Outdoor Wedding Reception - Part II

Top Tips for an Outdoor Wedding Reception

Following are some pointers regarding your reception plans and tips to consider:

Consider how your venue will be lit up when it starts to get dark. Will the decorate lights be enough or will you need more lanterns etc?
Ensure that you inform all your guests that the venue will be outdoors so that they can dress appropriately.
Ensure you prepare every detail down to the letter.
For those taking place in warmer weather have plenty of bottled water for your guests, you don't want anyone passing out from the heat.
Have some consideration for the more elderly guests and perhaps, if you feel they are needed, arrange for some heaters to be dotted around the venue.
Having fans on the table might be a novel idea for the hotter receptions and also look into electronic fans dotted around the venue.
If you can, exactly one year before your wedding day, visit your location and this will give you a rough idea of what the surrounding areas will look like, what flowers might be in bloom and where might be the best areas for photographs to be taken.
If you have neighbours try to give them some warning about the possible noise.
Make sure that your tablecloths are tightly secured to the table as you don't want the wind blowing them away.
Put some disposable cameras on the tables so that your guests can capture themselves as well as the gorgeous scenery behind them.
Take into account that candles might not be a worthwhile investment.
Try and prepare for bad weather where possible and if you can, have a back up plan which will include an indoors location should the weather turn bad. Failing this, perhaps extra umbrellas could be provided?
Turn your favours into accessories for warm weather such as throw away sunglasses or tiny bottles of sun cream.

Questions to Ask about Your Outdoor Wedding Reception

Are there any noise restrictions you need to make note of?
Can electricity be provided?
Can members of the public gain access to your reception easily?
Can you have a tent or marquee erected on the site?
Can you serve alcohol easily at the location and will they be served by waiter service or is it possible to have a bar?
Can you take out insurance to guard against any natural disasters ruining the venue before the day?
Can your DJ cope with the weather?
Do you have to rent your furniture yourself or will your venue provide them?
How close to your venue will your guests be able to park? Will you need to organise for a coach to take them from the church to your venue?
Is a permit needed to hold a ceremony or a reception at your chosen location? Before you set your heart on a certain venue you need to check if legally it is allowed.
Is there a chance that your guests be pestered by insects? If there is a possibility of bugs interrupting your meal, try to deal with this before hand and possibly get some zappers installed.
Should you have a specific area for smokers?
Where will your caterer prepare the food?
Where will your wedding cake be kept? If it is on display throughout the reception, will it be covered and out of harms way from clumsy people as well as the hot sun?
Will you be able to decorate your chosen location in a suitable theme?
Will you need to hire portable toilets? If you do, ensure that they are placed in a suitable location.
Would it be appropriate to set up a microphone system so that all your guests can hear the speeches?

Ideas for Outdoor Wedding Reception Decoration

Whether you are decorating yourself or if the venue will be dealing with the décor, you can certainly go to town if your reception is outdoors and of course if your budget permits. Following are some suggestions about the possible decorations you can include:

Antique candelabras.
Archways (if you provide your own what a lovely keepsake to keep in your own garden after your wedding).
Candles (although these will probably end up just being decorative as they could be blown out the minute they are lit).
Chinese lanterns.
Draped material and/or bows.
Garlands or flowers.
Giant urns or even watering cans.
Potted plants or trees.
Tiki torches.
Various light displays or fairy lights.
Vases.
Water fountains.

Choosing your venue and how to decorate it is yet another big addition to your list and you should, as with everything wedding related, take your time and ensure you are comfortable with your choices.

You can be sure that having your wedding reception outdoors surrounded by the natural beauty around you will certainly create an exciting and magical quality to your reception, something that your guests are sure to remember and talk about!