If
you’re a couple who loves the outdoors, why not plan a wedding celebration al
fresco? Let loose and let your personalities shine through. Forget about formal
dining halls and hotel function rooms. Let nature’s blessings be your backdrop
while exchanging your vows and partying with your family and friends
afterwards.
You can
make it different, memorable and definitely romantic. Work with what open air
venues can give you – from the lakes to the skies. Pick some elements from nature
and incorporate it in everything you need for your big day. Here are some ideas
to inspire you.
Venue
You
might have a wider selection of beautiful outdoor venues than you think. You
just need to use a little creativity and look around you.
Your home. You can literally start looking in your own
backyard – or front lawn. If you’ve got a well-manicured garden, go ahead and
plan your wedding right in your own home. You’d only need a little more flowers
and lighting here and there.
Parks and nature reserves. Many of these places have
designated areas open for private functions, including weddings. Imagine the
lush greenery and the sound of the birds around you. You might even find a spot
near a waterfall that would make an incredible setting. What could be more
romantic and awesome than that?
Botanical and butterfly gardens. In some locations, botanical and
butterfly gardens have opened their gates to special gatherings. Similar to
parks and nature reserves, you don’t really have to add a lot of decor and
flowers in these places. In butterfly gardens, the butterflies can also be used
in the ceremony instead of lighting up fireworks or sending balloons up in the
air.
Attire
From the
bridal dress to the guests’ attire, everything should be more comfortable than
in traditional weddings. It would also be lovely to see touches of nature on the
clothing and accessories of the bride and groom.
Bridal dress. Skip styles like ball gowns and restrictive
cuts. Choose free-flowing dresses made of chiffon and other soft fabrics.
Instead of a tiara or some sparkly hair accessory, use fresh flowers for your
headpiece. Keep your veil short, if you plan to have one. But it would match
the theme better if you leave it out.
Wedding and engagement rings. Choose a figural ring with the
shape of a butterfly or a flower to signify your engagement, if you haven’t
picked an engagement ring yet. For your wedding bands, you can match the design
with your nature-themed engagement ring, or ask the jeweller to put details
like leaves or flowers on the band.
Guests’ attire. Ask your guests to come in semi-formal attire,
at the most. Don’t bother thinking of making them wear tuxedos and gowns.
They’ll enjoy the atmosphere and the celebration you’ve prepared more if they’re
in relaxed clothing.
Entertainment
Ideally,
live music is best for an outdoor or nature-themed wedding. An acoustic trio or
a string quartet would be excellent. But if that’s not possible, make sure that
you’ve got a sound system set up perfectly for the outdoors.
Instead
of the usual wedding band and games, have a couple of outdoor games like
croquet, mini golf or even horseshoes. These games are unique alternatives to
bring fun into your party.
As you
go on with your wedding plans, you’ll come up with other novel ideas on how to
make your outdoor wedding more memorable and fun for everyone. Just remember to
pick a date that promises good weather. Although most probably, no amount of
rain can dampen the spirits of a newlywed couple.
About the author
Sofia Angeli is a PR & communications
consultant for companies in various industries. In particular, she brings her
writing skills and passion for travel, culture, arts and lifestyle, including
wedding planning and engagement
rings, to the online world.
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