TO DO LIST So, “be prepared” should be your motto when planning to celebrate in an outdoor setting. Our experts have suggested a few essentials for you to get hold of, book or plan well in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly. Nikki from Fiesta Fields says: • Invest in wedding insurance. This is a bit of a no-brainer, as in most cases the cost of insurance will equate to the damage waiver on your tipi or marquee, plus you’ll have a host of other aspects insured as well. Just check in advance that your tipi/marquee supplier will remove the fee on receipt of your policy information. • Booze rules. One of the big benefits of an outdoor wedding is no corkage or inflated drinks prices. You have two options with licensing laws: either hire a mobile bar or buy your own and supply free drinks. For the latter there are a few things to consider, such as disposables or glass hire. Will you keep drinks in hired fridges, troughs of ice or something more creative like an old claw foot bath? It might be wise to consider hiring a couple of hospitality staff to serve, rotate drinks in the chillers and collect up empties. Always try to buy your alcohol on sale or return, as it’s hard to gauge how much you’ll need. • Better safe than sorry. If your location is in a remote area or on public land consider security services to keep an eye on things. In some locations your tipi or marquee supplier may ask that the structure is not left unattended. At our venues we always recommend overnight babysitting of the marquee the night before the wedding, to ensure all is as it should be on the big day. For all the effort that’s gone into your wedding, we don’t think it’s worth saving the couple of hundred pounds to look after it. Louise from Elessar Events says: • Outdoor lighting. As the evening draws in, good lighting won’t only be practical but can also add a magical ambience. Consider string lights, lanterns, or even a bonfire to keep guests warm and add to the night’s enchantment. • Power. Ensure there’s adequate power supply for musical equipment, lighting and catering needs. Elessar Events’ offgrid capabilities, like generator rentals, ensure your event runs smoothly without interruption. • Insect repellent. Being outdoors means dealing with nature’s little critters. Consider providing guests with eco-friendly insect repellent or setting up citronella candles around the area to keep pests at bay. Charles from Forest Garden Shovelstrode says: • Sound system. Make sure your sound system is adequate for an outdoor setting so all guests can hear the ceremony. If playing music, be mindful of noise level and neighbours • Plan the menu. Choose food and drinks suitable for outdoor conditions. Bear in mind the temperature and possible pests such as wasps! • Obtain necessary permissions. Check if you need any permits for noise, alcohol, or to use the space, and notify neighbours. • Hire a wedding planner. They can help coordinate details, ensure everything runs smoothly, and vastly reduce your own stress levels on the day. • Inform guests. Let your guests know in advance that the wedding will be outdoors and what to expect so they can dress and pack appropriately. HERE COMES THE FUN With the tough stuff out of the way, you can begin the fun part of styling your setting. “Start by planning out different areas,” Louise recommends. “Utilise the vast space available by setting up distinct zones for your ceremony, reception, dining and relaxation. This can help manage the flow of the event and keep activities organised.” Fiesta Fields © www.studiorouge.co The Art Bunch © https://andrewbrannanphotography.com 56
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