Outdoor wedding is it worth the risk?

BriaCow

 

I really like the colors used in this photo. What is the blue color called? 

I want my wedding to look something like this but I'm pretty scared of outdoor weddings because of the heat, rain, cold, etc. Anybody have their ceremony outside or under a tent? Any advice on how to make sure me and my guests can be protected from the elements or do I just settle for the inside wedding?

jennylee813

Wow - that's such a pretty reception photo!

I can't offer an experienced opinion, but I am planning an outdoor wedding for next August. My only suggestion for you is to make sure that you have a backup - a tent or a venue that has both an indoor/outdoor location for you to work with.

Sometimes I feel like I'm taking a HUGE chance on the weather (it can be very unpredictable at our venue), but in the end I know that I really want an outdoor wedding, and we will make the best of whatever the day brings. We will plan for the sunshine AND the rain, use lots of white lights and candles, and have the best time - because it's how we both see our wedding day.

I can't be of much help, other than to tell you to follow you heart. If you're going to stress too much over things you can't control (like the weather), then maybe an indoor venue would work best ... but if it means a lot to you to have an outdoor wedding, you will find a way to make it work.

Good luck!

TheFutureShulins

I second the back-up plan! That is the only way to go IMO when it comes to planning outdoor weddings.

Personally I gave up my dream of ceremony venue #1 because I was so concerned about the elements.  We booked an indoor venue and I am very happy with the decision.  Our day will be stress free: no blazing hot sunshine, no rain, no wind, no bugs, and no last-minute costs to rent an emergency tent. 

kikibabe421

If you want an outdoor wedding, do it...it's your day make it what you want! I would have a large wedding tent on stand by as a backup, you can make it look elegant and as if your not even in a tent!

stantokm

Check the Farmer's Almanac for the weather on the date of your wedding over several years; obviously some months are worse than others, though weather is always unpredictable.  A colleague told me that he (being a math guy) had collected data from the 50 years prior to his wedding date to determine the percentage chance of rain--since it was under 22%, they went ahead with the outdoor wedding and had beautiful weather.

ceceibson

We were married outdoors last weekend [the 18th].  We had a preception, then ceremony in  a large, public garden.  Then we moved to a second venue where food, etc. was set up inside with the band, bar and tables outside.

I had large, circus-style tents at both venues.  I wasn't so much worried about rain as beating sun.  We have set all sorts of records here this summer, including 3 weeks straight of temperatures of 100+.

Our wedding day was perfect -- 78 and sunny.  But I have to believe that if I hadn't had the tents, it would have been 110 and/or pouring rain.