It is important to know the pros and cons of having your wedding outdoors!
Have you been dreaming of that perfect rose garden ceremony or dancing under the stars? You are not unlike many engaged couples! Outdoor weddings are beautiful and exciting… when the conditions are right! While there are plenty of benefits of having your wedding in the open air, there are also some downsides that you should be aware of before making your decision. Here are some things to consider:
PRO: The scenery! There is just something about a cloudless blue sky that makes a white dress look a bit more radiant! Whether it is the beach, under an old oak tree, or a golf course, you are sure to have a gorgeous backdrop for your nuptials.
CON: The weather! That beautiful backdrop that you have been imagining for your outdoor wedding can be quickly and easily interrupted by a stray afternoon thunderstorm or a random cold snap. Florida weather is completely unpredictable and it is always best to have a rain plan in place, just in case!
PRO: Space constraints… or the lack of! When having a wedding indoors, you are limited to the space within those four walls. Although you don’t always have unlimited space outdoors, you have a bit more freedom with how you arrange your guests tables or ceremony seating.
CON: Bugs! Mosquitos can quickly put a huge damper on your outdoor wedding {and a few itchy days}! If you decide to host your event outside, be sure to provide plenty of bug repellant for your guests! A well taken care of outdoor event space should be free of ants and other ground critters but be sure to check it out for yourself, as well.
PRO & CON: Lighting! Natural lighting is so great for photography! An overcast sky is the best for eliminating squinted eyes and shadows. But the golden hour just before sunset makes every photo look so dreamy! For every benefit, there is an equal negative though. If it is too bright, your photos will look washed out. If it is too dark, the photographer will have to use a flash which sometimes washes people out. Also, timing is everything, if your outdoor wedding is set back even five minutes may lead to your photographer chasing the sunshine and not getting all of the pictures that you had asked for.
Ultimately, be sure to weigh all of the facts when making a decision about your outdoor wedding. Whether it’s weather, lighting, or space concerns, you want to be sure to have a plan for every possible outcome, and your planner can help you with this! Having a plan won’t eliminate anything from happening but it will definitely help to ease your nerves.
