreamer? Or putting aside any thought of your big day until there’s a proposal? Whether you’ve got several Pinterest boards dedicated to your dream day, or you’re just starting your wedding adventure, one thing we can probably agree on is that once you’re engaged, the most important thing to decide on first is your venue.

This may seem like a simple task, but with the wedding industry booming, there are now more wedding venues to choose from than ever before! Where do you even start?

Much like when choosing your wedding dress or suit (which you’ll come to later), sometimes the venue you least expect is the one you fall in love with. And maybe that particular venue is in an outside setting.

Outside weddings are more common in the UK than a lot of people think. And why shouldn’t they be? The UK offers some fantastic summer weather and beautiful backdrops that’ll make even the most wedding adverse person want to say I do.

You’ve chosen your dream venue and you’re now getting excited about your outdoor wedding. So what’s next? There’s some planning to do! Of course, there are a few wedding tasks you can get a head start without it mattering if the wedding is outdoors, indoors or anywhere in-between. But there are some things you’ll definitely want to consider when planning your outdoor wedding.

Below are 5 top tips to consider when planning your perfect outdoor wedding:

Don’t let the weather get your guests down

We all know the great British weather can be very unpredictable, and we’re sure throughout planning your outdoor wedding, you’ve been reminded of this many times. Maybe an outdoor wedding is a risk, but aren’t the best risks worth taking?

So you’ve hit the jackpot and the weather is stunning on your big day. Your guests are slowly arriving and they’re warm, and it’s not even the hottest temperature of the day yet. But it’s okay because you planned for this, and on each individual seat there is a hand fan for your guests to use throughout the ceremony. Now your guests can fully enjoy your big day without feeling like they’re melting. Plus, hand fans are a fun favour your guests can enjoy beyond your big day.

Likewise, should the weather be on the chillier side, a blanket on each seat or between two will be a small gesture that goes a long way. If you’re thinking of the cost, scout around your local charity shops or ask for donations prior to your big day. Depending on your theme, a mishmash of colourful blankets may add another layer to your wedding.

Let the venue inspire your decor 

There are a number of reasons why couples choose to celebrate their big day in the great outdoors. Usually, it’s the pull of tying the knot surrounded by stunning scenery at a scenic venue that seals the deal.

After you’ve found your perfect venue, the next thing to start thinking about is how you’ll decorate it. Depending on the venue, decorations may be fully or partially included in your package. If they’re not and you’re feeling slightly daunted by the task, start by looking around the venue and bring what you love about it into your décor. Those buds that drew you to an outside wedding, maybe they’ll be your colour scheme? The flora that grows in the grounds? Perhaps they’ll inspire your bouquet.

Sometimes the greatest inspiration can be right in front of us.

Allow for outfit planning

A wedding is always the perfect opportunity to dress in your fineries, buy a new outfit and finally wear that extravagant hat you once bought on impulse. Whether it’s your own wedding or one you’ve been invited to, we all know outfit planning is one of the first things that comes to mind when a wedding date is set. 

Because of this, it’s important to let guests know if your wedding is taking place outdoors as soon as possible, as this may affect their outfit choice. Maybe those bright red stilettos won’t be a good fit after all.

It would also be good to add on your invite what sort of ground the venue has. As dull as this may sound, your guests will appreciate this extra slice of information, as maybe those pair of white brogues should be sent back if the ground is grassy. Female guests especially, or anyone who chooses to wear heels, may opt to bring a pair of flats for the ceremony to prevent sinking into the ground or tripping over the cobbles.

All in all, letting your guests know as much as possible about the outside venue will help them make outfit choices that means they’ll be the most comfortable, confident and happy on your big day!

Prepare for the best (and plan for the worst)

It’s great to have hand fans and blankets depending on the temperature, but there are some weather conditions that need a little more planning.

As hard as it is, when planning an outside wedding, you have to consider the possibility of rain, strong wind or even a possible storm, depending on the time of year. Having a backup plan in case of adverse weather will ensure you can wake on your big day knowing that whatever is behind those curtains, you’re ready for it.

Some options may include having a marquee for your reception no matter the weather. Marquees usually come with the option of removing the sides, making them perfect for sunny days. Then, should the weather turn or not be as warm as you expect, you can adapt accordingly.

If you’re thinking of holding an outdoor wedding, speak to your venue about their protocol when it comes to adverse weather.

Mic up

Undoubtedly, the most important part of any wedding is the vows. It’s the moment you pronounce your love to your very soon-to-be partner and the moment all the tissues come out. So, of course, you want everyone to hear every word said. In a reasonably sized indoor venue, this usually isn’t a problem, however once you’re out in the open, voices get lost quickly. Anyone behind the first few rows may miss the whole thing, which is a shame for everyone.  

To solve this potential problem, ask your venue about microphones or any other sound amplification equipment to ensure everyone hears those all-important I dos.

An outdoor wedding with the Ye Olde Bell

If your heart is set on an outdoor wedding, or you’re curious to hear more, there really is no better place to tie the knot than at the Ye Olde Bell. Our fairy tale styled Oak Pavilion sets the scene for the most romantic outdoor wedding.

With our gardens as an immaculate backdrop for the ceremony and photos, and a dedicated, expert team to help you every step of the way, your dream outdoor wedding will be the day you’ve always wanted, no matter the weather.