Many brides dream of an outdoor wedding.  Whether it is an informal beach ceremony at sunset, a civil ceremony in the park, or a formal wedding overflowing with flowers in a luxury garden, outdoor weddings offer some beautiful location options.  However, an outdoor wedding also poses certain challenges.  A little extra preparation will make sure your wedding is as wonderful as you want it to be.

Advise your Guests

Make sure that you let your guests know if the majority of your wedding will be taking place out of doors.  Weddings are notoriously a chance for people to dress up, however dressing for an outdoor wedding requires a bit more practicality.  If theground cover is mostly soft, such as grass or sand you should advise your guests to wear suitable footwear that will let them move around comfortably. Stilettos and garden weddings don't mix well!  If guests know that your wedding is being held outside they can also top up on sunscreen if the weather is hot, brings wraps or extra layers for cooler temperatures and be prepared with umbrellas, hats or coats if there is a threat of showers.

Think about Hazards

I'm not talking about the threat of tsunami at a beach wedding, or keeping a safe distance back from the edge at a sunset clifftop ceremony, but more subtle risks that you might not think about.  Will the types of floral displays be likely to attract bees? Is your location bad formosquitoes ?  Are there water features or other dangers for small children?  You can't be responsible for controlling every element at an outdoor wedding, but be thorough in your knowledge of your chosen venue so that you can plan accordingly.

Prepare for the Best and the Worst

Being outside means that your guests will be at the mercy of the elements.  If you are anticipating plenty of sun, make sure there are places where your guests can find shade and rest.  At the other end of the extreme, if you think that the weather might be cold hire some heaters to keep the your guests from turning into your "something blue" at your wedding. 

If there is one thing that you can't count on, it's the weather.  ALWAYS prepare a Plan B that will offer you an alternative should the weather prohibit you from having your dream wedding outdoors.  Choose a venue that offers an indoor option, or consider putting up a marquee.  Most locations will have both an indoor and an outdoor area for you and your guests to use, but if you are planning on having the ceremony outdoors speak to your wedding planner, venue staff and your wedding party to create a plan of action in case of the worst case scenario.  How will chair, tables or decorations be moved?  Who will co-ordinate the guests?  Where will the bride enter from?  Planning these details in advance will keep things running smoothly even if the weather doesn't cooperate.