Taking Weddings to the Outdoors
Brides everywhere are seeking outdoor and destination weddings. While it used to be that weddings were meant to be a religious experience within a church, more couples are choosing to share their special day in a more natural setting. With the cost of an average wedding surpassing $20,000, many couples are looking for alternative wedding plans.
Outdoor weddings can alleviate the stress of renting a ceremony space and paying for décor, as the beauty of the environment can speak for itself. A popular trend has become rustic barn weddings, which turn old and often formerly abandoned barns into a wonderful focal feature once again. The great thing about outdoor weddings is that not much décor is needed and the small amount that is, should work in harmony with the surroundings. A bride with a barn wedding could repurpose her cowgirl boots into wedding shoes and have a simple hairstyle.
Planning your outdoor wedding during the height of a season can provide a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos. A fall wedding while the tree leaves are turning shades of yellow, orange, and red look stunning with contrasting colors such as greys or whites. The décor could consist of leaves and other items taken from nature, creating a budget-friendly wedding. Summer weddings are a popular choice for backyard weddings, turning a friend or family members’ backyard garden into an outdoor wedding oasis.
Food at an outdoor wedding ranges from full-served meals, to family-style buffets filled with the bride and grooms’ favorite dishes, to spirited backyard barbeques. Having an outdoor wedding allows the newlyweds to more easily set the tone of their wedding and not have to conform to the upscale mood of an indoor venue space (or have to budget for four-course gourmet food and matching serveware).
While you hope that the weather cooperates with your outdoor wedding, it is always smart to have a backup-plan. Even if you rent a tent, the cost savings of not having to pay for a ceremony and a reception space can still lower the overall wedding budget. The “backup tent” can also turn your outdoor wedding reception into a romantic, dimly lit ballroom come nightfall.
Destination weddings have also become very popular in recent years. Due to the logistics and cost for guests to travel and attend, the wedding guest list essentially trims itself. While it may cost more to book a destination wedding venue, the overall cost is generally less because of the smaller amount of attendees. It also is not necessary for the newlyweds to travel to a separate location for their honeymoon, as they can continue the celebration at their choice destination.
Generally, destination weddings are much more laidback and intimate than traditional weddings. Not only is the couple more relaxed because there is less to plan, but they are also in a beautiful location and have more time to focus on each other, their guests, and the celebration of their wedding. Destination bridal gowns tend to be less expensive (this is based on the bride), as it generally isn’t desirable to wear a heavy, ornate wedding gown. A bride who gets married on a beach may choose to go with a tea length gown, made out of breathable material. This alone can reduce the wedding budget of a destination wedding.
A couple who has a destination wedding will not need to worry much about the décor, food, or entertainment, as most destination venues offer wedding packages that includes everything you would need. This takes away the guesswork of how much a wedding will cost, with the price of everything rolled into one price.
Whether you choose an outdoor wedding, a destination wedding, or a traditional wedding, the most important part is to feature bits of the bride and groom. Memories will always last, but the flowers and expensive food or drink will not. Choose what will allow yourselves to enjoy your day for years to come.
