Summer is the best wedding season. Given the warm weather and long days, it’s understandable that it’s also the time of year we love to get outdoors. Many communities make their public spaces available at reasonable prices for private parties. Whether it’s in a park, on the beach, or even in your backyard, having your wedding outdoors can provide an enchanting setting, great views for photos, and beautiful scenery without spending a lot on decorations.
However, there are important things to consider, and hidden costs, when taking your ceremony and reception outdoors. Here’s a checklist to refer to when setting your budget and discussing your outdoor wedding with your wedding planner or caterer.
Rentals – “Front and Back of House”
Remember that you will have to build a ceremony space, kitchen and dining room. Most likely, there is a need to rent tables, chairs, tablecloths, plates, glasses, napkins, dance floor, audio equipment, in shorts, everything you need to serve and entertain your guests.
In addition, your provider will need to build a kitchen. This may involve renting a tent and cooking or heating equipment. At a minimum, you will require the rental of tables to use as counter workstations. Rents can take a big chunk out of your budget and should be considered early on.
Water sources
Are there water sources available nearby? Being in the sun will certainly make your guests thirsty. If there is no drinking fountain, you will need to bring bottled water for your guests. And your caterer will need water to rinse pots, pans and dishes.
Energy sources
Your caterer can cook over an open fire, if the venue allows, but do you plan to serve coffee? Will you go out after dark? Will you have a DJ? If so, you will need a power supply to connect the equipment.
Toilets
Obviously, this is a very important consideration when partying and drinking for several hours. Are there enough and clean toilets? If not, renting portable potties is recommended.
Unwelcome “guests”
Do you have any means of keeping mosquitoes, flies, and maybe even other hungry critters away from your guests and food?
garbage disposal
And finally, at the end of the evening, a big party will have generated quite a bit of garbage and waste. Does the venue provide enough trash cans or will your caterer need to bring extra cans? Does the garbage have to be hauled away at the end of the event, or will the venue allow you to leave your garbage in its receptacles?