An Outdoor Wedding

Planning an outdoor wedding? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Make sure that the weather will be predictably good at the time of year you choose. Visit your wedding location at the same time of day and possibly the same time of year your ceremony will be held. Check for shade and insects. Your wedding won't be much fun if guests must stand in the hot sun and will be taken away by mosquitoes. Shade can be added by providing a tent or canopy, and insects can be discouraged by spraying in advance and by adding citronella candles or torches to your wedding décor.

Look for and ask about the availability of electricity, rest rooms and dressing rooms. Be sure to find out if all these are included in the rental price.

You may want to order a tent because wishing and hoping can't prevent a thunderstorm. For that matter, make sure you reserve an alternative indoor site, preferably near your outdoor one, in case the weather's so bad the party can't go on as planned. Include this information in your wedding invitations if it means the ceremony will be held in another location.

You will need to rent not only the tent, but tables, chairs, and all the tableware you'll need, from tablecloths to flatware, start planning at least 3 to 6 months in advance, ask for references, and find out who will be actually setting up your event that day and don't automatically assume it will be the person you've made all the arrangements with. Also, make sure you understand what your legal liability is for the items rented. Make sure you're not pitching the tent over some underground power lines, sprinklers, cables or sewer easements. Talk to the site owners about the disaster zones to avoid.

If there are flowering plants at your location, consider using their colors into your wedding decorating scheme. Ask if plants are annuals, or will be refreshed before your wedding date. If the plants are annuals, purple pansies today may be replaced by red geraniums tomorrow. Keep in mind that if you choose a particularly wooded or flowery site, you won't have to put as much money and time into floral arrangements you'll have natural, beautiful foliage.

Consider how members of the wedding party will walk up the aisle. Is there a paved path? Will they be crossing grass? Keep this in mind when choosing the length of gowns and type of shoes the bridesmaids will wear.

Also coordinate with your caterer; they will probably have to set up a make-shift kitchen on site. Some public places have catering and dining facilities available.

Parks & Public Places

Thinking about a park or other public location? Public places bring a whole list of concerns of their own. Make a list, and be sure to ask about the following things:

Usually, the city or parks and recreation department controls this type of public place, and each will have their own set of rules about what is allowed. If you want to get married on public property, make sure that you plan far enough in advance for getting reservations or any necessary permits. Check with your local parks association or town hall. Some venues are for wedding ceremonies only, with no reception activities allowed. Others may restrict the type of food or beverage service you may provide.

Public places such as parks may have a rental cost. Be sure to ask if there is a fee. If it's paid by the hour, ask how many hours minimum or maximum are allowed. If it's per person, be sure to find out how many people will comfortably fit in this location, or if there is an occupancy limit.

Parking in public places can present a challenge. Ask about parking arrangements. Is there a private lot, and if so, is there a charge for use? If you're going to a public park in a city area, you may want to rent a bus as a service to your guests. Since most private homes don't have parking lots set to handle the cars of 200 guests, you may want to hire a valet parking service or several trusted friends and neighbors to take care of the logistics and to keep your guests from having to walk a great distance.

No matter what type of location you choose, be sure to get everything in writing. Your written agreement should include firm pricing and a specific list of what is included in that price. Don't assume anything!

Here are some picks for awesome outdoor wedding sites.

• leafy city park
   
• outside at a country club
   
• on a golf course
   
• grassy meadow
   
• grounds of a little country inn
   
• grounds of a grand mansion or historical home
   
• outside your church or temple, in an adjacent garden or the front lawn
   
• forest clearing
   
• overlooking a calm lake
   
• poolside at a hotel
   
• backyard of your new home
   
• backyard of a friend or relative's beautiful  home
   
• ballpark or on a football or soccer field
   
• a stadium
   
• grounds at a school