OPEN-AIR “I DOS”

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

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 luxury marquee hire experts The Arabian Tent Company (https://arabiantents.com) and local wedding planner Luna and The Lane (www.lunaandthelane.co.uk) for the answers.

DID YOU KNOW?

From 1st July you can say “I do” anywhere within the grounds of your approved wedding venue. Whereas under previous laws, the legal ceremony was required to take place in a licensed room or permanent structure such as a gazebo, bandstand or pavilion if outside. “Now, as long as the person conducting the ceremony has the authority to make the wedding official, you have a lot more flexibility with regards to where you tie the knot,” Katherine from The Arabian Tent Company explains.

Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC MP says, “A couple’s wedding day is one of the most special times in their lives and this change will allow them to celebrate it the way they want. At the same time, this step will support the marriage sector by providing greater choice and helping venues to meet demand for larger ceremonies.” What’s more, a Law Commission report later this year will present further reforms for the Government to consider, including offering couples the option to host their ceremonies in a much broader range of locations.

Sally at Luna and The Lane tells us, “The significance of this new legislation is that you have far more choice and don’t need to compromise on your dream. Now, marriages can be performed in orchards, next to lakes, amongst your venue’s glorious gardens – almost anywhere you can think of! Just remember though, it must be accessible for your guests and registrar.”

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? Katherine tells us more, “Our main advice is to make sure you have a wet and dry weather plan.” There can be little more beautiful and romantic than marrying in the most picturesque of garden settings, but you do need to consider how to protect yourselves and your loved ones from the elements if the British weather should try to put a dampener on proceedings, so shelter should be your number-one priority. “One practical suggestion would be to hire an opensided stretch tent providing effortlessly flowing, weather-proof cover for the ceremony,” Katherine says. It does indeed pay to be prepared, particularly if the forecast is unsettled. “Make the call early, especially if you need to move furniture,” is Sally’s advice. Keeping your nearest and dearest comfortable whatever the day throws at you is an important part of your preparations, think about providing blankets for a chilly evening and umbrellas just in case.

As Brits, it’s our default setting to worry about the rain, but what if it’s hot? Sally says, “Make sure there’s adequate shade for your guests during the reception, and if they’re in the sun during the ceremony, ensure you have plenty of accessible water. Fans are also a great idea for cooling down.” You could even source some cheap sunglasses for guests to grab so they don’t miss a second of your ceremony through squinting into the sun. To help loved ones take care of their own wellbeing, it’s important to make it clear in your invitations that your big-day will be al fresco. That way, they can avoid any faux pas such as stiletto heels and will know to pack the sun cream.

One of the most exciting elements of any wedding is the food and outdoor nuptials offer a naturally more informal vibe with a myriad of fun options. Instead of a traditional sit-down threecourse meal for example, you might want to look into having a buffet or barbecue without a table plan, where guests can grab their plates and pull up a seat in whatever idyllic spot they find nearby with the flexibility and space to mingle. Or for a little more organisation, simply allocate them a table, but offer them to choice of seat. Another super-fun idea is to hire food trucks serving delicious street food or a wood-fired pizza caterer to create a festival atmosphere.

Sally says, “If you opt for this type of wedding, make sure you hire a generator able to provide enough power for your vendors. Have a think as well about how your food will be served and make sure the location is practical for your caterers. Finally, find out whether your venue offers access to toilets, or will you need to rent some? ”

STYLE IT OUT

Lighting is not only a crucial practical consideration when you’re planning an open-air reception, but also offers some gorgeous styling options. As Katherine says, “Lighting really sets the atmosphere for the day. At Arabian Tents, we’ve invested in offering solar-powered lighting for events. Not only do they reduce energy consumption, we can now install lights wherever needed. Imagine a cascade of fairylights draped from a tree or a starburst hanging down from the branches. These are high quality, eco-efficient lights that retain their power long into the night.”

If you’ve opted for an open-air wedding, chances are it’s because you adore the great outdoors and being among stunning countryside surroundings. So, why not use the setting to inspire your styling? Sally says, “Use the natural environment to set the vibe and think about your focal points.”

http://lighttrick.co.uk for The Arabian Tent Company http://lighttrick.co.uk for The Arabian Tent Company CHECK OUT THESE STYLING IDEAS...

❤ Help the bees by giving guests packets of sees as wedding favours. ❤ Provide plenty of stylish signage to help the flow from A to B particularly if you’re at a 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 shout out for something 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. ❤ A floral moon gate or arch will look great as a backdrop to your vows and can be repositioned later as a grand entrance to your marquee or a selfie background. ❤ “This year we’ve already seen an increase in couples asking to marry under their marquee of choice, decorating it however they desire to make it extra special. Set up a ceremony feature inside that can be evolved as day goes into night.” –

Katherine, The Arabian Tent Co.