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.
