Wow it’s been a while. I do apologize! We have been crazy here as of late with so many fall weddings. However, it lead to the inspiration for this post.
With so many outdoor fall weddings – btw so beautiful to our brides – our brides have been coming in quite stressed! Because we form a relationship with our brides we can read it all over their faces or they come into our store looking to vent. We get it – it’s a very stressful time, you’re tired or planning, answering phone calls, and just want the day to get here so you can start your happily ever after. You want every detail to be perfect, every mason jar in its perfect place, every bow tied perfectly, the tiniest of details executed as you imagined and you deserve it, but I’m gonna help you find ways to not want to rip your hair out….. That wouldn’t be cute before the wedding.
1. Upcycle – What do I mean? Yes DIY is insanely popular and you want things to be custom, totally understand. However, lots of people are doing rustic chic weddings look online or in local groups, you can cut down some of your DIY with someone who has already done it.
2. Vendor – This is key, what is your vendor willing to do for you? Are they going to set up and take down? Yes, you may have to do a once over, but it eliminates a lot of set up at a crucial time. Are getting married at your, your family’s, or friends property? That’s not problem, since they own if you have ample time before hand to set up (by ample I mean a couple of days).
3. Vision Sharing – Share your dreams and visions with someone. Mom? Sister? MOH? Someone needs to understand what you want (preferably someone not in your wedding party) to help with the stress of setting up and ensuring everything is executed to your liking.
4. Delivery – I know when planning a wedding everyone has a budget, however some companies charge very little for delivery of cakes, flowers etc and they really are a life saver! Sometimes it is seriously worth every dime paying someone to store and then deliver their product.
5. Lighting – Plan for lighting, if it’s outside in the grass, make sure your guests know where the exits are and there are not large pot holes etc on the way there – people need to be able to see.
6. Permit Planning – A lot of venues require permits, even if it is on your own property and you ARE SELLING alcohol.These can take weeks to acquire – so just prepare for the permits you might require.
7. Location Selection – Some outdoor spaces although there may not be a “cost” to rent the facility it is common courtesy to leave a donation, look into these so there are no surprises.
8. Bug Proof – A lot of outdoor weddings can struggle with bugs (ants, bees, spiders) anticipate the bugs! Whether it be covers for food, citronella candles, make sure there is no contamination for your guests. Additionally, be cautious of the food you are serving in the hot summer days, this can also attract more bugs than necessary.
9. Choosing the “Right” Food – Because this event is outdoors, it could be exceptionally hot! This makes it difficult to moderate food temperatures etc., basically what I’m saying is maybe don’t leave cheese sitting out in the hot summer sun at cocktail hour.. A caution also against buttercream as it becomes super runny with it heats up!
10. Ice, Ice Baby – Ice is your best friend for keeping desserts, apps, and drinks cool and fresh for your guests. So make ice a priority.
Happy planning lovely’s!
Cheers,
Urban Diamond White
urbandiamondwhite 