Pros and cons of a woodland wedding

Woodland weddings are a growing trend because they complement so many wedding styles. After all, a wedding in the woods offers the perfect backdrop for a casual boho wedding or a rustically elegant affair. It’s also an ideal choice for eco-friendly-minded couples and those who enjoy the outdoors, but there are still a handful of pros and cons to consider.

 

Pros and cons

For those who feel at home beneath blue skies and yearn for a wedding without walls, an outdoor wedding is a perfect choice, though it’s a good idea to have a basket of travel size sunscreen and insect repellent wipes available to guests.

Pros:

Space flexibility: A woodland wedding is much more flexible with guest count maximum capacity.

Natural lighting: Outdoor natural lighting makes for beautiful wedding pictures.

Family friendly: Kids have plenty of room to run around and play in an outdoor venue. You can even arrange to include a few lawn games for children and adults to enjoy.

Natural landscapes create a stunning setting: The woods create the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photographs. Couples who choose a woodland wedding save on design costs, since the scenery provides visual interest whether it includes spring’s blooms, summer's green canopy, or the stunning colors of fall.

Cons:

Weather: Whether you go with a woodland wedding, a beach wedding, or some other outdoor venue one of the biggest disadvantages is the uncertainty of weather. For this reason, many couples rent a tent which can cost thousands of dollars depending on the size and type.

Insects: Mosquitoes and other bugs are sure to attend your outdoor wedding. They not only can pester your guests with buzzing and bites, they also swarm around the food table. Make preparations to ensure that guests aren't bothered by the little pests.

Reservations difficult: Since woodland weddings take place during spring, summer, and early fall, the best locations are booked well in advance. To avoid scheduling conflicts, book your venue as soon as possible.

Seasonal allergies: Seasonal allergies to pollen and molds can also be a challenge with a woodland wedding. If your wedding is held when pollen counts are high, it can help to find a site near a lake because wind off lakes can help lower the count. Also, an afternoon wedding is better because pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning. Either way, it's a good idea to have tissues available.

One last thing worth mentioning for woodland brides is to consider the dress. If it’s going to bother you if the bottom of your dress gets soiled, choose a tea length, a style you can bustle up, or buy a bridal petticoat which lifts the hem slightly, or spray the hem with Scotchgard Fabric Protector spray before you wear it.

Photo credits: wikimedia, maxpixel, pxhere