CWD WedBlog

Summer is fast approaching and our lush midwestern surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a beautifully scenic outdoor wedding. Places to consider for your outdoor wedding can range from upscale public venues such as the Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Botanic Garden, or the Notebaert Nature Museum, to your local forest preserve or even your own backyard. Our climate, however, can be unpredictable and it is important to choose a venue that can accommodate your guests should the weather be less than desirable.

Aside from weather concerns, depending on the outdoor venue you select, a variety of factors may come into play. Does the venue you've chosen require that you obtain a permit? What limitations are imposed, if any, on food and alcohol service? Will sound or "noise" levels pose a concern for your officiant, DJ, or band? Don't be afraid to ask questions... and feel free to consult with other wedding professionals when choosing a venue. Caterers, DJs, officiants, photographers, and others who have performed at a variety of outdoor facilities may be your best resource when choosing the facility that is right for you; they will certainly know which facilities offer the best ammenities for their area of expertise.

While you've been doing the dreaming, we've been focusing on the practical. Here is our very practical, nuts-and-bolts checklist of items to consider if you are planning an outdoor wedding.

• Tent ~ Obviously, if your venue doesn't offer indoor accommodations for inclement weather you will need one or more tents for protection from rain, but don't forget about the sun. Many guests, especially the elderly, will need protection from the heat and direct sun. And don't be caught unprepared on the big day...practice setting up your tent, if it is not set up for you by the rental company, prior to your wedding day.


• Dance Floor ~ If your celebration will include a good deal of dancing, you may want to consider renting a dance floor.


• Restrooms ~ If appropriate accommodations are not available, you may need to rent port-a-potties.


• Valet Service ~ Depending on the venue, parking may become an issue. You don't want your guests to have to park and walk long distances to attent your wedding. A valet service can make all the difference, especially for your elderly guests.


• Generator ~ Your DJ, band, caterer, etc... will need electricity. Ask if they will furnish or if you will need to rent.


• Pest Control ~ And we're not talking about your brother-in-law! Many outdoor venues are also the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos. You may want to spray for mosquitos, gnats, and other pests prior to the event.


• Invitations ~ When having your invitations printed, be sure to include a note to let your guests know that your event will be outdoors so they may dress and prepare accordingly.


• Decor ~ That bare tent will need decorating, and so will dance areas, walkways, and other paths that will be used by your visitors. Walkways and paths may also need additional lighting via tiki torches or other luminaries. Citronella candles and other up


• Microphones ~ You've spent so much time writing the perfect wedding vows, it would be a shame if no on heard them!


• Wedding Professionals ~ Be sure the wedding professionals you hire have experience working in outdoor conditions, especially your caterers, photographers, and videographers.

When all factors are taken into consideration, an outdoor wedding can be one of the most beautiful, delightful, and memorable occasions for both you and your wedding guests. Do you know of a beautiful outdoor location that you want to share with others? Post it here....