Reasons to Choose to have an Outdoor Wedding
I’ve made it pretty clear by now that I love planning outdoor weddings! If you’re considering a marquee or tipi for your wedding, but can’t decide if the whole outdoor thing is right for you, here are a few things to consider.
Choice of Structures
An outdoor wedding means you get to choose whatever structure suits your style best. This could be a traditional marquee for a quintessentially British garden wedding, a relaxed Tipi for a festival style wedding, or stunning stretch tent for unique alternative to full outdoor cover. Which structure suits you best will depend on the type of wedding you are planning. But one thing is for sure, they are by no means your traditional wedding venue and will wow your guests as soon as they arrive!
Build Your Own Unique Supplier Team
Without the constraints of having to use the in house catering and bar team of a traditional venue, you have the freedom to choose any supplier who suits your personality. If you are planning something relaxed and informal, food vans may be a fun option. Or perhaps you’re still looking for the traditional three course sit down meal – no problem! Many caterers are experienced in working at outdoor weddings and you’ll likely just need to book a catering tent for them along with your structure.
You also have the choice of an indoor or outdoor bar. Having an outdoor bar is a great way to create more space inside of your structure, and also encourage guests to enjoy your stunning site too by spending time more outdoors. Perhaps you’ve decided to forgo the formal bar altogether and go for a DIY option - the options are limitless!
An outdoor space is a great way to include a variety of suppliers for your big day too and I encourage you to use the space you have! This could include garden games and activities to entertain your guests throughout the day.
Extend Your Wedding over Multiple Days
Who says your wedding has to just be a one day celebration? With traditional wedding venues, usually you’ll have access to the space the day before and you’ll need to be cleared out the day after.
Depending on what your site allows, consider hiring glamping tents for your guests or inviting them to bring their own. You could start the celebrations a day or so early and also stay on site the night of the wedding. You could then treat your guests to a brunch the next day as a post wedding celebration, and relive the happy memories of the night before. This is also a really great way to account for guests who may be travelling from afar. For example:
Friday morning/afternoon – decorating your structure with your glamping guests
Friday evening – dinner with guests and head back to site
Saturday – the big day
Sunday – brunch on site before departures
Stunning Scenery
Choosing a marquee or tipi site for your wedding is bound to provide the most stunning settings for photos. It is likely that most photos will have an amazing backdrop, even the candids that haven’t been planned in the most photogenic place. Plus, imagine the photos of your guests enjoying all the outdoor activities you’ve put on for them!
Freedom to Make it Your Own
There are a lot of wedding traditions that I love. But, I also really value the idea that there is no such thing as a traditional outdoor wedding. You want food vans? Let’s do it. Fancy putting on archery for your guests? No problem. Want a bouncy castle? Let’s get it booked. There is no crazy idea that wouldn’t excite me. Tell me your plans, and we can make it happen!
Are you sold yet? Let’s have a chat about your ideas and I can help bring your outdoor wedding to life.
Photography credits: Charlotte Joling Photography | Sami Tipi