So you are hooked on the idea of an outdoor wedding? When the sun shines, there is no place as beautiful as North Yorkshire , and frankly even when it’s cloud and rainy, you can still see the stunning views, amazing buildings and forests and general loveliness. Well here are my five top tips to give your outdoor wedding those special touches to keep it lovely in all weathers.
- Footwear – the ubiquitious welly
Most yorkshire folk will have wellies and may not think to pack them, especially for a summer wedding ,but in my experience, it’s a good tip to ask your guests to bring them so that they are prepared. When you send your invitations out, you will not know the forecast with any certainty so better that they are ready for any sudden downpour.
And for the bride, a stunning pair of wellies will ensure a great photo, and I love these wedge wellies for a more elegant romp in the soft ground. Have a look at www.thewellyshop.com for more ideas.
2. Brollies – transparent ones
A personalised umbrella for your guests isn’t a cheap option but it certainly adds that classy touch if your budget stretches that far. They cost about 18 pounds each for the nice bubble style (see www.a1personalised.co.uk or you could try www.everythingbranded.co.uk for a cheaper option. If you can’t afford a personalised one, you could also try the high street for a lovely transparent umbrella or rain poncho and have them ready at the wedding venue for guests to take.
3. The Venue – plan A and B
When looking for a wedding venue and you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, always make sure that it has an option B, a room inside that the ceremony can be moved to if the worst happens and it rains, or a marquee, yurt, or tipi that could hold the ceremony, either separately from the reception or in the same place. This also needs to be closeby for a quick changeover.
Some other considerations include
1) Ensure a good quality generator: don’t cut back on this and get a good powered one, you don’t want it breaking down halfway through the band playing.
2) Toilets: there are so many amazing portable toilets these days, but always get more than they advise, a block of three for the ladies is often enough for an average wedding.
3) Outdoor furniture: it’s always a good idea to hire some outdoor furniture, picnic tables, hay bales; something to keep that outdoor vibe going as the evening progresses.
4) Lighting: make sure you have plenty of outdoor lights! Lanterns should be covered well so they don’t blow out in the wind and paper bag lanterns should contain extra sand in case they blow away. Sola powered lighting is a great idea but not terribly reliable, battery operated is a better option.
5) Build a fire: always a lovely feature for the evening, but make sure that children are kept away, you have a fire blanket and someone responsible is left to look after it.
4. too hot?
On the other end of the scale , we can have some scorching days in North Yorkshire so ready supplies of water, fans and parasols in case of too much sun.
If you ask your stationery supplier, they may make them for you or you can look at zazzle.co.uk for ideas. As well as being practical, it’s a lovely keepsake.
Your caterer will be able to have a supply of water bottles on hand, or jugs of water on the tables with a refill station nearby.
5. the right celebrant for you
Many couples are choosing to do the ‘paper work’ side of the marriage the day, week or months before, or earlier in the morning in a registry office and keep it very low key, and then have the wedding they really want which gives them much more flexibility in their choice of location. By choosing this option it basically means you can get married whenever, and wherever you wish.
Many people find them much more emotional than a registry office ceremony as it is completely personalised. Couples often exchange their rings and make their vows at the outdoor ceremony in front of all of their family and friends. Marriage celebrants in North Yorkshire, like me, will meet with you and write a completely personal ceremony that tells the story of you as a couple. They also have a wealth of ideas and contacts so you can get them involved early to help shape your ideas. So find a celebrant who loves the outdoors and will fully embrace the fun, informality and warmth of an outdoor wedding in North Yorkshire then the world is your oyster!