Pros and Cons of Outdoor Weddings

5 Reasons Why You Should Have an Outdoor Wedding

An outdoor wedding brings more versatility when planning a wedding, but it does have some limitations. So lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of having an outdoor wedding:-

‍Pros of Outdoor Wedding

Scenery

We have some beautiful venues across the UK that offer some fantastic outdoor scenery, without the need to be under a gazebo or indoors.   It means you may need less decoration, as you would for an indoor ceremony, when creating a romantic spot.  Just think about the different seasons of flowers that will be in bloom when considering which date to pick for your outdoor wedding, which may compliment your envisaged colour schemes.  

Many venues have lakes or water, which can add a romantic ambiance.

Photographs

With natural lighting, your treasured photos will capture the beautiful outdoors.

More Guests

With some indoor spaces limiting the number of guests you can have, often being outdoors means you can increase the number of guests to be part of your ‘I dos’, but do remember when considering your budget on numbers!

Health

We know being outside improves our mental health and well being, so a wedding ceremony outside should install calmness.  Lets face it, for many of us, feeling the sun on our faces, makes us feel good; it can be a real mood enhancer.   Plus with covid remaining as part of our ‘normal’ lives, having an outdoor wedding must be seen positively ensuring you look after your guests health.

More choice

With the new announcement of civil weddings and partnerships can be outdoors without restrictions from April 2022, means the Government are listening to the wedding industry, to religious leaders and ultimately to couples who want to choose how to have their wedding day; after all it’s one of the most important days during our lifetimes.

Those changes mean that the couple do not have to remain under the permanent structure with a Registrar led ceremony, and are free to move around should you wish but do check with the Registrar is happy to do so.

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With every advantage, there comes disadvantages, so we now look at some of those:-

Cons of Outdoor Wedding

Weather

Whilst we automatically think what happens if it rains,which is the obvious disadvantage of having an outdoor wedding, its good to consider about too much sun.   Remember back to July 2021 and our heatwave?  Having a wedding ceremony with no shade in extreme temperatures is no fun, for the wedding couple, guests, or the professionals.

So it’s a must to have a Plan B for any outdoor wedding due to the weather; whether that be rain or heatwave.

Bugs

Being outdoors means you are sharing the space with all the critters, so don’t forget if you have any allergies to be cautious.   Add bite cream to your emergency kit, so you are not itching the whole night after you have been bitten!

Obstacles

Outdoor weddings can give us some fantastic scenery but do remember any outside water feature can be a health and safety issue.   It has been known for a ring bearer to fall into a lake as he walked to the ceremony aisle!

Photos

Having your wedding outside in lovely sunshine may seem idyllic, but it can be problematic for wedding photographers, as too much sun can cause them problems editing your photos.   I understand photographers love a summer wedding capturing photos during the golden hour (sunset) and late afternoon.

Health

Do remember to keep cool by staying hydrated, as you will be prone to the elements outside.   Be mindful, particularly if you are sensitive to the sun, to apply oodles of sunscreen and do organise some shady areas to retreat to.

More Expense

With outdoor weddings means you may need to consider other things, such as pa system to be heard during your ceremony (being outside, often large audiences cant hear at the back) not forgetting you may need to hire a marquee and outside toilets!

Noise

Whilst mentioning pa system under ‘more expense’ ask whether the venue has noise limits when being outside. Some venues will have a clause relating to noise levels and times during the day and night, so they do not disrupt surrounding neighbours.   This is particularly important to consider for outdoor weddings, as noise does travel.

Restricted to Time of Year

Very few couples want to have a winter wedding outside, as it can be quite cold, this will mean that venues will be booked quickly during the summer months. In addition, often venues prices increase during those summer months too.

‍Summary

Whether you have an outdoor or indoor wedding, do remember to let your guests know. They will want to know to bring suncream or an umbrella or a wrap if cooler weather for example, or even wellies!

As an Independent Wedding Planner, typically outdoor weddings do require more planning, as are dependent upon weather, but overall an outdoor wedding can be a blank canvas when planning, so enabling you to add your personality into the day.