Summer has arrived and the weather is getting warmer here in Georgia. This means you may be more inclined to have an outdoor wedding ceremony. A wedding outdoors can be absolutely gorgeous, using the natural beauty of your venue to set the scene. Not to mention, this makes for some amazing backdrops for our Atlanta wedding photographers. However, there are a number of things that you will need to consider when planning an outdoor ceremony, so here are some tips in order to make your outdoor celebration a success.  

1. Consider Your Set-Up

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One of the most Important aspects to think about for an outdoor wedding ceremony is the logistics. Weather can be random and unpredictable, especially in Georgia, so you will want to be prepared for anything that Mother Nature throws at you. For instance, you’ll want to look for a tent with an option for side walls in case of rain. Arrange for powered fans if you’re afraid it will get too hot and heaters for the reception if it gets too cold once the sun sets. Also, choose practical decor, such as citronella candles that ward off bugs, and find ways to secure your decorations, especially chairs and tables, so they won’t blow away or topple over in the wind. In addition to all of this, you’ll want to check with your vendors and provide them with any specific needs, such as a power generator that can be used either for your DJ or your caterer’s stove. This power generator can also help power microphones, which you may need to consider depending on the size of your outdoor space.

2. Think About Your Guests

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You will also want to find ways to make things easier and more comfortable for your guests while they’re in the great outdoors. First off, tell everyone up front that the wedding will be outdoors. This way everyone can dress accordingly. Next, think about setting out a station with bug spray and/or sunscreen so the guests can use them as they enter the venue, or provide these as a favor with a cute personalized label. You can also provide them with umbrellas in case of rain or fans for the heat. If it’s going to be hot, make sure you have plenty of water and food for your guests so they can stay hydrated. You should also ask your venue about parking for your guests, to make sure that parking is clearly marked and that there is an easy path from there to the venue. Another thing you’ll want to consider is rental restroom trailers. You may not like to think about this aspect of your wedding logistics, but these trailers are much nicer than porta-potties and will provide a necessary comfort for your guests.

3. Let Your Venue Work For You

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You most likely chose your venue for it’s natural beauty. That said, let this beauty speak for itself and go simple with your decorations. For instance, you may not need to buy many flowers because your venue is already lush with beautiful greenery. You may also see a venue that has a built in Pagoda or similar focal point, meaning you don’t have to worry about finding an arch or platform to mark where you and the officiant will stand. Your venue can also provide you with a ready-made theme. For instance, if you getting married on the beach, consider using beachy items like sea shells to spruce up your venue and create a seafood-themed menu for your reception. On the other hand, if you are getting married in your backyard, use simple string lights for elegant decor and consider grilled food and barbecue for your reception menu. Let your venue inspire you!

4. Have A Back-Up Plan

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Like I said before, you can’t control Mother Nature, so it’s smart to have an indoor back-up plan for your ceremony. Check with your venue when you book to make sure they have an inside space you can move to in case the weather acts up. The tent with side walls is a good place to start, but this will only withstand rain and not wind, so you’ll want a sturdier facility as your backup plan. Some couples decide to have it both ways and hold the ceremony outdoors then move inside for the reception, which means they only have to worry about the weather for half of the day.

5. Have Fun With It!

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An outdoor wedding is, by nature, less formal than one indoors, so it’s a chance for you to just have fun with it! For example, you can wear a less formal ensemble. If you’re a bride, you can wear a shorter dress that won’t drag on the ground or, if you’re a groom, you can wear a lighter-weight suit or ditch the jacket and tie altogether. For couples who do rent a tent, these are usually a blank canvas that you can decorate however you please in order to match the theme of your wedding. You can add wooden accents and furniture and strings of lights on the ceiling for a rustic effect, or fill the space with bright, floral accents for a spring/summery feel, such as colorful plates, napkins, and flowers. The outdoor setting will also allow you to do things you may not be able to do at an indoor venue. One grand thing to do outdoors at the end of the reception is to shoot off fireworks or color bombs. These will not only make for some amazing photographs, but are an epic way to end your special day!

Thank you so much for visiting our blog. We hope you keep coming back to see what Atlanta Artistic Weddings is up to. If you’d like to contact us, please go to the contact page at https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/contact-atlanta-wedding-photographer and drop us a line. I would love to hear from you!

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