Wedding Help

Last weekend, I was able to go on a girl’s getaway to the coast with  my mom and sister. We stayed in a really nice resort decked out with beautiful fresh flowers and complete with classical music playing from a self-playing piano that even overlooked the ocean. Pretty snazzy huh? Now, I didn’t go on this weekend getaway to think about subjects for new articles or anything like that, but the situation presented itself so clearly that I felt I really needed to write about it. You see, at the front of this beautiful resort, over to one side, there was a beautiful grassy area with a large white gazebo labeled the ‘Wedding Gazebo’. I even remember commenting about it on our way inside the hotel to check in. It would have been a beautiful location for an outdoor wedding. Little did I know that my viewpoint on their wedding location was going to change drastically.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: outdoor wedding, Outdoor Weddings

I’m not sure why, but over the past month I’ve found myself wanting to write more and more about outdoor weddings. I created a whole new category to the subject of outdoor weddings, and have researched and read nearly everything that I could find on outdoor weddings. From all the work that I have put into the subject, there are (I think anyway) a group of really quality articles that you can use to help plan your outdoor wedding. From deciding if you should even have an outdoor wedding, to tips and ideas for outdoor wedding decorations and receptions, theres a lot of great information in those articles that you can use to help you out.

My sister got married in September, and instead of choosing to have a typical indoor church wedding, she wanted a small and intimate, beautiful outdoor wedding. When she told me about it, at first I was a little skeptical. I have to admit, I had all the same fears for her that would be facing any other couple who was planning an outdoor wedding. I didn’t want her to plan a big beautiful outdoor wedding and then have it rained out, or so hot (in Texas, still very likely) that her guests would be miserable and sweating. But she knew what she was doing, and kept to her plan. In the end I was really impressed with the way that it turned out, and the measures that were taken to make sure that her beautiful and special day stayed beautiful and special.

If you’ve always dreamed of taking your vows in the midst of a beautiful rose garden or against the backdrop of a panoramic view of nature, then let our site help you out with what you need to make it the outdoor wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Take a few minutes and check out the articles in my Outdoor Weddings category, and if there are any topics you’d like covered in more detail, or have any particular questions, then please write in and let me know. I’ll do my best to answer your question. Here is wishing you a beautiful wedding.

Tags: outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding decorations, outdoor wedding reception, Outdoor Weddings

As promised, here is the second article in my series about outdoor wedding ideas. In Outdoor Wedding Ideas - Part 1, I discussed lots of aspects to consider when it comes out your outdoor wedding ideas. From outdoor wedding ideas on choosing a location for your ceremony and wedding reception, to tips on planning outdoor weddings with a garden or beach theme, a lot of my readers found some really useful information and ideas that they could use when planning their outdoor wedding. Many brides have already found the perfect location for their outdoor wedding, and just need ideas and tips on how to decorate their outdoor wedding. Or perhaps, you’re a bride and the type of wedding you were planning doesn’t go along with the outdoor wedding themes that I talked about in my first article. Whatever the case, here are more great outdoor wedding ideas that you can use to help make your outdoor wedding fit your dream.

Outdoor Wedding Ideas - Planning a Cowboy Wedding 

Cowboy weddings are a popular choice for brides planning their outdoor weddings. I know here in Texas we have a lot of them, but they are also popular in other southern and western states as well. A great place to have an outdoor cowboy wedding is to look at nearby ranches, farms, or just a large field that you can use. You don’t have to go real western for your wedding ceremony if you don’t want to, and keep your decorations really simple, limited to some fresh cut flowers and candles if you like. If you are wanting a more western wedding ceremony, you could designate someone to pass out colored bandannas at the door and invite your guests to put them on for the ceremony. You could have your groom and groomsmen wear western shirts, jeans, and boots for a more rustic look. For more outdoor wedding ideas for a cowboy wedding, check out my other articles: Cowboy Wedding Ideas, and Themed Table Centerpieces.Â

Outdoor Wedding Ideas - Simple and Elegant

In my opinion, this is the most romantic way to have an outdoor wedding. You really don’t have to go all out and use a lot of decorations when planning an outdoor wedding, as nature itself, and the outdoor wedding location you have chosen will be nearly all that you need. To create an elegant outdoor wedding ceremony, you may want to rent an arch, and then weave some flowers or greenery into the top section. Or, if an arch won’t work for your outdoor wedding location, then use pillars and place flower arrangements on them. Lean a trellis against any unsightly areas and weave greenery and lights through the holes, or just use lights for a twinkly effect. You don’t need to go overboard with your outdoor wedding decorations as nature will provide nearly all the decorations you’ll need.

Outdoor Wedding Ideas - A Sunset Wedding

Many brides choose a time for their outdoor wedding ceremony where the sun will be setting on the horizon. This makes for a very romantic ceremony with love and beauty all around. For this kind of wedding, you probably won’t need to use an arch or other kind of flowers, as once the sun goes down no one will be able to see them. Instead, use small twinkly lights to help cast a romantic glow for your guests, as well as provide some light. I talk about using lights a lot in outdoor weddings, and really you just can’t go wrong with them. Light small tea lights in candle holders along rails, hang some clear Christmas lights, or even string up some lanterns. A very popular idea for outdoor weddings is to string fishing line between two high points in either your wedding ceremony or your wedding location and hang a string of lights or lanterns. Trust me, the effect is beautiful.

There are so many different outdoor wedding ideas that you can use to help make your wedding a dream come true. Remember not to go overboard with decorating your outdoor wedding, as it can overshadow the natural beauty of your outdoor wedding location. Nature itself will lend itself to being your best wedding decoration. As always, if you need more ideas on a particular subject of outdoor weddings, please write and let me know, or if you have something you did and would like to share, please leave a comment.

Tags: outdoor cowboy wedding, outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding ideas, Outdoor Weddings

If you have made up your mind that you want to have an outdoor wedding, then there must be all kinds of thoughts and other outdoor wedding ideas running through your mind right now. The truth is, there are lots of different ways to have your outdoor wedding, and you’ll need to discover the right one for you so that you can have the wedding day you’ve always dreamed of. Outdoor weddings, when done correctly and when nature cooperates, can provide a beautiful and romantic ceremony for you and your guests. Not only that, but outdoor weddings tend to be more intimate, casual and charming. But in order to accomplish this, you’ll need to have lots of outdoor wedding ideas, and work out a combination that works perfectly both for you, and the location of your outdoor wedding ceremony. If you’re lacking in outdoor wedding ideas for planning your big day, then here are some great tips and ideas to get you started for different kinds of outdoor weddings.

Outdoor Wedding Ideas - Choosing a Location

One of the most important aspects to planning an outdoor wedding is choosing the location to have your outdoor wedding. All of your outdoor wedding ideas should be based off of a location where you want your outdoor wedding to take place. There are many different options for outdoor weddings. Consider where it is you live, and what kinds of options you have available to you there. For example, if you live near the coast, then an outdoor beach wedding may be perfect for you. If you live near the mountains, then perhaps a wedding location that provides an excellent view. You can also choose a beautiful flower garden, a historic landmark, a farm or ranch, or even to have your outdoor wedding in your own backyard. You have so many options for this, and all of your wedding ideas should be based off of your location and outdoor wedding theme (if you choose to have one).

Outdoor Wedding Ideas - Planning a Garden Themed Wedding

There are lots of outdoor wedding ideas for garden themed weddings that you can use. Outdoor wedding ideas for a garden party themed wedding can include hanging beautiful glass butterflies or wind chimes from low tree branches, and lots of flowers for decorations. Carry some freshly cut flowers as your bouquet, or just wear the flowers in your hair. Then, at the end, have your guests release live butterflies to help make it truly a dream come true. If your wedding is being held in the evening, then wrap white Christmas lights around the trunks of some large trees, or hang candle holders from low tree branches with thick white ribbon. Another outdoor wedding idea is to hang fishing line across some high points of your location and string lights or lanterns. This will not only help create a lovely romantic glow, but it will also provide light for the festivities.

Outdoor Wedding Ideas - Planning a Beach Wedding

Another popular location for outdoor weddings is to have a beach wedding. Outdoor wedding ideas for beaches can be beautiful and tropical all at the same time. Use long torches and stick them in the ground for lights as well as for decoration. Pass out a real or fake lei or other flowered goody for each guest as they enter the wedding ceremony. Then, instead of using a unity candle, have a sand ceremony. You can read more about these in my previous article, Alternatives to the Unity Candle.

There are lots of different outdoor wedding ideas that you can use to help make your wedding day a dream come true. There are so many ideas, that I could never fit them all into one article, so it’s going to have to be split up. Just remember that it is never too early to start planning outdoor wedding ideas that you would like to see in your outdoor wedding. Keep checking back for more great outdoor wedding ideas, and if you have anything you’d like to add, or saw something that you thought worked out great, or didn’t, then please write and let me know.

Tags: outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding ideas, Outdoor Weddings

Many brides have dreamed of their perfect wedding since they were a little girl. For some, their dream is to be married in a huge cathedral surrounded by beautiful white flowers and a huge white wedding dress with a train that covers most of the church. Many other brides have always dreamed of having their wedding in a particular place, such as their home church, their home, or some other special location that holds special meaning for them. There are some brides though, who from the time they were little girls, have always dreamed of an outdoor wedding. This could be taking your vows with a beautiful backdrop of the mountains, next to a sparkling river or beach, or even just in the midst of a beautiful garden blooming with all sorts of lovely smells and colors of flowers. Unfortunately, many brides who dream of having an outdoor wedding choose not to have an outdoor wedding at all, because of all the potential problems that could pop up and ruin it. So if you are one of those brides who have always dreamed of a beautiful outdoor wedding, and are wondering if you should go ahead and do it, here are some normal fears that come along with planning an outdoor wedding and some great ways on how to get around it.

What if it Rains on the Day of My Outdoor Wedding?

This is probably the biggest fear of brides when they are planning an outdoor wedding. Rain can quickly ruin the beautiful outdoor wedding that you have planned, but not if you have a backup plan. If you are getting married at an outdoor wedding location, then that company should have an indoor wedding chapel or other location in the event of rain that you can use. Check with the people at your chosen wedding site and make sure they have one before signing any contracts. Any quality outdoor wedding location will have an indoor wedding feature in the case of wind or other inclement weather.

What kind of Outdoor Wedding Reception Can I Have?

Many brides who choose to have an outdoor wedding also choose to have their outdoor wedding reception indoors. As mentioned above, most quality outdoor wedding location sites should have a permanent structure that you can use as your wedding reception. If not, then you can rent a wedding tent and have your wedding reception just a few steps away from your outdoor wedding ceremony. Wedding tents come in all shapes and sizes, and prices too. Inside your wedding tent you can have a dance floor, fancy dinner, or even just the early afternoon snack reception that you’ve always dreamed of. Some couples choose to have their wedding reception outdoors, and this is doable, but will take some planning as well. Talk to your caterer about what kinds of food will keep in the weather. You don’t want to have your wedding cake melt on you.

How do I Decorate an Outdoor Wedding?

Your outdoor wedding decorations can be as simple or as elegant as you like, just be sure to remember that nature will lend most of the decorations that you need, and you don’t want to overpower the scene with things that you add yourself. Small lights or candles seem to work best, along with small and simple decorations here and there. For more information, check out my other article, Outdoor Wedding Decorations.

With the right amount of planning, you can have the outdoor wedding of your dreams. You will find that outdoor weddings are charming, and many times more intimate than other kinds of weddings that you choose. Also, many find that taking their vows in nature adds more romance to your wedding day. So, if you are asking yourself, “Should I Have an Outdoor Wedding?” My answer is, if you really want one, then yes. Like I said, with the right amount of planning and backup plans, you can be prepared for anything that nature throws at you.

Tags: outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding ceremony, outdoor wedding decorations, outdoor wedding reception, Outdoor Weddings