5 tips for planning an open air wedding

If you’re planning a wedding in the open air, Alexandra Ward, Banqueting Manager at Tregenna Castle offers her advice on keeping it on track.

Open-air weddings have become the latest ‘must have’ in the last few years.  Many think getting married outside means you have be abroad and that’s certainly not the case. If you dream of having an outside wedding, it’s definitely do-able, but there are lots of elements to consider.

1. Rules and regulations

First and foremost, figure out what kind of rules you’ll be subjected to before you plan anything.

Some venues are licensed for outdoor weddings in specific locations. You will need to contact your venue beforehand to find out if it’s possible.

2. Location

Decide where you want your wedding ceremony to be outside. The choices are endless, from your or your parents’ garden to a local park.

Whatever you choose, make sure it is big enough for your guests and practical. If it’s in a field somewhere – make sure you tell guests so they can wear appropriate shoes!

3. Weather

One of the main things you need to consider when having a wedding outside is the weather. You need to be realistic (especially if you live in the UK), you cannot control whether it will be sunshine, rain or snow so make sure you come up with an alternative. Or prepare for the worst and have a canopy/sheltered wedding. Also organise accessories just in case like umbrellas for the guests or if it’s hot – bottled water and fans.

4. Make guests comfortable

Make sure your guests are comfortable. Will it be a seated or standing ceremony? If you do have it somewhere a bit quirky, make sure you think about necessities such as bathrooms and maybe even heating units, if it’s in the winter.

5. Decoration

Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean you can’t make it beautiful. Can you decorate where you are having the ceremony?

Outside accessories could include lanterns, candles, floating flowers, flowers of the season and small Polaroid cameras for your guests to use throughout the ceremony.

The best thing about having your wedding outside is that it will look however you want it too! You are essentially choosing a blank canvas to turn into your perfect venue.

www.tregenna-castle.co.uk