Many people automatically associate a bespoke wedding ceremony with an outdoor ceremony, held under the open sky. And indeed, bespoke wedding ceremonies very often do take place outdoors, even though that's certainly not a requirement. But if you too are dreaming of getting married under the open sky, I'd like to share a few tips with you in this article.
Location
First and foremost, of course, is the search for a suitable venue. To start, think about what you actually want. How about a ceremony on the beach, for example? In a meadow? By a lake? In a forest? In the courtyard of a castle or palace? The possibilities are almost endless.
So how do you find the right venue for you? First, I'd close my eyes and picture my dream wedding. Where do you see yourselves? Then think about whether, and how, that can actually be made to happen. A beach wedding in the Netherlands is a rather bold choice for a wedding in late autumn — a wedding somewhere further south might make more sense instead (keyword: "destination wedding"). If one of you has a severe pollen allergy, a spring wedding in a meadow probably isn't ideal… unless you don't just want to be shedding tears of joy. 😉 So here it's about finding the right month, or a somewhat less irritating setting.
Have you basically settled on a location? Great! Now it's time to get into the details. Research where your dream wedding can best come to life. You'll find all kinds of wedding venues online. Many websites also have curated lists of venues in particular areas. Or you can simply reach out directly to your dream location.
What you should pay attention to
First of all, the venue you choose naturally needs to offer enough space for all your guests. That's probably less of an issue on a beach or in a meadow, but it might well be one in the courtyard of a castle or palace. Power supply is also worth considering for wedding speakers and musicians, especially with larger parties, so that even the back row can hear everything.
You should also, especially for weddings in Germany and the surrounding area, definitely make sure there's an alternative in case of bad weather. Perhaps a barn nearby? Or can tents be set up? Is there a conservatory or another lovely indoor space? When it comes to decoration, make sure everything is wind-resistant, or can at least be weighted down or secured. Loose petals are beautiful, but it would obviously be a shame if they'd already blown away before the bride even made her entrance.
Tips
It's ideal, of course, if your wedding guests aren't left sitting in the blazing midday sun. That's a real challenge, especially for the gentlemen in jackets… It's best to adjust the timing accordingly, or make sure there's shade available. And if none of that is possible, your guests will certainly appreciate a few nice fans placed on the chairs, or buckets of ice-cold drinks. Alternatively, you could set up a small bar near the ceremony venue, so guests can grab a drink right before or after the ceremony.
A little sunscreen for adults and children, and mosquito repellent if needed, shouldn't be missing from your emergency basket either. Mention in your invitations that the ceremony will take place outdoors — that way, guests can think about sun protection themselves in advance, and maybe choose a nice hat to go with their outfit.
