No one loves an outdoor wedding ceremony more than I do. Natural light, a warm summer breeze, sweet smells of distant wildflowers, all come together to create something simply magical. If you’re an outdoor ceremony lover like me and are planning one for your own wedding, here’s the rundown of what you need to consider to pull it off to perfection. Happy Planning!

How-To Tip #1: Frame Your Area

It’s not called the great outdoors for nothing! An outdoor ceremony space is generally a big one. Create an intimate setting by creatively framing off your area with some ceremony staples. Consider an aisle runner for a pretty direct pathway to the top of your site. Greet the eye when it gets there with a unique Unity Ceremony setup, complete with an unexpected decorative touch like a lantern overhang.

featured here: personalized burlap aisle runner with equestrian monogram

featured here: unity ceremony alternative – “red rose” ceremony set

featured here: mini lanterns (hangers removed) and purple satin ribbon

How-To Tip #2: Less is More

Take advantage of all the natural beauty that surrounds an outdoor space and go with subtle complimentary decorative accents to finish off the look. Using simple design tactics like specialty ceremony seating, think Cocoa Chiavari Chairs, and gorgeously simple aisle markers, think birch and cotton bud diy arrangements, provides for a ton of impact without overpowering what’s already there.

featured here: glass cylinder vase

How-To Tip #3: All About the Details

You went for something out of the ordinary for your ceremony location, now keep the feeling of exceptional going with unique day of accessories that compliment your wedding day design. From a custom Welcome display to a lovely ring pillow alternative, the attention to detail will not go unnoticed.

featured here: vintage inspired wooden multi-purpose sign board

featured here: “a promise made” vintage inspired ring book box

How-To Tip #4: First Comes Comfort

Having an outdoor ceremony means taking on the powerful sun. Do it successfully by keeping your guests comfortable. Beyond the most obvious necessities, like hydrating beverages and sunscreen, consider providing your guests with something both practical and pretty, like shade providing paper parasols. As an added bonus, think of all the great picture opps you’ll get out of them!

featured here: paper parasols accented with purple satin ribbon

How-To Tip #5: Plan B

You simply cannot plan an outdoor ceremony without an indoor back up. Full stop. Before committing to your outdoor venue, ensure that there is an indoor option available. If you’re having your outdoor ceremony on the same property as your indoor reception, try to avoid using the area where you’ll be hosting your dinner as your Plan B. It makes for difficult logistics and impacts the experience your guests have moving from one great space to another during the ceremony to reception transition. Be open to creative Plan B alternatives, even something at another nearby location. And plan for an atmosphere just as lovely as that of your original space to ensure you and your guests don’t miss out on any part of the experience you planned for.

Need More Ceremony Advice?

Come back and visit the blog this coming Monday when we outline the essentials to pulling together a Ceremony Program.

xoxo.