There are lots of reasons why couples would choose to throw a simple outdoor wedding instead of a large fancy bash in an expensive banquet hall. One reason could be that the bride and groom are looking at having to stay within a pretty tight wedding budget. Another great reason why a couple may choose to have a simple outdoor wedding is because they’re private and don’t want a lot of attention or stress going on around their big day. Maybe it’s a second marriage and the couple would really just like their family and a few very close friends around for their nuptials. Whatever your reason for choosing to have a simple outdoor wedding, there are many different ways that you can create the perfect simple outdoor wedding to fit your budget, preferences, and guest list. Here are a few great ways to accomplish that.

Throwing a Backyard Wedding

An elderly couple in our church just had a simple outdoor wedding at the bride’s home. They were both widowed and had grown children and grandchildren of their own.

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

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.

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Tags: outdoor wedding, Outdoor Weddings

If you don’t stay in tune with the current events of a social nature, then you may not be aware that one of President Bush’s daughters was married this weekend at their Ranch in Crawford, Texas. Whether or not you agree with the moves our President has made is not the point of this article. But for some reason, a marriage in the first family is something to celebrate. In fact, Jenna’s marriage was only the 22nd marriage in history for an acting President in the White House. Here in the United States, the first family is the closest to royalty that we have, and many people are really interested in how they live their lives outside of the White House. So how does the leader of the free world throw a wedding bash for his daughter? In an elegant outdoor wedding with the beauty of nature surrounding them, that’s how. While details are scarce about their wedding, the White House has released a few pictures to help us get a peek at how their wedding was done.

A Beautiful Outdoor Altar

President Bush had a giant limestone cross installed at his Crawford ranch for the occasion, along with a beautiful thick limestone altar that looks like a giant table running in front of the cross. On either side of the cross on the altar are some large and very beautiful flower white arrangements in decorative vases. Plus, as a great addition, their outdoor wedding altar overlooks a beautiful view of a body of water. What a beautiful place to take your marriage vows.

The Bride’s Attire

While we can’t all afford a specially designed Oscar de la Renta wedding gown, Jenna looked beautiful on her wedding day. She had simple and yet elegant wedding dress that was sleeveless had a V-neckline. Her bouquet was simple, a hand-tied bouquet of white flowers, and her jewelry was kept simple and light. As for her wedding hairstyle, Jenna opted for a simple hairstyle. She kept her hair down, drawing pieces from the sides and weaving some beautiful white flowers into her hair.

The Bridesmaids

Of course, Jenna had her maid of honor as her twin sister in a beautiful light blue bridesmaid dress. While none of the pictures released from the White House showed her other bridesmaids, we do know that each bridesmaid had a different color dress to represent the different colors of the wildflowers at the Texas ranch.

An Outdoor Wedding Reception

A beautiful end to this wedding was an elegant outdoor wedding reception under a large tent. The tent was lit with beautiful strings of light outside the reception and inside the tent as well. Her wedding centerpieces consisted of a medium-sized flower arrangement in the center of each table with pairs of tea lights in votives around the table as well. The wedding guests enjoyed the music from a band from Louisiana, and spent the evening dancing under the stars.

I’ve always enjoyed looking at different couples wedding pictures, and the pictures from the Presidential wedding this weekend was no exception. They threw a beautiful outdoor wedding and wedding reception that was exactly what Jenna wanted for her wedding. Jenna wanted a private and simple wedding at her other home in Texas. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, then a great place to look for ideas is in the pictures of weddings done before.  So check out the pictures the White House has released about the wedding, they are really beautiful.

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

Many brides this year are looking for a casual wedding sundress that they can wear for perhaps a beach or other kind of outdoor wedding of their choosing. A wedding sundress is the perfect kind of wedding dress for a causal wedding that may or may not have a lower budget to work with. It’s a simple fact that not all people out there want the same kind of gigantic traditional wedding, and would rather host a smaller more casual wedding and forgo spending potentially thousands of dollars on a wedding dress, and instead of a simple wedding sundress in which to get married. Finding the perfect wedding sundress can be difficult, I googled it earlier and didn’t find much that could be of use. So if you are planning a casual outdoor wedding and are looking for the perfect wedding sundress to wear, then here are some great places to look.

Look for a Wedding Sundress at a Department Store

Once the spring and summer season start to roll around, many department stores and other clothing stores will start to bring out their spring and summer lines.

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Tags: Beach Weddings, casual weddings, Outdoor Weddings, wedding dresses, wedding sundress

While many couples put down sometimes costly deposits on outdoor wedding locations that overlook a lake or an extreme mountain view, other couples choose to have their wedding in a place a little closer to home, and one that they may have some particularly fond memories in. One excellent way to save money while doing your wedding reception is to host a backyard wedding. Backyard weddings can be either ultra casual, simple and romantic, or even an elegant show of beauty, depending upon your preferences and your wedding budget. Your backyard wedding doesn’t even have to be in your own backyard, it can be hosted in a friend or family member’s backyard, and can be a very romantic place to have your wedding. There are several factors you’ll need to consider when planning your backyard wedding, to help make sure that it is right for you.

Determine the Location of your Backyard Wedding

Probably the first thing you’ll need to look at when choosing a location for your backyard wedding is in who’s backyard to use. You’ll need to consider the number of people you are inviting, and make sure that wherever you choose has enough of a backyard to make it work. Then, if it is in a friend or family member’s backyard, you’ll need to ask and make sure they don’t mind having a wedding on their property. Not only will you need to determine the backyard you’ll be getting married in, you’ll need to determine the best place for your wedding ceremony to take place. You’ll need to make sure that your ceremony is set up in such a way that the sun will not be in the eyes of your guests, and a position where they can still get the best view possible.

Determine What Decorating You’ll Need for Your Backyard Wedding

If the backyard you choose is already decked out with beautiful rose gardens or perhaps some other beautiful landscaping, then you may not need to do very much to decorate your backyard wedding. Maybe only a few white trellises with flowers and greenery weaved into them to cover up any unsightly areas would be the most that you need to do. If however, the backyard is not landscaped at all, or there are a few additions you’d like to make, then talk to the owner of the backyard about what you’d like to do and get their approval. If you get it, then make a plan to either bring in a professional landscaper to take care of the area, or if you have a green thumb, set up an afternoon to come over and get to work. Since this is decorating for your wedding, you should offer to pay for any landscaping. Also, be sure to think about any additions you’d like to make to the backyard for your decorating, such as strings of lights or lanterns, or even an arch for the ceremony. Work out the logistics for this as soon as you can with the owner of the backyard.

Determine What Kind of Backyard Wedding Reception to Have

One great thing about backyard weddings is that they lend themselves well to either afternoon or evening weddings. If you are having an early afternoon wedding, then a few tables set up inside the house, or even out on the grounds with snack foods is an excellent idea for a casual backyard wedding reception. If you want your backyard wedding to take place in the evening with a fancier wedding reception, you can look at renting a tent to put outside (if there is enough room) and fill it with tables and have the caterer or restaurant set up their tables inside.

Backyard weddings are intended to be more intimate family type gatherings. Backyard weddings lend themselves a more romantic and charming feel to them than perhaps a larger more ornate wedding would do. Not only that, but with nature lending herself to do most of the decorations, your backyard wedding is bound to be a success.

Tags: backyard wedding, backyard weddings, 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

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, my sister got married a few months ago, and she chose to have an outdoor wedding. If you are looking at an outdoor wedding, there really are several advantages you have over a typical indoor church wedding. For one thing, in my opinion at least, you have a lot less to do with outdoor wedding decorations. My sister was very lucky in planning her outdoor wedding, as the location already had outdoor wedding decorations that she could use, and in fact were already in place so she didn’t need to worry. If that isn’t your situation, maybe you have to bring your own outdoor wedding decorations, or come up with how you want to decorate on your own. Sometimes that can be a little difficult, to wonder if everything will look all right. There are several things you can do for your outdoor wedding decorations. If you need some help coming up with ideas, then this is a great place to start.

Outdoor Wedding Decorations with Lights

My sister got married under a huge 200 year old oak tree which is just magnificent to look at. Since most outdoor weddings in Texas are done in the evenings, then adding lights to your outdoor wedding decorations is a great place to start. Christmas lights, of course are a given. The tree behind my sister and her husband had Christmas lights going up the trunk of the tree, and in pictures the lights were beautiful, twinkly and romantic. Another idea to consider using lights in your outdoor wedding decorations is to use candles. On some of the lower branches, my sister had looped thick white ribbon, and tied it to small glass candle holders, and lit the candles. The effect was beautiful and elegant. You can use this idea, and hang something different from the tree, but I think this is best since the candlelight is so romantic.

Outdoor Wedding Decorations with an Arch

Many couples choose to bring in some kind of arch for outdoor weddings, and decorate it with greenery, flowers or lights. This can make a beautiful addition to your outdoor wedding, as well as help to set apart an area that you both will be standing with the minister. Make sure that your arch fits in with the location though. For example, my sister got married under a huge 200 year old oak tree, and using an arch would have been definite overkill since the branches of the tree were several feet over their heads anyway. So be sure to consider your location before going with an arch.

Outdoor Wedding Decorations with Flowers

You will want to set apart some place to be the altar, instead of just open space. A great way to do this is with two pillars or other kind of stands. My sister used white pillars, and placed two large flower arrangements on them to help create an area where you and your fiance will be standing. Depending on your situation and location of outdoor wedding, you may need to do a bit more. However, if you are having an outdoor wedding, then the location you choose should already have some beautiful scenery for your guests to view. Another option you can consider for your outdoor wedding decorations is to place some small greenery or flowers at the feet of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and out a little. This will also help to set apart the area that is desiganted as your altar, or area where everyone involved in the ceremony needs to be.

One of the great benefits of having an outdoor wedding is that you may not need to do as much with your outdoor wedding decorations. The live nature around your guests, and natural beauty of it will add so much to your outdoor wedding. If you have any other ideas for outdoor wedding decorations, then be sure to write and let me know!

Tags: outdoor wedding decorations, outdoor wedding ideas, Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Planning