20 Tips to Planning an Outdoor Wedding and a BIG Announcement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. I am a proud member of the Nutrisystem #NSNation Blogger Program.  

20 years ago I said "I do" to an amazing man.  

Hubby and I held our wedding outside at Refugio Valley Park in Hercules, California.  

Holding our wedding outdoors is full of challenges but in the end it is a wedding and everything will be just fine.

If you're thinking of holding your wedding outside there are many things to consider but here are 20 tips to help you plan the most amazing outdoor wedding and keep reading as I have a huge announcement regarding my Nutrisystem journey.

1.  Reserve Your Spot Early...if you can.  The park we held our wedding had a first come, first serve spot when it came to the gazebo.  So we weren't able to reserve the outdoor gazebo area.  I remember Hubby and my uncle leaving before the break of dawn on the day of our wedding to snag our spot.  My uncle stayed at the park to make sure no one got the spot.  

2.  Keep Guests Cool.  Be sure to arrange seats out of the sun.  If trees are available, consider arranging seats under trees to help keep guests shaded, cool and comfortable.

3.  Keep Guests Hydrated.  Be sure to have lots of fresh water on hand for your guests.   Get creative and design labels for the water bottles. Tip: Use fresh fruit to flavor the water and add a pop of color.

4.  Adhere to Policies.  We had our wedding at a public park and there was a strict no alcohol policy.  Which brings me back to tip #3.  Upside is you save money.  Water is cheaper than alcohol.   

5.  Dress for the Season.  Remember the season when you are buying your wedding dress or renting tuxedos.  If you're having a Summer wedding, consider lighter fabrics and shorter dresses and you may want to skip the long train. 

6.  Shoes, shoes, shoes. The first time I saw a bride wearing flip flops at her beach wedding, I thought it was the neatest thing ever.  Just like the dress, be sure to consider appropriate footwear for the location.

7.  Sunscreen.  Have some sunscreen on hand to protect your guests from harmful UV rays.

8.  Repel the Bugs.  Consider using citronella candles to keep mosquitoes and gnats away.  
9.  Keep Guests Comfortable.  Avoid metal chairs as they can get too hot during the Summer or too cold during Autumn.  Slatted wood chairs are ideal.  However, if you must have metal chairs, consider covering the chairs.  You may need to have fans or outdoor heating units to keep your guests comfortable.

10.  When Guests Gotta Go.  Choose a location with accessible restroom areas.  

11.  Visit the site.  Be sure to visit the site a couple of times to make sure the space is adequate for your wedding.  Meet with staff to discuss reservation policies, permit policies and clean up policies.

12.  Photography and Video Considerations.  Make sure your photographer scopes out the site as well for primo photo locations.  Your videographer should also test the site.  Our video is beautiful but it's difficult to hear hubby and I exchange vows over the gaggle of geese in the pond.

13. Weatherproof the Decor.  Outdoor weddings are subject to Mother Nature.  Whether it's wind, rain, or snow be prepared.  Anchor table decor.  Have umbrellas on hand just in case.   
14.  Weatherproof Your Makeup.  Avoid oily foundation and opt for a lighter, powder based makeup.  Consider matte lipsticks with a light gloss.

15.  Blot, Blot, Blot.  Speaking of makeup don't forget to have some face blotters on hand for yourself and your bridal party.  

16.  Parking and Directions.  When planning your outdoor wedding, consider where your guests are going to park.  Be sure to have adequate signage to direct guests to your location.

17.  Protect the food.  Keep it covered.  We had a backyard BBQ reception full of sweet bbq sauces and fresh fruit.  Keeping the food covered helped keep the bugs away.  

18.  Keep the cake cool.  This is especially important if you are having a Summer wedding.  Keep the cake in a refrigerated area until ready to serve so your icing won't melt.

19.  Cover It Up.  Make the scene your own by incorporating the natural beauty of the area into your wedding decor.  Drape grungy picnic tables with linens.  Add natural green florals and stems to the tables to create a beautiful landscape.

20.  Have a BACKUP!  Things happen. I remember seeing a clip of a hurricane brewing just days before a couple's outdoor coastal wedding.  The couple had several friends and family scheduled to arrive and they were forced to come up with a back up plan. When planning your outdoor wedding, have a backup location just in case Mother Nature has a change of plans.  

Oh, I promised a BIG announcement and here it is.
I have lost 36 lbs. and after 20 years of wedded bliss and Hubby and I are starting the journey to a healthier US TOGETHER and will be on Nutrisystem together.  *tosses confetti*

He's noticed the changes I've made to becoming a healthier me and we are so excited to begin a healthier life together.  I am looking forward to having him join me and can't wait to share our weight loss journey.