AL FRESCO “I DOS”

OPEN-AIR

Plan your al fresco nuptials with help from the experts “I dos”

Outdoor weddings have been trending for some time now, having been helped along by pandemic restrictions and now the new law surrounding exactly where you can legally say “I do.” While tying the knot al fresco is an undoubtedly worthwhile experience in the end, it doesn’t come without its pitfalls and planning difficulties, so we turned to some of the region’s experts for the answers.

Jacqui O Flowers © https://frankhenshallphoto.com

DID YOU KNOW? From 1st July, 2022, the law changed allowing you to say “I do” anywhere within the grounds of an approved wedding venue. Whereas under the previous version, the legal ceremony was required to take place in a licensed room or permanent structure such as a gazebo, bandstand or pavilion if outside. Jennifer Walker of JW Ceremonies (www.instagram.com/celebrantjenwalker) says, “This move gives couples and the wedding industry more choice and flexibility for those who dream of an outdoor wedding ceremony.”

While this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, there’s currently an exciting review underway, which is pushing the Law Commission to update the outdated Marriage Act of 1949. Sarah Boalch of Ceremonies With Personality (www.ceremonieswithpersonality.com) explains, “If passed, it will be the officiant who is licensed rather than the venue – meaning couples will have the choice to legalise their marriage absolutely anywhere. So, rather than having to sign legal documents separately, couples will be able to do everything in one setting. This could be a few years away yet, but ultimately the review is asking the law to give couples more choice and freedom when planning their big day.”

You can still have the ceremony of your dreams anywhere even now though as, Sheila Duncan at Pure Silk Ceremonies (https://puresilkceremonies.co.uk) explains, “Once you’ve completed the statutory marriage at your local registry office, you’re free to have a celebrant-led wedding anywhere you like. The sky really is the limit, so whether you dream of a ceremony-by-the-sea, in the mountains, even in your own backyard, the choice is yours.”

JW Ceremonies © wwwsarahhortonphotography.co.uk Ceremonies With Personality © www.markbamforthphotography.co.uk

PLANNED TO PERFECTION So, now you can take advantage of the great outdoors from vows to celebrations, where do you start planning and what do you need to take into account that you otherwise wouldn’t at a traditional indoor venue? Our local experts have these top tips...

Celebrate with a celebrant Sarah says, “If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, the first thing you need to do is find a celebrant who suits your style. There are many across the region all with their own style and sense of creativity. A great place to start is The Celebrant Directory.

“Next, think about your location. Are you happiest with sand between your toes, taking in the view from a mountain top or simply surrounded by rolling hills and countryside?

“Finally, consider what suppliers you might need to transform your outdoor wedding vision into a reality. Whether you’re going for sweet and simple, or big and bold, life will be so much easier if you call in the help of the professionals, perhaps starting with a wedding planner.”

Whatever the weather Sheila says, “Always take care to plan around the weather as much as possible. If your wedding is in the height of summer, think about providing shade for your guests. And there’ll always need to be a plan B in the event of adverse conditions. Usually, your wedding venue will make the decision on the day to set up outside or inside. What’s more, if you’re holding your wedding in a park or woodland consider a marquee or tipis to protect you all from the elements and make it easy to move inside if needs be.

Lindsey Hanson from Thornton Events (www.thorntonevents.com) advises, “Take note of how the weather has been the day before. If it’s been raining, the ground may still be wet and muddy. Plus, we may struggle to put some styling items onto the grass if it’s not level.”

Be prepared Jennifer says, “Let your guests know that you plan to have an outdoor ceremony, giving them sufficient notice so they can be prepared. They’ll be ushered to the ceremony area in plenty of time, so supplying things like sunscreen, hats and sunglasses is a great idea.

“Carefully plan your attire from your veil to what you’ll wear on your feet. Every bride wants to make sure their grand entrance is a thing of elegance but walking on grass or sand in stilettos is not the easiest! Opting for a pair of pretty wedges or flats will aid that glide down the aisle!

“Acoustics can be non-existent in the great outdoors, so a good PA system with strategic planning and placing of microphones is imperative to ensure your congregation can actually hear your ‘I dos.’ Most celebrants will have their own PA system but bear in mind that you may need to contact a different supplier to take charge of this.”

Sheila also has these pointers for your tick list: ❤ Is the area you’ve selected large enough for the number of guests you’ve invited? ❤ Think about accessibility for all of your guests if for example, the ground is uneven. ❤ What time of day will you be getting married? This can make all the difference to your photographs.

“Flowers are the food of love for bees, butterflies and insects, so if you’re not a fan add some citronella candles into your wedding décor.” – Jacqui Owen, Jacqui O Flowers

JW Ceremonies © https://sarahbrookesphotography.com Ceremonies With Personality © www.northwaleswedding.photos

Jacqui O Flowers © @alexandrawilsonphoto Jacqui O Flowers © https://frankhenshallphoto.com OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

STYLE IT OUT When faced with a blank space, even an open field, where do you start? Jacqui Owen of Jacqui O Flowers (www.jacquio.co.uk) has the answer: “Think about what your guests’ experience will be. I suggest you walk from where they’ll park, to the ceremony and then into the reception. What will they see? What information do they need? The details make all the difference – your loved ones will notice these things, take them on a journey with your venue styling.”

Overall, our local experts have the key to successfully decorating your open-air nuptials: use what you have around you. Sarah says, “In the forest? String some pretty fairylights between the branches. On the beach? Line your aisle with seashells...” Jacqui is of the same mind. She says, “Consider how you can maximise the surrounding natural beauty to enhance the space with flowers. For example, if there’s a stunning rose garden nearby add some roses into your designs, or you could go for drama and surprise your guests with blooms they wouldn’t expect.”

As you do this it’s vital to create your focal point for the ceremony, where there won’t be an existing altar. After all, you want to make sure all eyes are on you as you say, “I do,” and clever use of your venue’s features can play a part in this too. Jacqui tells us, “I recently created a floral arch in a field with the majestic trees as its backdrop. It looked magical and we used the location’s natural beauty to enhance our creation.” While Jennifer adds, “Make the most of the view behind you. If there are countryside vistas, sea views, mountain ranges, a lake – make sure you’ve positioned your focal point in front of it for that allimportant moment.” Don’t get too swept away though as there are some practicalities you’ll need to bear in mind: “A stunning floral arch or similar makes the perfect altar but do bear in mind your environment. Beaches,

Jacqui O Flowers © https://frankhenshallphoto.com Getty images

clifftops or large open spaces can get windy, so choose a stylist with experience in dressing outdoor events. Also, bear in mind the position of the sun as you exchange your vows. Having it glaring into your eyes will be uncomfortable and won’t make for the best photographs. Simply mindfully placing your altar at the best angle can overcome the problem,” Jennifer explains.

Once the focal point is taken care of you may want to turn to your big entrance next and consider how you’ll decorate the aisle. “Firstly, you’ll need to make sure it’s wide enough,” Lindsey says. “Then, look at your surroundings. Some plants may be brightly coloured, so it would be a nice idea to complement them with your wedding colours. Your venue stylist or florist can help you with suggestions. I’d also suggest some lanterns as candles are usually pointless outside. It’s a good plan to have an usher to seat guests, ensuring your beautiful decorations don’t get disturbed and the aisle is kept looking perfect for your arrival.” After you’ve officially tied the knot, make the most of your ceremony decorations and repurpose them for your reception. A moongate or flower arch make ideal selfie or top table backdrops, and aisle flowers can be used as centrepieces. Find out if your stylist or venue team are happy to move them for you, alternatively put your own team together in advance.

Getty images Getty images

CHECK OUT THESE STYLING IDEAS... ❤ Help the bees by giving guests packets of seeds as wedding favours. ❤ Provide plenty of stylish signage to help the flow from A to B particularly if you’re at a rather sprawling outdoor venue. ❤ Barrels and hay bales fit beautifully with the outdoor theme and offer comfy seating or a place to pop your drink down. ❤ Chic natural and earthy colour palettes are totally on trend this year – think hues of green, rust and white. But if your personalities are more colourful, a bright and bold rainbow scheme would work equally well. ❤ You two are the perfect match, but your styling elements don’t have to be! Mismatched or upcycled furniture and tableware bring an oh-so cool and relaxed vintage vibe. ❤ Keep guests of all ages entertained with lawn games. ❤ Try individual jam jars or coloured glass vases filled with wild flowers dotted along the centre of banquet tables rather than large, structured arrangements. ❤ Embrace the informal rustic vibe with dreamcatchers, macrame, streamers and bunting.