The romance and natural beauty of an outdoor wedding ceremony help make your big day extra special. While nature takes care of the backdrop, there are still many additional considerations couples must plan for when choosing an outdoor wedding location. To help you plan the perfect your perfect wedding day under the sun or stars, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

4 Tips for a Great Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

1. Make Sure Your Guests Are Comfortable

You can’t predict the weather, and with wedding venue reservations required far in advance, you’ll need to be ready for a range of temperatures. If you’re planning a summer or early fall outdoor wedding ceremony, make sure there is shade and bottled water available for your guests so they don’t overheat. For spring or fall ceremonies, guests should be advised to bring sweaters or jackets. You might also consider renting portable heaters for chilly nights and having umbrellas available for drizzle or rain.

2. Beware of Additional Costs 

When contacting vendors, be sure to ask about additional setup fees or delivery charges an outdoor wedding ceremony might incur. Some companies might charge extra if they have to travel to remote locations or if the parking area is far from the event space. If you’re considering a public outdoor space, such as a park or beach, find out about the permit or site fees required for weddings.

3. Plan for Your Electrical Needs 

From lighting to audio equipment to catering appliances, your wedding will require electrical power. If your outdoor location doesn’t come equipped with power hookups, you’ll need to consider renting a generator. However, most professional outdoor event spaces do provide electricity—just be sure to work closely with the site’s coordinators to ensure you’ll have all the power you’ll need.

4. Have a Backup Plan 

Summer rains or strong winds can quickly turn your wedding dreams into a nightmare. That’s why it’s essential to devise a contingency plan. Consider looking for a wedding venue that offers both outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception options, so that you can quickly shift locations if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Hopefully, you won’t need to use your backup, but having one available will give you peace of mind and reduce your stress during the planning process.
 

If you need a location for your outdoor wedding ceremony, look no further than the beautiful Makoy Center in Hilliard, OH. Their brand new outdoor ceremony space can accommodate up to 300 guests and is located on the scenic Hilliard Rails to Trails path. Offering full wedding planning services, including catering, décor, and linens, this event space has everything you need to make your wedding day exactly as you’ve always dreamed. To schedule a tour, call (614) 777-1211 or visit their website to learn more.