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So You're Planning an Outdoor Wedding

by Susan Dunn, MA, Emotional Intelligence Coach & Consultant

The best advice I can give you is to test your ideas in the actual location under realistic conditions to eliminate unpleasant surprises. Work with an experienced coach or wedding consultant if you can, and keep in mind the following things:

1. THE WIND

Wind can affect many things: the temperature, making it hotter or colder; the bridesmaids' dresses; everyone's hair; and whether the ceremony can be heard. Test beforehand. It can be as simple as moving the tables around a corner, or across the park to a more sheltered area.

Plan decorations and tablecloths you can anchor attractively; choose weighted fabrics for the attendants; warn them about the hair thing; and consider the need for a sound system and mike clips. If you're renting a tent, make sure it's wind-worthy.

2. THE COMFORT OF YOUR GUESTS.

Okay, if you're getting married in San Diego, you can count on perfect conditions, but failing that, your event may be hotter, wetter, or colder than many guests would prefer.

If you're having a lot of out-of-towners, particularly, include information about the weather possibilities on an insert with the invitation along with the accommodation recommendations. (I went to an outdoor wedding in Dallas in July; 111 degrees that day, and boy were the people from Colorado and La Jolla dressed wrong!)

If it's hot, provide iced bottles of water when they arrive, and hand fans, and if you have a tent, rent fans. If it's chilly, have a tent, warmers, a hot beverage when they arrive, and lap blankets.

3. YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN B IN CASE IT POURS DOWN RAIN.

4. HOW TOUGH ARE YOU?

Come on now, if you're at all the fussy type, or prone to nerves, this simply isn't for you. You'll have to manage your hair outside, for heaven's sake.

5. THE CALL OF THE WILD.

Inclement weather - or even just ordinary ocean waves and bird calls - can wreak havoc with still photographs and videos alike. I recall an amateur wedding video where most of the sound was the wind whistling around. There may also be a fountain or waterfall, dogs barking, kids screaming, birds chirping.

6. DECORATIONS

I've seen even cloth tablecloths blow in the wind, turning over glasses, candles and centerpieces. Wind, bird poop, the shades of night falling ... Be xtremely realistic when planning your decorations. Actually test them outdoors.

7. NATURE RED IN TOOTH AND CLAW.

It's from a poem, okay? but that's where you're going to be. Don't fantasize about how "romantic" the place is; go take a look. Think realistically about beer bottles and cans on the beach; getting the lawn mowed and weeded; planting seasonal flowers; bugs, flies, snakes and spiders; the sounds of barking dogs and (uninvited) children; or, for that matter these days, drugs dealers in the park.

Have a visit with your eyes open. Then do what you need to do, or resolve it's "good enough" and don't worry. The world of nature isn't going to shut down just because it's your wedding.

8. SAFETY ... ALL AGES

You're in love. You're planning your big day. However, you must limit the things you have to worry about if you're going to enjoy yourself. A celebration in a park by a lake would be nice, or by the pool at your aunt's mansion, or even at the beach, but in actuality, if there are going to be children there, and drinking, there's also going to be the chance for a real tragedy.

Which brings up - all ages will likely be there, and must be considered. Can you really picture your great-grandmother standing in the surf with her hair blowing, stepping over man-o-wars while picking sand out of her teeth . for long? Can the kiddos go that long without a restroom? Many people can't stand up for a long time; others need protection from extreme heat and cold.

9. THE FOOD.

Can you say "food poisoning?" Mayonnaise (and food items with that as an ingredient) can't sit out in the hot sun for more than an hour or so. Avoid perishable dishes. Wind can make it hard to get the grill lit. Ice cream won't do when it's 90 degrees outside, nor will hot hors d'eouvres last long when it's 50 degrees outside.

10. THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE STARS.

Yes, he promised you that . and you'll be promising it to your guests, one way or another. Keep in mind the sun moves through the sky, and plan your event (and the photographs) accordingly. One of the most beautiful weddings I went to was held on the deck of a hillside lodge, with the ceremony ending just as the sun was setting. Now THAT was an outdoor wedding!