Outdoor Wedding

An outdoor wedding is a dream for many couples, and there are a variety of
locations to consider -- scenic landmarks, historic estates, parks, the beach, or
even your own backyard. Getting married outside in the sunshine, surrounded by
the beauty of nature and your friends and family, makes for a lovely celebration.

But hosting an outdoor wedding takes planning, forethought and attention to
details. Although you can't control the weather, you can work around it. Here are
some tips for planning a successful outdoor wedding.

Location

Even though your heart is set on an outdoor wedding, it is wise to choose a
location that has both indoor and outdoor facilities, if possible. That way, if the
weather doesn't cooperate, the show can still go on. At the very least, rent a tent
in case of inclement weather.

Some parks and other outdoor locations may not be experienced in hosting
weddings. Make sure you know the rules of the venue you choose. Ask specific
questions; for example, do you need a permit? Is there a limit on the number of
guests? Will you be allowed to serve alcohol?

Make sure you'll have access to the amenities you'll need for a successful event.
Are there restrooms available? If not, you'll have to rent port-a-potties. You'll
probably need electricity (for the caterers, the DJ, fans or lighting, etc.), which is
not usually found in nature. Find out if you need to rent a generator.

Bugs and outdoor weddings go hand in hand. But you can take measures to
alleviate the worst of the problem. You may want to hire an exterminator to spray
the day before the wedding. Citronella candles add shimmer and also help keep
bugs at bay.

Decorations

At an outdoor wedding, Mother Nature provides most of the decorations -- trees,
flowers, a view of a lake or a hilltop vista. But you may want to embellish a bit.
Many couples opt for a beautiful wedding arch to provide a focal point for the
ceremony. The arch can be left simple and unadorned, or can be swathed in
flowers and ribbons to match those carried by the wedding party. An arch
dripping with flowers also provides a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos.
Coordinate the arch with raised planters sprouting matching flowers and you'll
add enchantment to an already magical setting. And if you have to move your
ceremony indoors at the last minute, the arch and planters will provide instant
decoration to the new location.

You can ask your florist to decorate the arch, or do it yourself. Garden Artisans
offers a number of arches to choose from, including the Ogee Gothic Arch, a
Monet Arch and a Classic Round Arch to add a romantic touch to your wedding.
After the ceremony, the arch can take an honored place in your garden as a
reminder of your special day.

Guests

Be sure guests know they're attending an outdoor wedding, so they can dress
appropriately. In addition, it is a good idea to send weather information to out-of-
town guests who may not be familiar with the climate.

Is there a place for your guests to park? If there is no convenient parking at the
site, consider having them park in a nearby lot and shuttling them over. Also
make sure that the site is accessible, especially for elderly guests and others
with limited mobility.

The Wedding Party

Keep the weather in mind when choosing a dress. Brides should choose a
dress made of lighter-weight fabrics and consider not having a train, which will
drag in the grass and dirt. An aisle runner will help this problem. Brides and
bridesmaids will want to stay away from shoes with spike heels, which will sink
into the ground.

Groomsmen should consider wearing vests with full backs so they can still look
dressed up with their coats off.

Food

Be sure the professionals you hire have outdoor experience. Caterers need to
provide foods and food displays that keep well under warm conditions. Alcohol is
dehydrating. Make sure there are nonalcoholic beverages available to quench
people's thirst on a hot day.

For more information on the arches, raised planters and other garden
accessories available from Garden Artisans, visit the company's Web site at
www.gardenartisans.com.