by Rachael Jessup
The wedding industry in Canada has been booming over the past few years. Wedding services are expected to hit a value of $7.1 billion by 2030, showcasing the high demand. The growing number of outdoor venues in the country is also attracting more couples looking to tie the knot in a unique and magical way. An outdoor wedding ceremony can be truly breathtaking. However, planning a celebration under the open sky presents unique considerations compared to a traditional indoor venue. Unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating temperatures, technical difficulties, and other uncomfortable issues can disrupt an outdoor wedding.
As a wedding planner, it’s your role to guide your clients through this process seamlessly, ensuring their dream outdoor wedding becomes a reality while considering and preparing for any problems that might arise. Here are some key tips to help you and your client plan an outdoor wedding and maximize its full potential:
Working with the weather
Weather is one of the trickiest considerations for an outdoor wedding due to its unpredictability, but that shouldn’t discourage you and your client from planning an outdoor wedding. You can advise your client on the best time of year to hold their outdoor wedding based on the region’s typical weather patterns. Consider factors like heat, humidity, wind, and potential for rain. Plan around and utilize the weather to your advantage as well. Provide shade for guests during the ceremony and reception; tents, parasols, strategically placed trees, and more can protect people from the sun and can even provide unique decor. But even with these preparations, you should always have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes in weather. Discuss options with the client, such as a covered tent, a designated indoor space at the venue, or a postponement policy.
Appropriate favours
An outdoor wedding can be a great opportunity to guide your client in choosing creative wedding favors that suit the outdoor venue and season. Take advantage of sunny weather at a beach or during a summer wedding and offer sunglasses to wedding guests. Since guests will be exposed to harsh UV rays during the event, shades can provide protection, minimizing discomfort and strain. You can take cues from timeless styles like Eyebuydirect’s Borneo or Route 66, which are stylish and flattering and can be used after the wedding. For fall weddings or cooler climates, you can offer favors that complement the cozy ambiance. Take inspiration from a couple who gave out unique mugs at their outdoor autumn wedding, which went well with their hot cocoa bar. These favors not only add to the outdoor wedding vibe but can be used and loved long after the event.
Designing the ambience
Let the natural beauty of the great outdoors be the star of your client’s outdoor venue. If there are any remarkable spots like a big tree or stunning view, you can center them in the ceremony setup to highlight these wonders. Use decor that complements the venue’s landscape and creates an immersive atmosphere. Shells, driftwood, and light, flowing fabrics can establish the vibe of a romantic seaside wedding. Floral arrangements and foliage are apt for a garden wedding, enhancing the natural beauty of the organic space. You can also suggest utilizing natural materials for structures, furniture, and decorations. Wood, stone, rattan, or bamboo can complement the outdoor venue and feel more immersive. Plant-based fabrics like cotton and burlap can also make the space feel more harmonious with nature. Also, take into account the aesthetic your client wants for their wedding, whether it’s bohemian, rustic, or vintage, and work around that vibe.
Despite the unique challenges of an outdoor wedding, it can be a great opportunity to curate a magical and memorable experience. Using your expertise, you can guide your client through planning a wedding that embraces nature’s beauty while ensuring comfort and enjoyment for everyone involved.
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