Summertime and outdoor weddings go hand in hand. If the outdoor ceremony is linked to your party venue then you shouldn't have any issues, but if you're planning to have your ceremony at a separate location such as a beach or public reserve, here are some things to think about:
1. Who will set up the chairs, signing table, arch and aisle carpet? If you are hiring the gear, your hire-company may have people to help set up.
2. Who will pack down? Do you really want your guests to be dragging chairs and flower-covered arches off the beach or reserve? Again, having a team on hand to do moving for you will take the stress away from you.
3. If your ceremony is on a beach or council reserve, you may need to apply for their permission, especially if you're erecting an archway or similar. Allow plenty of time for this, as bureaucracy can move slowly. You may get away without it, but it protects you from someone else turning up at the same time, same place to have their own wedding. Not a good look for a stress-free day!
4. What's the go with serving food and alcohol? Many public places have rules against serving booze onsite, but there is generally an exemption for sufficient to toast the bride and groom. Another reason to get council approval, if you don't want to be arrested on your wedding day!
5. Love the idea of a beach wedding? Remember to check the tides well in advance of printing your invitations –– unless you want your guests to be paddling in the shallows while you say 'I do', or your wedding photos to show acres of mudflats instead of blue water. And remember, ocean beaches are noisy, so you may need a PA system even for a small wedding if you want to be heard over the sound of crashing waves and wind. Ask your celebrant if they have one.
6. Be sure to have a Plan B in case in case the weather is less than ideal. Wind can be just as much as problem as rain. (You will need to have a Plan B location when you apply for your marriage licence). And how will you let your guests know if there's a sudden change in location? Consider setting up an email group so you can notify guests at the click of a button, and advise guests of this possibility on your invitations. (And don't forget to tell your celebrant too.)
7. If it's likely to be hot, do you have any shelter? Can you make use of trees, or will you need a canopy, or parasols? And though it's okay for the bride to be a teensy bit late to the ceremony, try not to keep your guests melting in the sun for too long. They won't be happy if they're sweaty and sunburnt.
8. Is your location easily accessible? It pays to consider whether your guests – particularly the elderly, the very young, or the less mobile – will be able to traverse the beach or bush necessary to reach the ceremony. Tip: warn your guests to wear suitable footwear. It can be a good idea to have a bucket of flipflops handy for anyone who needs to make a quick change.
9. What happens after the ceremony? Will the guests stick around while you have your photos taken, or will they head to a different location for the party? Your Emcee or celebrant can let them know what's expected.
10. Beaches and council reserves are public places. That means the public have as much right to be there as you do. Though most people will be respectful of your special day, you can't stop them from their natural enjoyment of the place. And be prepared that people will gather to watch your ceremony – after all, everyone loves a wedding!