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Over the past year, we’ve all made adjustments to almost every aspect of our lives, from grocery shopping to wedding planning. In the case of the latter, however, some of the changes have been delightfully positive, particularly when it comes to the rise of outdoor weddings.

The pandemic has forced engaged couples to rethink their priorities, says Samantha Iacia, Associate Editor, WeddingWire, which has led to more laid-back, outdoor celebrations in creative and unexpected venues such as neighborhood parks, restaurant patios, or backyards. This trend is here to stay, adds Maddy Sims, Associate Editor for The Knot, as couples have started to realize the benefits of having outdoor weddings. And since most of us have been cooped up indoors for the better part of a year, any reason to be outside, especially in the name of celebrating love, can lead to some incredible wedding experiences.

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Of course, hosting an outdoor wedding isn’t as easy as just throwing some tables and chairs outside and then inviting your friends and family to come. We asked Iacia and Sims for some tips for how to plan an outdoor wedding, what to watch out for, and some fun ways to make your special day truly unique and safe for you and your guests. 

1. Remember: Mother Nature doesn’t care about your plans.

Some people claim that rain on a wedding day is good luck, but who wants to be caught in the rain unprepared? No matter what the forecast says, have a plan B (and maybe a plan C and D too). When planning an outdoor wedding, Sims says the key is to prioritize guest comfort. That means prep for every kind of scenario—clear tents and umbrellas for rain; parasols, sunscreen, and cold water for summer heat; blankets, heaters, and warm drinks for colder temps; lights and electricity for when the sun sets. Also give your guests a heads up so they can plan accordingly. 

Iacia echoes the guest comfort sentiment, recommending you also reserve any tents, generators, fans, or heaters in advance so you’re not scrambling to get them at the last minute. “Guests may not remember what your centerpieces looked like after the wedding is over, but they will remember if they were freezing cold for the entire reception!” she says. 

2. Make sure you have the indoor conveniences even if you’re spending time in the great outdoors.

There are details that you may not even think about when you’re inside but can spell disaster if you don’t account for them when planning an outdoor wedding. For starters: Make sure you have enough bathrooms and garbage cans for all your guests. (Iacia’s pro tip: look into luxury restroom trailers instead of regular porta-potties).

There’s also the issue of electricity. Sims mentions that couples may have to bring their own generators if the venue doesn’t have power, and they’ll also have to factor in lighting, sound/audio, heating, and more, which can all tack on additional expenses to the wedding budget. Sims also recommends checking local ordinances, which may have restrictions around types of alcohol allowed or sound/curfews, depending on the venue or location. Local vendors can also help you navigate logistics.

In general, Iacia says the more remote your wedding location is, the more you’ll have to provide. So if your dream is to get married in a quaint barn in the middle of a secluded forest, you’ll have to bring in more equipment than if you were using something like a vineyard with a nearby house or facilities. 

3. Don’t forget to plan for uninvited guests.

When we say “uninvited guests,” we’re not talking about that crazy distant cousin that showed up out of the blue to crash your wedding. When you’re holding an event outdoors, critters are also a factor. Sims recommends that you stock up on bug spray and citronella candles so your guests can enjoy the celebration without constantly having to swat away insects.

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4. Take advantage of the flexibility of an outdoor wedding.

Per the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, some of the top 2020 reception venues included barns and farmhouses. Iacia says such outdoor venues provide perks you may not have with indoor weddings, including ample natural decor and scenery. One bonus is that you’ll be glowing in your wedding photos thanks to all the natural light outside. Sims recommends scheduling a spot in your day-of timeline to capture those gorgeous golden hour photos.

Outdoor wedding venues also make it easier to socially distance, since we’re still in the middle of a pandemic and need to take into account safety precautions. The CDC recommends outdoor gatherings over indoor ones, and the open air may make your guests feel more at ease. Sims says that according to The Knot’s 2020 Wedding Guest Study, 50 percent of guests who were originally planning to attend a wedding in 2020 said they would be comfortable attending a wedding with about 75 guests if it was held outdoors.

5. Think outside the box with your venue.

When it comes to outdoor wedding venues, your options are almost endless. Whether you like mountains, forests, lakes, beaches, vineyards, or deserts—you can likely find something that suits your taste. Iacia says if you don’t want to deal with getting outdoor restrooms and electricity/generators, you can look for an indoor reception venue that has an adjoining outdoor space for part or all of the celebration. That way, you can get the best of both worlds.

Other options for venues could be museums or hotels, which can have outdoor spaces or rooftops, parks, summer camp grounds, farms, deserts, boats, or greenhouses (which help eliminate weather unpredictability) says Sims. And if you’re looking for something small and intimate, consider using your own backyard. Sims says many couples used their homes for wedding celebrations and minimonies as a result of COVID-19, and that backyard weddings will likely stick around post-pandemic since they make for such a unique and personalized experience.

6. Get creative with your details and favors.

Even though a majority of your decor will be taken care of by nature, Sims recommends personalizing other aspects of the wedding to celebrate your union. This could include a menu of your favorite foods as a couple, naming tables after favorite travel spots or cities, or including your engagement story inside the program. These little details, says Sims, can help make the wedding feel even more special and customized to you.

The outdoor venue can also inspire some fun wedding favors. Iacia says your favors can be both on theme and functional, such as sunglasses for a summer wedding, or blankets or insulated tumblers for a fall or winter wedding.

Have questions about how to plan an outdoor wedding? Ask in the comments! Head to our Weddings shop for Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaid Dresses, Guest looks, and more!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local guidelines around events, both indoors and outdoors, are constantly changing. Make sure to check with your locality as well as CDC recommendations before holding any events.