HOT TOPIC: THE GREAT OUTDOORS

This issue, we asked the region’s experts for their advice on planning an outdoor wedding

Perfectly Planned

Nicky Clements from Nicola Rose Weddings and Events (www.nicolaroseweddingsandevents.co.uk) says: An outdoor wedding can be an incredibly beautiful and memorable experience for both you and your guests. However, ensuring everything runs smoothly requires careful consideration and attention to detail.

First and foremost, have a back-up plan as al fresco weddings are susceptible to unpredictable weather conditions. Hire a stretch tent with pretty sofas, chairs and low tables placed on large rugs. This will give you both shade on a sunny day, and cover from drizzly rain.

Have plenty of ice-cold drinks readily available that are easy for the guests to pick up. And why not have a mini freezer packed with delicious lollies? Also, pretty hand fans personalised with your wedding date for

Al Fresco Floral Bliss

Sam Reynolds from Emily&Me (www.emilyandme.co.uk) says: Think about how changeable the Great British weather can be and choose arrangements that can be set up indoors or out. If you’re having a gazebo decorated for example, check your florist also has a portable arch that can be decorated inside instead.

Next, have a think about flower varieties. Peonies are beautiful but don’t enjoy being left in the sun. Meanwhile, some soft summer flowers will wilt quickly in excessive heat, so choose a florist with expert knowledge to help guide you through. Emily&Me has 10 years’ experience!

If you’re hosting your wedding at home, look at what you have there already. A garden gate, porch, old arch or even a garden swing decorated with fresh flowers can be a standout feature that sets your wedding apart.

Table arrangements and larger urns or pedestals will last longer if they’re set in water rather than foam, which is ecofriendly too, so check how your florist will make yours. If you have to cut things from your budget, forget about pew ends and petal aisles, go for one Insta-worthy piece. Not only will you have incredible pictures but your guests will be kept busy taking their own gorgeous selfies!

the ladies would be a nice treat.

If it rains, no problem. Have to hand plenty of inexpensive umbrellas for your guests to grab should the heavens open. Lay down mats creating pathways, to protect elegant shoes from wet grass and dirt, also great for high heels.

Plan for plenty of lighting. Outdoor weddings often extend into the evening, so plan some illumination accordingly. Use fairylights, lanterns or candles to create a magical ambience. Ensure too that there’s adequate lighting for pathways, seating areas, and the dancefloor.

Finally, remember to have fun and embrace the unique charm of an outdoor wedding! With proper planning and attention to detail, your special day will be a magical celebration surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The Beauty Of Nature

Karina O’Donnell from Simply Ceremonies (https://celebrant-uk.co.uk) says: Outdoor weddings allow you to take advantage of the natural beauty of your surroundings, whether this is a beach setting, mountain backdrop or stunning gardens. Being somewhere that has meaning to you can create a more romantic and intimate setting for you both, and obviously makes for stunning photographs.

Weddings held outside often offer more flexibility in terms of the number of guests you need to seat, as well as in your choice of décor. You can really bring your personality into the ceremony too with stunning floral arches and backdrops, which really fit the scenery. You can save on décor and lighting costs too as the natural beauty of your surroundings can provide a lot of the ambience.

Spending time outdoors has been shown to have several health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood. Plus, an al fresco wedding can provide a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your guests. Choosing a unique setting can create unforgettable memories to cherish for years to come. It’s important to remember that outdoor weddings bring their own challenges though, such as inclement weather or accessibility issues but with proper planning, they can be beautiful and memorable.

Picture Perfect

Nicky Tulip from Nicky’s Photography (www.nphotography.co.uk) says: I love the outdoors for a ceremony and reception, however come rain or shine the elements can prove a challenge in both scenarios and there are some things to consider to make your photos all the more beautiful.

Shade is definitely recommended for the ceremony, whether it be a tree, garden gazebo structure or arch. People are often mislead into thinking that beautiful sunshine and perfect weather is just what we photographers want. However, full sun in the middle of a hot afternoon is just too much, it can blow out the white balance, makes people squint and creates harsh shadows and highlights. Shade is perfect for a balance of colour and lighting. Also, in the event of a light shower there’s a little cover for you and your guests too.

Think too about the timing of your “I dos.” In the warmer months with long, light days a later ceremony time works very well. Around 5pm is ideal to get that golden glow but the temperature drops ever so slightly and reduces the squinting.

Space: not such an obvious one, but I particularly like to move around subtly and from a little distance. To do this, I often head around the back of where the ceremony is taking place. This way I can get the best view with your guests in the images too, and I’m not in the way of their view of you getting married.

Keep Your Cool

Chelsea Prior from Chelsea Buns Cake Design (www.chelseabuns.co.uk) says: Think about your cake carefully. Many people who go for an outdoor wedding choose to go for a more rustic, relaxed style cake (naked, semi-naked or buttercream finishes), which looks lovely and fits perfectly with the vibe of their day. However, during the summer months you have to consider the weather when choosing your cake. I always advise my couples of the risks that come with these finishes during the season as unfortunately buttercream and heat are not friends! If you take some simple steps though, the dangers hot weather will put your big-day bake in can be reduced.

Make sure you tell your cake designer exactly what setup you’ll have, allowing them to work out the best plan of action. If you have no indoor space at all and are wanting your cake set up in the middle of a lawn with no shade or cover, they’ll definitely need to know this.

Ensure that your cake can be positioned in the coolest spot of your venue, tipi or marquee. If there are resources for a fan or cooling unit to be placed near the cake, that’s great, use it!

Opt for as late a setup as possible. With all of my buttercream or semi-naked style cakes I speak directly with the venue to determine the absolute latest time I can set up. This will reduce the time it’s out in the heat or open air. Perhaps, if possible, have it delivered during a turnaround time or after the midday sun to help reduce the risk.

All of my buttercream cakes have a layer of chocolate ganache underneath the buttercream outer layer to help with stability. Speak with your cake designer about the things they can do to help overcome challenges posed by the heat and ease any stress about the cake on the day.

Cut the bake straight after your ceremony. If the weather is particularly warm, move this forward and do it before you have your meal. This way you can still have your cake-cutting photos before your caterer takes it away to keep it cool before serving it as planned.

Planning is key when having your cake outside in the summer.