Outdoor Wedding Checklist And Legalities
In the previous chapter I talked about all the things you might have to pay for at your wedding, but I didn’t really tell you the steps you need to take to make the wedding happen.
Here is a step-by-step checklist you can use to get started planning your wedding today.
You should be doing this now:
- Deciding upon a date for your wedding
- Deciding upon a budget for your wedding
- Drawing up a rough copy guest list
- Finding and booking an outdoor location that will suit you and your timetable, make sure if you are having a complete outdoor wedding to make an alternate plan incase of bad weather
- Booking your reception hall
- Arrange wedding insurance
- Start looking at wedding dresses that you like
- Getting the invitations sorted early
- Choosing your bridesmaids and Matron of Honor and best men
- Deciding upon the size of the wedding party
- Booking your music and entertainment early
- Booking florists and looking at arrangements
- Booking hairdressers and makeup artists
- Decide and book the type of transport you want
- Booking photographers and videographers for your wedding
- Booking caterers and picking your wedding cake
You should be doing this a couple of months from the wedding date:
- Setup your permanent guest list
- Booking your honeymoon destination
- Deciding what gifts you want or where you want to register
- Getting suits sorted for the men
- Trying on and buying wedding rings
- Fitting and buying wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses
- About 2 months in advance of the wedding you should be sending out invitations and asking for RSVP’s.
- Deciding upon wedding gifts and favors for your guests
- Sorting out accommodations for guests
- Sorting out accommodations and book a place to stay for the night of the wedding
- Planning your hens night and bucks nights
- Choosing who your celebrant will be and booking in advance
You should be doing these weeks in advance:
- Confirming everything is read to go and booked
- Having hair trials and makeup trials
- Drawing up seating plans for your reception
- Having your wedding and reception rehearsals
- Start packing for your honeymoon
Outdoor Wedding Checklist
Is it your dream to say your vows with nature as a backdrop? An outdoor wedding can be breathtaking. However, planning it involves quite a bit of work. Here are some things to think about…
Where to Have It
First you need to decide where you want your outdoor wedding…. scenic landmarks, historic estates, parks, the beach or maybe in your own backyard. All these are viable options for your big day.
The Comfort of Your Guests:
Consider including a note in the invitations to inform your guests what to expect. (i.e. wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra sweater, bring sunscreen)
Think about the bug factor. You might want to hire an exterminator to lay down insecticide before your wedding day. Another option is using decorated citronella torches in your wedding décor.
Before your wedding day, be sure to visit the site at the same time of day as your ceremony. Check to make sure that your guests won’t be blinded by the sun and that the sun won’t make it too hot to sit comfortably. If your ceremony is in the summer, your guests will likely appreciate being placed under the shade of a tree or a canopy. Your Comfort Don’t wear high heels. If the ground is soft, you will be sinking into it! Consider purchasing a dress without a train.
As you walk on the grass, your train will pick up some dirt. If you have your heart set on a train, make sure you line the aisle with a runner to minimize this tendency. Facilities Do you have enough bathrooms? Even if you are having the wedding at a home, you may still need to rent port-a-potties. Some of you may be cringing right now, but you’d be surprised how far port-a-potties have come.
They now have port-a-potties that are specifically designed for weddings and special events. They’re available in pink and blue colors (his and hers) and come with a sink, vanity and mirror. Add some fresh flowers or decorations and some perfumed hand soap. Will you need a microphone and lighting? If you are having an outdoor wedding, chances are there won’t be electrical outlets hidden in the trees.
If you are having a large wedding, a microphone that doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet will be needed. Talk to your band or DJ and plan accordingly. Do guests have a place to park? If parking is tight, you might want to hire valets for the event. Another option is to instruct guests to park in a local parking lot and shuttle them over. Many limo companies rent trolleys - this could be a romantic way to get them over to your site.
Do you need a permit? If you are getting married in a public park or beach, you may need a permit. Make sure you check on this, as it would be a shame if the police decided to crash your wedding. Are you allowed to serve alcohol? Some towns have rules about the consumption of alcohol in public places. Back Up Plan Every bride wants a perfect “sunny” day for their wedding day — but you’ve got to be prepared just in case. So, it’s a good idea to rent a big enough tent (or tents) that everyone could sit under in case of rain.