Outdoor Wedding Planning: Facilities and Amenities Checklist

Having a successful outdoor wedding is a dream way to celebrate your special day, surrounded by nature. But outdoor weddings come with their own challenges compared to an indoor venue. This outdoor wedding planning facilities and amenities checklist will help you through the planning process to ensure your outdoor wedding is a success.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Venue

Choosing the right outdoor venue is the first step of your planning process. Whether you’re thinking of a park, garden, or even a backyard wedding, make sure the venue fits your wedding theme, has a dance floor, and can accommodate your guest list.

Key Points:

• Natural Beauty: Choose a venue with nice views so you don’t need to decorate.
• Backup Plan: Look for venues with an indoor space or shelter for bad weather.
• Accessibility: Make sure pathways are accessible for elderly or disabled guests.

Weather and Comfort

Outdoor weddings are at the mercy of the weather, so a backup plan is a must. Rain, heat, or wind can ruin your day.

Guest Comfort Tips:

• Shelter: Use marquees or tents to keep guests dry or shaded.
• Protection: Provide citronella candles and bug spray to keep insects at bay.
• Water: Offer water stations for guests to stay hydrated.
• Fans: Hand out fans for hot weather or blankets for cold evenings.

Facilities for an Outdoor PartyCeremony and Reception Areas

Define your ceremony site and outdoor wedding reception areas:

• Chairs: Rent chairs for your guest list, including extras.
• Lights: Use string lights or lanterns for evening lighting.

Dining and Catering Must-Haves

• Food: Create a menu with your caterer, including dietary requirements.
• Space: Designate an area for food and drinks for the cocktail hour.
• Music: Make sure your wedding venue allows a live band or DJ.

Portable Toilets: A Must-Have

When having an outdoor wedding, don’t forget about facilities like toilets. Portable toilet hire is a must, especially for large guest lists or venues with limited facilities.

Why Portable Toilets Are Important:

• Guest Comfort: Provides convenient and clean facilities.
• Luxury Options: Modern portable toilets have running water, lighting, and even air conditioning.

Tips for Managing Portable Toilets:

• Rent Enough: Hire enough portable toilets for your guest list.
• Accessibility: Make sure one is wheelchair accessible for disabled guests.
• Personal Touches: Add personal touches like hand sanitiser and fresh flowers.

Accessibility and Guest Comfort

Everyone needs to feel comfortable for an outdoor wedding:

• Transport: Provide transport for elderly or disabled guests.
• Signage: Use clear signs or a wedding coordinator to direct guests.

Planning for the Unexpected

Weather can be unpredictable for outdoor events, so have a Plan B. Consider:

• Shelter: Renting tents or marquees to protect from rain or sun.
• Weather-Proof Equipment: Partnering with rental companies for weather-proof equipment.

Organisation and Extras

Using a wedding planner or wedding coordinator can take the stress out of the planning process. They can create a timeline, liaise with suppliers, send wedding invitations, and make sure everything is perfect.

Final Check:

• Confirm parking and accessibility.
• Update your wedding website with any changes to the timeline or venue.
• Test lighting and other equipment before the day.

Conclusion

Outdoor wedding venues require attention to detail, creativity, and flexibility. With this essential outdoor wedding checklist, you’ll be sure your outdoor celebration is as beautiful as you’ve envisioned. Whether at a professional venue or backyard wedding, your efforts to keep guests comfortable and cater to their needs will make your wedding day  unforgettable.