The intimate serenity of a park or backyard or even the grand splendor of the ocean with its sprawling sand beaches. Outdoor weddings take quite a bit of extra planning and work. Here are some tips to help you out.

Watch the Weather

Mother Nature will be in attendance at your outdoor wedding. If it’s going to be a hot and sunny day be sure and have plenty of bottled water on hand for your guests. Perhaps hand it out as they arrive. Arranging for some large tents to provide some shade or cover should it rain is a good idea as well as sun screen.

What’s Your Backup Plan?

Is rain in the weather forecast? If you haven’t arranged for tents or canopies you need to have a plan B in the event of rain. If you’re having your reception indoors be sure they’re on the ready in the event of rain. Quickly rearranging the tables and chairs can allow you to move your outdoor wedding indoors if need be.

Where’s the Sun?

Take into account the time of day and the positioning of the sun. Be sure and set up your wedding theater so that the sun is not going to be shining in the eyes of your guests. They want to be able to see you exchange your vows without having to squint.

Can You Hear me Now?

Especially if there’s going to be a large number of guests in attendance arrange for PA system. While turning around and shouting “I SAID, I DO!” to all of the guests who didn’t hear you may provide a bit of comic relief, renting a good PA system is a better idea.

Bad Hair Day

Nothing like a windy day to turn your hair into a tangled mess. Be sure and tell your hair stylist that you’re having an outdoor wedding so they can help to prevent the wind from turning your perfect hair style into an unsightly mop. It’s also a very good idea to take particularly windy outdoor wedding locations into account when selecting your gown and bridesmaid dresses. Light flowing dresses may provide a few more “candid” photographs than you anticipated on a real windy day.

Stop Bugging Me!

Flying insects can really dampen the fun. Keep several citronella candles or torches lit and perhaps a bug zapper to help keep the beasts at bay. Fruit bees can really be pesky annoyances if you’re serving food outdoors. Try placing several small containers half filled with a sweet fruit juice or sugary soda with a few drops of liquid dish soap added well away from the food and tables. This will not only attract them but trap them in the liquid.

(this tip originally from Bangles and Brides)