| When planning an outdoor wedding, keep in mind that | | | | gives your outdoor wedding a more casual feel, so |
| the size of the area depends upon the number of your | | | | you want to be sure to use real silverware to make |
| guests. The first thing you have to decide is where | | | | guests feel that they are at a formal event in some |
| you can have the wedding. A few ideas for an | | | | way. After everyone has finished eating, designate |
| outdoor wedding venue include a friend's back yard, a | | | | someone to rinse all of the dishes, glasses and |
| secluded area in a public park, the beach, or the | | | | silverware and stack them neatly to be returned to the |
| grounds of a community center. If you decide to use a | | | | rental place. |
| public park or beach, be sure to check with the park | | | | The natural surroundings supply beautiful decorations |
| district to see if they require any permits. Also, if your | | | | but you can always enhance what nature provides. |
| minister is from out of town (the bride's hometown or | | | | You can decorate your tent to match the festive |
| groom's hometown), check to see if he/she needs a | | | | occasion. You might want to use something like strings |
| permit to marry you in a different state. | | | | of lights which can double as additional lighting when |
| Many people use a friend's backyard. Asking a friend if | | | | the sun goes down. Chair covers and ribbons can add |
| you can use their backyard for your wedding can be | | | | a formal touch to a plain chair. A decorated arch can |
| tricky. You have to ask the question the right way. If | | | | add a nice touch to your ceremony to frame the bride |
| you want to use someone's backyard, be sure to | | | | and groom. You can add flowers, candles, or |
| make arrangements to have the yard be spotless | | | | something whimsical like a small bowl of jellybeans to |
| after the reception is over. Do not leave any work for | | | | give the centerpieces your own personal, colorful |
| the owner of the house to do. Also, you should | | | | touch. |
| arrange to have portable toilets there because, most | | | | Use citronella tiki torches and candles to keep the bugs |
| likely, they will only have one bathroom in the house | | | | away. Your guests will thank you. These can also |
| available to guests. Designate a few people ahead of | | | | provide extra lighting for your outdoor wedding once |
| time to tidy up after people as the night goes on so | | | | the sun sets. |
| there is not one big mess to clean up when your | | | | If you are considering an outdoor wedding to save |
| wedding reception is over. | | | | money, make sure you compare rental prices with |
| The first thing you should do is rent a generator to | | | | wedding hall prices. You will be surprised how much |
| provide electricity outside for lights and fans. Consider | | | | the price of everything you need to have your |
| renting a microphone or some kind of sound system | | | | wedding outdoors adds up in comparison to having the |
| for the pastor, bride, groom, and anyone else who is | | | | wedding at a wedding hall. It can actually cost you |
| going to make a speech. You will need to rent a tent | | | | more to have an outdoor wedding. |
| (in case it rains or to provide shade from a hot sun), | | | | Wherever you decide to have your wedding, enjoy |
| large fans if it's hot, tables, chairs, tablecloths, napkins, | | | | the day because it goes by very fast. It will be |
| dishes, drinking glasses, champagne and/or wine | | | | beautiful and you will be surrounded by family and |
| glasses for toasting, and silverware. You should use | | | | friends who love you. It will be a day you will never |
| real dishes and silverware, instead of paper and plastic, | | | | forget! |
| since this is your wedding. The outdoor setting instantly | | | | |