Your Cheshire and Merseyside Wedding - September/October 2022 (Issue 65)

PLANNED TO PERFECTION So, now you can take advantage of the great outdoors from vows to celebrations, where do you start planning and what do you need to take into account that you otherwise wouldn’t at a traditional indoor venue? Our local experts have these top tips... Celebrate with a celebrant Sarah says, “If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, the first thing you need to do is find a celebrant who suits your style. There are many across the region all with their own style and sense of creativity. A great place to start is The Celebrant Directory. “Next, think about your location. Are you happiest with sand between your toes, taking in the view from a mountain top or simply surrounded by rolling hills and countryside? “Finally, consider what suppliers you might need to transform your outdoor wedding vision into a reality. Whether you’re going for sweet and simple, or big and bold, life will be so much easier if you call in the help of the professionals, perhaps starting with a wedding planner.” Whatever the weather Sheila says, “Always take care to plan around the weather as much as possible. If your wedding is in the height of summer, think about providing shade for your guests. And there’ll always need to be a plan B in the event of adverse conditions. Usually, your wedding venue will make the decision on the day to set up outside or inside. What’s more, if you’re holding your wedding in a park or woodland consider a marquee or tipis to protect you all from the elements and make it easy to move inside if needs be. Lindsey Hanson from Thornton Events (www.thorntonevents.com) advises, “Take note of how the weather has been the day before. If it’s been raining, the ground may still be wet and muddy. Plus, we may struggle to put some styling items onto the grass if it’s not level.” Be prepared Jennifer says, “Let your guests know that you plan to have an outdoor ceremony, giving them sufficient notice so they can be prepared. They’ll be ushered to the ceremony area in plenty of time, so supplying things like sunscreen, hats and sunglasses is a great idea. “Carefully plan your attire from your veil to what you’ll wear on your feet. Every bride wants to make sure their grand entrance is a thing of elegance but walking on grass or sand in stilettos is not the easiest! Opting for a pair of pretty wedges or flats will aid that glide down the aisle! “Acoustics can be non-existent in the great outdoors, so a good PA system with strategic planning and placing of microphones is imperative to ensure your congregation can actually hear your ‘I dos.’ Most celebrants will have their own PA system but bear in mind that you may need to contact a different supplier to take charge of this.” Sheila also has these pointers for your tick list: ❤ Is the area you’ve selected large enough for the number of guests you’ve invited? ❤ Think about accessibility for all of your guests if for example, the ground is uneven. ❤ What time of day will you be getting married? This can make all the difference to your photographs. “Flowers are the food of love for bees, butterflies and insects, so if you’re not a fan add some citronella candles into your wedding décor.” – Jacqui Owen, Jacqui O Flowers Ceremonies With Personality © https://katedewintonphotography.co.uk Thornton Events © https://annabeth.photos JW Ceremonies © https://sarahbrookesphotography.com JW Ceremonies © https://sarahbrookesphotography.com Ceremonies With Personality © www.northwaleswedding.photos 66

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