Most people who plan outdoor weddings understand that they need a backup location if it rains (or snows!), but most don't consider the other challenges of an outdoor venue. Extreme temperatures can happen when you least expect it. That September day that you just knew would be cool and pleasant? Winter can come early. And summer weddings can bring heat indexes topping 100 degrees. How about where the sun will be in the sky at "I Do" time? A couple whom I married a few years ago scouted out their spot a full year before their wedding to determine whether the sun would be in anyone's eyes and if the guests would be in sun or shade — now that's planning.
It's also a good idea to find out if your location is home to mosquitoes — or bees! Scope out he path that your bridal party will be travelling for the processional, is it flat ground, gravel, pavement or soft grass? The surface will make a difference whether the ladies want to wear heels or not! What about noise? A popular wedding spot here in Lincoln is in a public park at one of the busiest intersections in Lincoln, so not only do you have the traffic sounds, but that of happy families enjoying a day at the park. Add to that — the preferred spot in the park is in front of a waterfall, which usually drowns out the officiant as well as the couple's vows. There is also a venue where a train occasionally goes by during a wedding; out of sight, but unfortunately not out of earshot. Find out if your officiant has a microphone; if not, renting one would be worth it.
Finally, will your guests be able to find it? Sure, Google maps can get you anywhere, but what if there's no cell service in the area? I've conducted my share of late-starting weddings because someone important to the bride and groom was lost somewhere on the back roads of Nebraska.
Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, but they require an extra layer of planning.
No matter how much planning you do, you can't predict the weather too far ahead. That's why you need a backup location in case of rain. (I've never been snowed out, but have done a wedding or two where it was close to freezing outside). Not only do you need a backup location, but you will have to coordinate with the venue to set a time when you will make the decision to stay outside or move inside. Venue staff will likely have to reset the room if it was set up for a dinner, and the deejay will also need to move all their equipment. Waiting until the last minute puts undue stress on the staff. If the backup location is in a different place than the primary location, your guests will need to be informed in a timely manner.
Delaying the start of the ceremony in the hope that the rain will stop is a big gamble. For one thing, storm cells aren't always predictable. The forecast might show that the downpour is ending in 15 or 20 minutes, but the storm front might make an unexpected turn and keep on pouring. Changing the start time isn't consequence-free for other reasons. A bride and groom might reason that since the celebration will be going on for many hours anyway, what's a half hour? But so many things are time-dependent. The food is scheduled to arrive a certain time — if delayed, the entrees might be cold or dried out. The reception venue is only booked for so much time. What are your guests doing while you're fervently praying that the rain stops? (And where are they doing it?) Some vendors, for instance, a party bus, might be booked for only a limited time. Your officiant probably isn't expecting to be there longer than the length of the ceremony. (Our contract specifies that there be a backup rain location and that the ceremony start on time)
Backup indoor locations: an important part of any outdoor wedding!
