OPEN AIR ‘I DOS’ To help you create your dream outdoor ceremony, we spoke to humanist celebrant Dawn Rees (www.dawnreesceremonies.com) and asked for her top planning tips. As an experienced celebrant with hundreds of ceremonies under my belt, I know that an outdoor wedding can be absolutely stunning. Choosing an outdoor wedding gives you lots of options and can be incredibly photogenic, but what criteria should you consider when selecting an outdoor wedding venue? Here are some top tips based on my years of experience: Visit the property at least twice and try to meet the staff you will be dealing with and get a feel for the place and the people. Consider what type of ceremony you want and share your ideas when you visit the venue. Is it going to be formal, informal, or have a party vibe? How many guests will be coming? Where in the grounds will the ceremony be held? Many venues have specific places where it is either shaded, woody, sunny, under a tree, or on a stone terrace. But what factors should you consider before making up your mind? Think about your guests. Is the site accessible? How far away is the car park? Is there a path for friends and family with mobility issues? Is the ground even or uneven? Is it a formal or informal space? What will suit your vibe? Think about how you will reach the ceremony site. How far is it from the main building and/or the reception area? Is your walk in music of sufficient length? Another thing to consider is the weather. At my last outdoor wedding, we had planned to be outside, but it was not to be. Fortunately, we had agreed on a backup plan. Decide who will make the final call regarding the weather. What does the property offer in terms of alternatives to the great outdoors? How much notice do they need to regroup if there is a change of plan? Think about your photographer. They will be able to give good advice regarding the venue, the light, the ambience, and the photogenic areas around the grounds. Ask the host to recommend local places to stay for guests, so you can share the information. Also enquire about recommended suppliers for marquees, stretch tents, outdoor games, caterers, photographers, musicians, florists and celebrants. They will know who is best and who knows their venue. Consider engaging a wedding planner who will work closely with your suppliers so that all the coordination is their responsibility, not yours. Leaving you time and space to enjoy your day. Make sure you take plenty of time to consider what it is you want your ceremony to ‘feel’ like. Choose a venue that will enhance that feeling. Pick a property that has flexibility and friendly staff who take the trouble to get to know you and explain what works best at their venue (after all, they know the space better than you). Choose one with staff who demonstrate that they want you to have the best day of your life and go above and beyond to ensure you have it! Finally, make sure you do your homework on your budget. Have a clear idea of what you want to pay for each of the components of your wedding. Many times, you will find that talking to the host can save you a considerable amount of money by checking what they provide as an all-in package and comparing it to the cost to you of organising everything separately. www.ettphotography.co.uk www.ettphotography.co.uk www.chrisgilesphotography.com OUTDOOR WEDDINGS 63
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