Having an outdoor wedding can often seem like a dream come true. You get to enjoy nature and the beautiful sunset, have more space for dancing and enjoying the company of your new spouse and your guests, and might even have a view of a forest, waterfall, or beach. Unfortunately, outdoor weddings also mean less protection from the elements and some other issues you might not have considered. Here are some tips for preparing for an outdoor wedding.

Get the Right Permits

If you are planning on an outdoor wedding in order to save costs on the venue, such as choosing a local park, remember that there are still some fees involved. Some parks require you to reserve the space just like any other venue, while others require that you get a permit. The same can be said for using a public beach as your wedding location. Talk to the city beforehand about your plans to have your outdoor wedding at a certain location and find out what needs to be done first. You definitely don't want to deal with the park rangers on the day of your wedding.

Choose the Right Decorations

When it comes to decorations, you do need to be careful what you choose. Since the wedding is outdoors, where it might get rather windy, you need to make sure all decorations are either tied down or are weighted. This means instead of having loose flower petals scattered on the tables, you are better off having vases with flowers or setting out candles instead. Light fabrics hanging from chairs or a trellis might blow a little too crazy when completing the wedding ceremony, so re-think these types of decorations when you are getting married outside.

Control Insects Beforehand

One thing many people don't think about for outdoor weddings is the insects. You're in nature and you can't avoid having bugs around, but you can reduce how much of a problem they become. To keep away mosquitoes, flies, and other flying bugs, set out citronella candles. These will provide ambiance for your wedding, and people won't realize you have them set out to control the bugs. It is also a good idea to have an exterminator inspect the area before the day of the wedding to get rid of any major bug problems, such as a huge trail of ants or signs of cockroaches.

Prepare For the Worst

You need to make sure you are prepared for the worst when you have an outdoor wedding. It doesn't matter how decent the forecast is for the date of your wedding, things could always change. Rent tarps that you can use to cover outdoor dining areas if it starts to rain, instead of having to move the party indoors. Tarps, like those from Nans Tarps, should be able to cover the tents completely, so you can still finish he ceremony outside if you choose to. Also have a backup venue if the weather is too severe to remain outside.