Imagine taking your vows on a beautiful beach with the sand under your feet. Or how about being married in a hot air ballon. The choices are endless with outdoor weddings. Most outdoor celebrations take place in a location that has readily available services. The most important factor with outside weddings is the weather. You need to have a sheltered back up site available. Tents are the most sensible solution to take cover from the elements. Of course you will dream of a wonderful sunny day with blue skies and a little breeze blowing , but this can be dampered by a sudden downpour or an extremely hot hot day.

The most common place to do outdoor weddings is in your own back yard. This is one of the most personal and rewarding experiences. If you are lucky enough to have a large yard and a garden or a pool it can be created into a magical wonderland. Of course you must be willing to take the chance with the weather. Renting tents for the occasion is the smartest way to element the fear of the weather. Most tents can be rented with sides and some also come with windows. If the weather takes a turn for the worst you can simply put the sides down.

It is not only the tent that you will need. There are many other factors that go along with the outside affair. You will have to have a place for all those 200 hundred guests to park. If you live near a school or municipal building find out if you can park the cars there. If the site is too far for guests to walk, hire a van or bus to shuttle them back and forth. You may be lucky enough to have a empty lot or live in a area where the guests can park along the street. Just make sure the area is well lit if the wedding is taking place in the evening.

Power is another factor. The caterer and your musical vendor will need to have power. You may be able to tap into power from your home. Always have a licensed electrician do the wiring. You don't want to spoil the day with last minute electrical powers. Don't forget the lights if the wedding is taking place a night.

You don't want your guests romping through your house. And you definitely don't want them in your bushes! The newest waive for restrooms is the royal flush. These wonderful trailers are equipped with air conditioning,, lights, and running water. Sure beats overflowing your septic tank.

Checking with your local ordinances is also recommended. If you need to get a permit be sure to allow yourself plenty of time before the big day. Make sure you have a cell phone if you are not located near a phone. You never know when an emergency will arise.

A summertime wedding can be very itrchy. Mosquitoes are in high season at that time of the year. Spray the site one to two days before the big day. Citronella candles and bug spray are two other options. There are some very attractive torches that can be filled with citronella. These add to the decorations of a night wedding.

Decorating your tent will tie in with the theme of your wedding. Wonderful ceiling treatments are available and if that is too elaborate just doing the poles with fabric or greens will make it festive. You have the best backdrop of all... Mother Nature. Little lights and twinklers are a great way to make the whole area look like a fairy tale.

Of course if you choose a site that does weddings on a regular basis you will not have to worry about all of the important things. Decorations and the bride and groom are all that are required. Most facilities that rent their property out for weddings have a coordinator that will answer all of your questions. You may have to find your own vendors but the coordinator will do the rest.

An outdoor wedding whether in your yard or on the beach or wherever you choose will linger in the minds of your guests for a very long time. It is one of the most personal ways of sharing your love with you friends and families.


E-Mail the Author: msprimm@berkshireweb.com