In the open air

Sussex suppliers highlight how they can help to plan your al fresco nuptials

Arabian Tent Company

www.arabiantents.com

Katherine Hudson says: We have heaps of offerings, and since the ‘backyard’ decorating trend that came originally from America a few years ago, we’ve been expanding our range of interesting and useful outdoor accessories until we can now create a whole room outside to complement the tented offerings we have.

In the last couple of years, we’ve created products such as outdoor festoon ceilings to sit outside our tents. The Circle of Light has a firebowl in the centre with seating around it, flanked by festoons; while the Light Garden features a stylish LED tree as well as the firebowl to keep guests warm, plus pallet seating and barrel tables.

CO-ORDINATION EVENT HIRE

www.co-ordination.net

Chloe Alderson says: We provide all hireable items needed for a wedding from furniture, crockery, cutlery and glassware to linens and evening kitchen equipment. Whether you need ceremony chairs for an outdoor service, or the full set-up for a marquee wedding including tableware, ovens and chiller trailers, we’ve got you covered.

Chloe's top tip: Prepare for all weathers, remember this is England and the Great British weather is not always predictable, so plan for all eventualities, and then just go with the flow! Consider shelter from the rain or the sun, firepits to keep your guests warm on balmy nights, or colourful umbrellas for beautiful photo ops in the rain.

What’s to love about tying the knot outside? You can make the most of natural features and pick a style that suits your surroundings. Outdoor weddings can open a whole host of wonderful – and sometimes alternative – themes that may not have the same impact indoors. Perhaps a British picnic-style wedding, a beautifully extravagant Alice in Wonderland style tea party, or a loud and proud festival wedding. Just remember to pick something that suits your location while representing you as a couple.

We also have a selection of other interesting items such as the Rustic Pavilion tents, which measure five-metres in diameter, tropical hangout hammocks, pretty wrought iron furniture and deckchairs for seating (including our William Morris designs, which we made to match our tents), and of course all types of outdoor lighting either warm white or coloured, including fairylights, LED trees, festoon lighting on tall and short crooks, fire bowls and flame heaters to keep guests warm.

Katherine's top tip: Make sure you have a back-up rain plan!

What’s to love about tying the knot outside?

Whether we know it or not, we are animals! And people are naturally drawn to celebrating outside due to the connection it creates with nature.

Great Betley Farmhouse

www.greatbetleyfarmhouse.co.uk https://bluehoursphotography.co.uk

Kim Stewart says: We offer three packages for couples planning an outdoor wedding from completely DIY to having us source all of the necessary suppliers.

Kim's top tip: Be prepared to be flexible when planning al fresco nuptials – some things won't necessarily go to plan on the day, not least the good old British weather!

What’s to love about tying the knot outside?

Celebrating in the great outdoors gives you the freedom to enjoy nature and the views. With more space at your disposal, you can go big with entertainment and food trucks. Here at Great Betley Farmhouse we’ve even had fire-eaters and Morris Dancers! You can have separate areas for different parts of the celebrations without having to wait for rooms tobe turned around. Also, when you camp/glamp there’s the morning after to share memories of the day before over breakfast!

The Wedding Print Shop

www.theweddingprintshop.co.uk

Chloe Alderson says: I specialise in bespoke wedding stationery, from save-the-date cards and invitations to orders of service, table plans and place cards, I create stationery that's individual to you and reflects you as a couple.

Chloe's top tip: Ensure your guests are well-informed, allowing them to prepare for the occasion. Whether that’s picking flat-soled shoes for walking on the grass, or bringing sun cream and a hat, they’ll appreciate the heads-up!

What’s to love about tying the knot outside?

An outdoor wedding is a feast for all the senses, from the sun and a gentle breeze on your face to hearing the birds chirping or the crashing of waves. Being outside brings new energy to you and your guests and the natural backdrop is the perfect inspiration when choosing a theme or style for your wedding.

Trading Boundaries

www.tradingboundaries.com

Jenny Ross, wedding venue coordinator, says: We'll work with you to help with planning your day at our venue. We offer a gorgeous courtyard area with an Indian arbour and a feature fountain, along with grounds boasting vistas of fields and woodland. The ceremony can be held in our beautiful chocolate vine-covered Indian arbour situated in the courtyard that can seat up to 160 guests, but works equally well for smaller weddings, or on our lawns in front of 200-year-old oak trees. We’ve just added an amazing Indian outdoor bar on our decking, complementing our bespoke marquees from India that feature hand- block detailing. Use one side for up to 90 guests, or both sides for larger weddings up to 160 guests with great views across the lawns and courtyard. You're welcome to have games and firepits, pop-up food stalls or trucks if you prefer or use our kitchen for something more formal. www.paulfletcherphotography.co.uk https://jennifersmithphotography.co.uk

Jenny's top tip: Always consider a wet-weather plan. We’re happy to discuss options and have the flexibility to offer great wetweather alternatives.

What’s to love about tying the knot outside?

Fresh air and the joy of the outside thanks to the gorgeous vistas offered by our various outdoor celebration spaces.

Wildflower Events

www.wildflower.events

Sarah Duncan says: We can help you transform fields or gardens into your own personal stunning wedding venue with our collection of tents, dining and lounge furniture, lighting and décor items. We also offer outdoor wedding packages at Everflyht Vineyard and Meadow Lake, which are both beautiful locations for a Sussex wedding.

Sarah's top tip: Make sure you have enough shelter for your guests. Most people think about needing cover in case of a shower but in the Great British summertime it can more often be about providing shade for

your guests from the scorching sunshine!

What’s to love about tying the knot outside?

Fredoom! Having an outdoor wedding allows you to be really creative and unique, being able to plan a wedding that feels personal to you and enhance the natural surroundings. Little touches like creating gorgeous shady lounge areas for guests to relax in, disco balls hanging from trees and dancing the night away under the stars on our outdoor dancefloor make al fresco weddings the best!

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