Outdoor Wedding Ideas

[*Jen*]

Okay, so I've still got a while to plan this, but I need some help. Tim and I are getting married July 7, 2007. We are having an outdoor wedding in the gazebo where Tim proposed and then the reception indoor hall.

I would love to stay away from having a tent, but knowing how NW Indiana can be, weather-wise, I have a feeling we'll need to have one just in case. It would also be a good idea to shield the guests from the sun. I was wondering if anyone had ever been to an outdoor wedding, with or without a tent, or anything different the couple did. I'm trying to figure out how to decorate the yard in a way that just in case it rains everything won't "melt". Hopefully I'm making sense.

Also if you have any pics of outdoor or any spring weddings you could share that'd be great...Hopefully this post helps anyone with a spring wedding (including me;))

TIA!!!

*~Jen~*

[myshel]

Hi... just wanted to share a recent experience DH and I had attending an outdoor wedding. We went to an outdoor wedding in late June in Iowa. The wedding was held on the campus of a large university underneath a famous clocktower.

The bride and groom let the natural scenery be the decoration so to speak. They did have a few large potted flower/plant arrangements near the "altar" but otherwise, it was just nature in her glory. I actually thought it was quite pretty.

As far as a tent goes-- the bride did not use one and I can't say I blamed her. The scenery was beautiful. They did have a rain plan (using a room in the Memorial Union of the university) but didn't need to use it. That being said, the sun was beating down on us and there was no shade. I'd say that if your parents' yard is well shaded, you may not need the tent for a nice day.

One thing they did that I did not like was the fact that they only had chairs for the family. The other 50 guests had to stand. Apparently, some of the guests knew to bring chairs and had some but the rest of us were forced to stand for a half hour (and I was 8.5 months pg at the time). So, I'd definitely have chairs available if possible, especially if you have elderly friends attending.

I do have pictures from the wedding if you'd like to see them but they're pretty boring. Like I said before, they didn't do much decorating as the area was already very naturally beautiful.

[*Jen*]

Myshel...Thank you so much for that info!! We were actually planning on borrowing the chairs from my church and Tim's and just putting chair covers over them. I can't believe they didn't have chairs for everyone...especially you being pg!! As for shade, there is none. It's in our backyard...very open, which is another reason I wanted to have a tent of some sort, so that elderly family could sit under it and not be directly in the sun. We don't really have a rain plan...I don't think my mom would want 100 people in the house;)

I got a tip from someone on the WC to have a bucket of inexpensive umbrellas for the women to use if I decide not to have a tent. I don't know how they'd feel about holding an umbrella the whole time, but it was just an idea.

Thank you so much again for the help!! I really appreciate it!

[Natasha]

Stolen from sbjune25 on the WC:

http://photos.russjuskalian.com/2005/06/26/7.JPG

http://photos.russjuskalian.com/2005/06/25/9.JPG

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/8E/5E/8A/i8E5E8A8D-3FA6-4618-B648-52876204F5FA.jpg

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/09/DB/BF/i09DBBF4C-BF59-4F99-8E1C-418BEC409B03.jpg

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/B6/F8/73/iB6F873E8-10ED-4347-A645-30B7474B2101.jpg

http://photos.russjuskalian.com/2005/06/25/14.JPG

[Natasha]

Stolen from WC's malibubarbie04

http://images.snapfish.com/343673%3A%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2346%3D%3B35%3D837 %3DXROQDF%3E23237%3C6%3B%3B%3C86%3Bot1lsi

Stolen from MLA (hope you don't mind...)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da05b3127cce911f52f5007a00000016108AcsmrNq2atn

stolen from WCs laurainapril

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db02b3127cce918fb090471c00000016108BctWjNwybU

[karabear0117]

Hey there :) hm... maybe get handheld paper or wooden fans wedding things (http://www.weddingthings.com)
A wedding I went to used the sandalwood ones, they're a bit pricey but they smell really good and look nice. Of course there are some really nice paper ones. Or those parasols (don't remember what site I saw those on)

I've never heard of not having enough seats for all of the guests either geeze I know I'm laid back but even I'd get grumpy standing in heels for half an hour
:rolleyes:

Are the tent companies in the area willing to let you place a tent on hold in case of rain, it may not be the first choice but it may make your guests more comfortable

[*Jen*]

Natasha...those pics are SO beautiful!! I was really thinking of having a flower petal runner b/c the last thing I need to to trip on a regular runner;) Those pics really make me want one now. The colors are even perfect!! I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for the next 22 months that it doesn't rain :p

Kara...I was looking in one of the pics and the fans were actually the programs so that would be a good way to keep them cool. Parasols!! That's the name...I just kept saying umbrellas until I thought of the name;)

Thank you girls for your help...keep the ideas coming!

[MrsWilson]

I've always loved this wedding.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929c7c7317a200000016108ActHDNi1YuI

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929c7f9857d000000015108ActHDNi1YuI

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929c7f8457cc00000016108ActHDNi1YuI

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929c7fbfd6c700000015108ActHDNi1YuI

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929c7c7117a000000015108ActHDNi1YuI

[Twylla]

If you prefer to go "tentless" you could be okay, since you could always use the hall as a backup plan, right? Maybe have a really simple phone list of the guests so you can call everyone if the weather requires moving indoors, then you could simply move into the hall.

I'd also suggest allowing nature to set the scene. Minimal decor in your parents backyard could save a few bucks to use for decor at the hall! Or a nice massage on your HM! Or... well, you get the idea. I'm sure your parents would be thrilled and you could even help with the gardening in the spring to prepare.

[*Jen*]

Jan those pics are gorgeous!! Thank you so much for your help! Those hanging baskets at the end of each row are perfect! They are just what I was trying to envision! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

Twylla - I'm still not sure what we're going to do about the tent b/c we would have to rent the hall for the wedding, and I'm not sure what their policy is if we end up not using it. That's a good idea about the natural decor...I know that within the renovation my parents are planning on planting and transplanting various new and existing flowers trees and plants. I could definitely use the money for a massage! I just won't tell Tim that's why I'm doing it;)

Thank you girls again!!! BBS!

[*Jen*]

Here are some gorgeous pics that I've found from Sandi (starxed) on the WC.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92bb7bd19f2b00000015108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92bb7bdc1e1600000016108Aas27Zs2cOI

And from Pocahontas1908 on the WC

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a48d4fff1d00000015108Aas27Zs2cOI

[Jane&Andy]

We had an outdoor wedding in May in NC. The ceremony was out on a grassy area and the reception was in the courtyard of the building (an old hotel). Our back up plan was to move everything in the building. Luckily we didn't need to do that. But we did use the building to set up the buffet and cake tables.

here's a few pictures for you:
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2328%3D%3C26%3 D524%3Dxroqdf%3E23233%3A2%3B2%3A979ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2328%3D%3C26%3 D524%3Dxroqdf%3E23233%3A2%3B33745ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2328%3D%3C26%3 D524%3Dxroqdf%3E23233%3A2%3B33893ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp8%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E43 3%3Ewsnrcg%3D3232493%3A42%3A97nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp8%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E43 3%3Ewsnrcg%3D3232493%3A42%3A9%3Bnu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp8%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E43 3%3Ewsnrcg%3D3232493%3A42%3B%3A9nu0mrj

[Jane&Andy]

a few more
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2328%3D%3C26%3D5 24%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A24838%3A2ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2328%3D%3C26%3D5 24%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A83585%3A2ot1lsi

my sister got married at the same place a few years before me. She had flower arrangements for her centerpieces but my Mom complained that they wilted in the heat. So my florist recommended potted orchids. I loved it b/c we were able to keep them. I ended up taking 2 home and I killed 1. But over 2 years later one is blooming right now.

you can see them behind my Mom and I
http://images.snapfish.com/3444%3B9%3A%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2328%3D%3C26%3D5 24%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A2488944ot1lsi

[*Jen*]

Oooh! Your wedding was beautiful Jane!! Thank you so much for the pictures!!

That's a good idea about the flowers in the heat...I really hadn't thought of that. I've, THANKFULLY, got plenty of time to iron out the little things.

Here are some more pics I found:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595e9dffb00000016108Aas27Zs2cOI http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595d05ef200000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595d9dfcb00000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595c3dfd100000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
I could just imagine this outside

[*Jen*]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595cc5eee00000016108Aas27Zs2cOI http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595b7dfa500000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595b05e9200000016108Aas27Zs2cOI http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595be5e9c00000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a595a65e8400000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
This is kind of the size of my backyard.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d900b3127cce92a5a9565e6a00000015108Aas27Zs2cOI

[steph111397]

We just got married June 25 in FL in my parents backyard...the ceremony started at 5:30 and was only about 15 minutes long. Our only 'backup' plan was to go to the hotel (where the reception was) if it rained. We didn't have a lot of shade either, but I made fan programs for everyone to use to cool them selves off (I have directions on how they were made if you would like them - I also have a lot of handles left over). We also had a cooler (big silver bucket) with small bottles of water for those that needed additional cooling. So, I guess my suggestion would be (if you are concerned about the heat) is to make sure the ceremony itself is 'short and sweet' or even to schedule it very late afternoon/early evening. I don't have any pics yet (still waiting on the pro pics), but when I do I will post them.

[ptrecluse]

timzgirl - I went to an outdoor wedding in July and the bride had rented round tables with big umbrellas. This really helped as it was close to 100 outside. She had flowers hanging from the inside of the umbrella. The food was buffet style but set up inside along with the bar and cake. I have pictures somewhere, if I find them I'll post so you can see the tables.



~PT

[TracieB]

I had an outdoor wedding on May 15 in southern (Bloomington), Indiana. We were lucky in that it only rained in the morning. It was unusually cool though, but not enough to make me move it inside. We didn't have a tent, just white chairs and minimal decorations as we were married in a garden. For outdoor weddings, you really don't need to do too much to spruce up the area. Let Mother Nature take care of ya!

[juliemag]

My wedding was outside. It was at the Bonnet House Estate in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in April of 2004. We had the ceremony with no covering. But our reception was under a tent.

http://images.snapfish.com/3445697923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D9%3A7%3D%3B34 %3DXROQDF%3E23235474%3B99%3A9ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445697923232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D9%3A7%3D%3B34 %3DXROQDF%3E2323547525%3B65ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445697923232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D9%3A7%3D%3B34 %3DXROQDF%3E23235474%3B%3C%3B63ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445697923232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D9%3A7%3D%3B34 %3DXROQDF%3E23235474%3B%3C%3B5%3Aot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445697923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D9%3A7%3D%3B34 %3DXROQDF%3E2323547525%3B44ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3445697923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D9%3A7%3D%3B34 %3DXROQDF%3E2323645946364ot1lsi

[*Jen*]

Thank you girls so much for the responses...keep 'em coming!

Julie - Your wedding was gorgeous!! The scenery looks so pretty in the pictures and your dress!! OMG it's beautiful! You 2 look so relaxed and seem to have enjoyed the day.

Tracie - It's nice to know another Hoosier had a successful outdoor wedding w/o mother nature interfering;) I am definitely looking for a place that I won't have to decorate that much...I do agree that the surroundings should be enough for decorations.

PT - I was thinking about having parasols for the women and older people since it could very well be hot (or freezing for all I know). Since we're having the reception at a hall I don't think I'd need the tables but that is a great idea...I especially like how she had flowers hanging from inside.

Steph - That's a really great idea about the cooler! I hadn't thought of that...will definitely use it if it's hot though! If you have one, could you show me a pic of your fan programs...I'm trying to picture them in my mind. I would love to see how they were made!! I was trying to think of way to give the guests a fan w/o them folding one themselves during the wedding;)Those extra handles could definitely come in handy if Tim and I decide on the fans...I would be more than happy to purchase them from you (unless you're having another wedding:p)

I posted our 3(really 4) outdoor choices in my journal so I'l transfer them here so I can get a vote!

[*Jen*]

Okay, so Tim and I have been looking for other places to have our wedding other than my parents backyard. It would be nice but at least with a public park we would have a backup plan and save my mom from going insane about how clean her house needs to be;)

My first choice, in my heart, would be the park where Tim proposed, Sauerman Woods. It would be so great to kind of start our lives together where our engagement started. Here is a picture of the gazebo...it's kind of dark so I apologize for that.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d903b3127cce92a2aed9d64700000016108Aas27Zs2cOI

Also there is another park nearby, Erlenbach Park, that also has a gazebo...it too would be nice, but I don't know if I like it as much as the "classic" gazebo at Sauerman Woods...here's a picture of that (it's a little lighter).

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d903b3127cce92a2aec6576800000016108Aas27Zs2cOI

Here are three pictures of my second choice...the Taltree Arboretum & Gardens. I know that it's $450 for 3 hours, but the only downside is that you cannot put any decorations anywhere and I would really like to at least tie some white gossamer, or put something around those posts. You really have to have faith in nature so if we were to use that place I would definitely have to see it next spring and see how the plants and scenery look.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d903b3127cce92a2af30170600000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d903b3127cce92a2af3c170a00000016108Aas27Zs2cOI
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d903b3127cce92a2af3d963b00000016108Aas27Zs2cOI

And my third choice, of course, would be my parents' backyard. I don't have any pictures of it, but that would really be nice but wouldn't have much of a backup plan.

Okay...that's it for now, BBS!

[steph111397]

Jen - Unfortunately Shutterfly is having some technical difficulties right now, but I will be happy to post the pics of the fan programs once it's back up.... They are easy (but VERY tedious) to make. Here is the link where I purchased the handles... Creative Wholesale (http://www.creative-wholesale.com/Diamond%20Brands.htm). All of the orders are done over the phone (posted from my other journal "It made me a bit nervous because the lady seemed VERY rushed on the phone and they took all of my info (CC# included) over the phone, but then could not give me a final price (to include shipping) because she said they go with whatever is the cheapest." But I DID get them...I have about 40 left.

The cost of the handles themselves was only $7.13 for 100, and then the shipping was $7.89 for a total of $15.02. I was irritated that the shipping was more than the handles themselves, but oh well.

[BlackMagicRose]

I am bumping this up because I may have a second wedding in Pennsylvania (so that my family can attend) and it will probably be outside and under a tent. Does anyone have pictures of tents??