What to Know About Planning a Wedding in an Outdoor Space
Outdoor venues are enchanting and magical, making an excellent canvas for a unique experience. There is something about hearing music in the trees, amber market lights strung in their shade, and the faint echoes from celebratory toasts. Outdoor weddings also force your guests into doing a little travel and making a vacation out of the wedding, and often becomes the pillar of a group weekend getaway. And can anyone ever say they have ever seen an ugly forest or beach wedding? I think not ;)
Booking considerations
There are a couple important things to consider when booking a venue in the great outdoors:
❤️ Connect your caterer with the venue, making sure they have proper equipment and facilities needed to cook and prepare dinner for your guests.
❤️ Be very aware of weather conditions and bring a change of clothes, coats, blankets, shoes, etc, and make sure you inform your guests well in advance. You do not want you and your guests to be sorely uncomfortable in the evening chilly breeze on a mountaintop!
❤️ Make sure you have a set up and tear down team! Forest venues are popular (and notorious) for being spread out, often requiring hauling ceremony chairs to and fro. It's not a good idea to force that chore on your guests.
How forest/outdoor venues score in our Venue Quiz
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional 👉 Super non-traditional option!
Guest count 👉 Depending on the size of the venue, most spaces in wooded areas can support all sizes. It is most common for smaller sized gatherings though.
Fancy vs. Casual 👉 The forest, like any venue in the rural outdoors, is the perfect canvas for a casual and laid-back design and schedule.
Urban vs. Nature 👉 Perfect solution for nature lovers.
Location 👉 There are plenty of forests and beaches options all over California, and most other states.
Elderly/Special Needs 👉 Not often a friendly alternative if you or your guests are elderly or handi-capable.
DIY vs. Turnkey 👉 Typically, forest venues are very "DIY". With the likelihood of being rural, and the commonality of being basic in their amenities, organizing an elegant event in the woods is no easy task.
Outdoor vs. Indoor 👉 This outdoor option can't get anymore nature-friendly.
Personal Style 👉 Forest venues win the Modern with Warm Influence style in our Stylegram™. Learn more about personal style and how it relates to your wedding here.
Budget Range 👉 With forests usually having the bare minimum in terms of amenities, you do not often save much money. But it is totally possible to stay frugal as long as you have the right venue and connections.
