That's The Spirit

Top 9 tips for outdoor weddings

By Jennifer Matthews

Whether your setting is an oceanside cliff or mountain vista, your backyard garden, the beach at the family cottage, or an outdoor terrace twinkling with lights, we have suggestions for hosting a unique and memorable celebration.

9 tips for saying, "I do" in the great outdoors:

1. Have an indoor Plan B.
It goes without saying but we'll say it anyway – be prepared. Weather is never 100 per cent predictable, so have an alternate, indoor plan in case of a torrential downpour or other weather disaster. This might mean securing access to an on-site pavilion in the park, or renting a tent.

2. Put guest comfort at the top of your list.
Provide bug repellent or use plenty of citronella candles if pests are a problem. Ensure adequate seating, at least for older guests or those who tire easily. If there's a long distance between parking and the wedding site, consider renting golf carts. If evenings are cool, tent heaters can take the edge off for guests who want to dance into the wee hours. Be clear in your invitations that it's an outdoor wedding, and offer recommendations about practical attire for guests.

3. Dress appropriately for the setting and the expected weather.
If you're getting married on the beach in the middle of August, a long-sleeved dress with a train and high heels probably isn't your best option. Similarly, for groomsmen, don't go the full-tuxedo route if temperatures are expected to be in the 30-degree-Celsius range.

4. Keep décor simple.
The beauty of an outdoor wedding is in the natural setting. Don't compete with it. Limit your decorations to a few well-chosen accents. You may want to ensure that there's a focal point for the ceremony, in the form of an archway, trellis, or something similar.

Check out these 4 great outdoor wedding themes.

5. Secure all necessary permits.
Don't risk a nasty surprise on your wedding day by assuming anything. Check into whether your location requires permits for guest parking, serving liquor, using an open flame, and noise at certain hours.

Setting up the bar for the big event.

6. Make sure you'll have access to the amenities you'll need for a successful event.
If restrooms are not available at the site, you'll have to rent port-a-potties (which can be made surprisingly accommodating for more formal events). You'll probably need an electrical source as well, and if one isn't available you may have to rent a generator.

7. Visit the site at the same time of day well in advance of your big day.
This will help you ensure that the sun won't be blinding for your guests (set up shade umbrellas or consider changing the direction of seating if it is), for example, or any other weather-related arrangements necessary.

8. Hire professionals.
Even if you're hosting a casual gathering, consider hiring some wait staff and at least one professional bartender to help out so you can enjoy the event. A general guideline is to hire one bartender per 50 people served (although I had 90 at my wedding and our one bartender handled things quite well). Other good reasons to hire a professional bartender: He/she will be better equipped to deal with those who have clearly had too much to drink (coach in advance about potential problem guests, if necessary), and people typically drink more at a self-serve bar.

9. Consider setting up a small tent.
Even if you're not planning to provide a tent to shield your guests, a simple "fly" tent can be useful for shielding the food (if it's a buffet) or even just to protect the cake until it's ready to be served, while leaving it in view of the guests.

Click here for tons of great appetizer and finger food recipes.

(One important note: Be sure the ground is level where you're setting up food. It helps to avoid spills and, as I witnessed at one outdoor wedding, the gradual splitting apart of the wedding cake!

" target>See our article on pairing wine with food for wedding fare guidance.