Wedding Vows & Ceremony Discussions

Outside Ceremony Necessities?

So my fiancee and I are getting married outside at a lodge (weather permitting).  What are some necessities we will need for the ceremony?  None of our family has had an outdoor ceremony before, so I'm lost!  

Re: Outside Ceremony Necessities?

  • It's basically the same as an indoor ceremony.  You'll need chairs for everyone, you might want something to denote your "altar," like a table or arch or something.  You could have something to mark your aisle - rose petals, a runner, whatever.  If it's really hot it'd be nice to have water for your guests pre-ceremony, and possible fans or parasols.

    You will need an indoor back up or a tent in case of bad weather.
  • We are getting married outdoors near a river.  The venue is going to set up benches and outline the aisle with river rock.  As for an alter or arch, I am not going to do any of that for simplicity reasons.  The Teton Mountains behind us will be the backdrop.
  • DramaGeek has some great suggestions.  Without more details on time of year or time of day, I would add to her list: ample light before & after sunset, heat lamps / blankets / cocoa if possibly chilly, microphones / amplification because voices and music are harder to hear, wind considerations.

    And yes, cannot agree enough with the need for a backup tent or indoor option in case the weather does not behave.
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  • Along with everyones suggestions, if it willl be in summer you might want to have fans there.  You can get cute ones with your wedding date and names printed on it. 
  • Thanks!  We are getting married in June at a lodge, so the backup will be inside instead of out in the courtyard/back area.  Thank you so much!
  • If you think it might get a little buggy, find cute citronella candles to keep your guests happy! Here are a few other tips/suggestions: Keep hair spray handy in case the weather is humid, keep flowers inside in cooler air as long as possible (if they're in the heat too long they will start to wilt), consider having fresh fruit (watermelon, strawberries, blueberries) to keep your guests refreshed during cocktail hour (lemonade and fruit punches are delicious and will keep them hydrated too). Fans are a great idea to hand out during the ceremony too! Congratulations & Good Luck!
  • i would also check out the outdorr weddings board
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    goodluck
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  • Necessities?  Nothing but the bride and groom, two witnesses, the officiant, marriage license and rings are the only necessities.  If you are having guests, it would be nice to bring fans, citronella candles, chairs, etc but your guests will enjoy your wedding even if you don't bring those things.  It would also be nice to have a backup location in case the weather doesn't cooperate the way you want it to, but is the rain or wind going to stop you from becoming man and wife.  I hope not.  Just because these little luxuries are nice, doesn't make them necessary.
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