Outdoor Wedding Ideas for the Savvy Bride

Having an outdoor wedding can be a dream come true for many couples. I have collected some ideas to consider to ensure your special day unfolds just as you always hoped it would. Plenty of preparation and planning for the unexpected is the ultimate key to having a beautiful, problem-free wedding outdoors.

The first, and probably most important aspect of planning an outdoor wedding is deciding on the right location. It's possible to save a considerable amount of money by having the ceremony and the reception at the same place, not to mention being extra convenient for the guests and wedding party.

You'll also want to make it a point to see that your location will be easily accessible to any elderly or disabled guests using wheelchairs or canes, and that the restroom facilities are also available to them.

Some location ideas for an outdoor wedding ceremony include:

• At a hotel or inn
• At a golf course
• In a park
• At a historic estate
• In the backyard
• In a garden
• On the beach
• In a museum
• In a lighthouse

One of the best things about having a wedding outdoors is that nature usually provides the most gorgeous setting possible so that decorations are either unnecessary, or only needed at a minimum. Besides the location, the time of year will dictate the type of decorations you should use. Take measures to protect table coverings and centerpieces from the elements, and know that even the lightest of breezes will blow out candles, unless they are placed in something such as a hurricane lamp, votive holder, or even in glass fishbowls.

When having your wedding outside, take into account the time of day when pictures will be taken so you can plan ahead to avoid shadows and glare from the sun. If possible, have your photographer visit the location with you before the big day so that you can pick out the best spots for your wedding photos.

From bugs, to birds, and bees, having an outdoor wedding requires that you be prepared for just about anything. These uninvited guests can spoil everyone's day if you don't take proactive measures to ensure the comfort of your real, invited guests.

If you're having a spring or summer wedding outdoors, be sure to provide sunscreen, shade from the sun, and if needed, bug spray. Umbrellas, personal fans, and water bottles are also great to have on hand for outdoor events taking place in the warmer months. In fact, all of these items can easily be incorporated into favors, tied with ribbons and bows in colors matching the wedding party's dresses and placed in decorative baskets near the area where guests will be arriving.

Do I need to add that children love an outdoor wedding? They can escape from the family and play hide and seek while your aunt is digging up the same old stories...

For fall or winter weddings, a few space heaters strategically placed throughout the area will no doubt be most appreciated by guests.

When having a wedding outdoors, it's highly advisable to have an alternate plan in place, just in case the need arises, and regardless of the weather forecast. Also remember to include these other plans with the wedding invitations so guests will know where they are supposed to be and when, and how they should dress for the day.

There's so many things to think about when planning a wedding. Invitations, wedding favors, wedding outfits ... It is quite risky to try and organize everything by yourself without a good guide. Save yourself a lot of money and worries and have a look at these wedding planning secrets compiled by a proffesional wedding planner!