Outdoor wedding to save money? Here’s how to prepare for any weather

The fall is a beautiful season. What better time to have your perfect outdoor wedding? If done right, an outdoor wedding isn’t just a thrifty choice for your wedding. It can also be a magical experience with the bright blue sky or breathtaking sunset perfectly set in the background, the feel of the breeze as you take your vows, and not to mention, the amazing pictures that will be captured. And to keep the day as perfect as possible, there are some things that you may want to think about when planning your outdoor fall wedding.

Tents are your friends

Tents are both beautiful and elegant for any outdoor wedding, but what you may not have considered is that tents hoard a significant amount of heat. Having your wedding in a cooler part of the evening (where the tent can be used for comfortable seating rather than shady necessity) can help keep your guests comfortable without sacrificing the spectacular view of the great outdoors. If the forecast says it’s going to be on the warmer side that day, try bringing fans and portable A/C units to keep all your friends and family comfortable throughout the day. If you decide to go with a tent, try selecting one with roll-up sides or windows so that your guests have plenty of air passing through to keep a nice breeze going all day. Have cold drinks ready and available for everyone to help keep guests cool and refreshed. If you can, get portable water misters for your guests. They also double as a little souvenir for them to take home. 

Heatwave survival guide (just in case it’s warm out)

There is nothing worse than going through the most important day of your life and being totally uncomfortable in the heat. There are many things you can do to help combat this for yourself and your party. 

• Make your own DIY fans
  Having little gifts to give to your guests is a great way to let out your creative side, save some money, and keep your guest cooled off. Kill two birds with one stone by using your program guide as a useful yet informative wedding day fan.
• Have an ice cream bar
  Nothing soothes the heat like a cold ice cream cone. Make it fun for everyone by creating an ice cream bar where your guests can pick from a couple of flavors and toppings.
• Make sure there’s shady seating
  If the sun is shining down on your venue all day, those chairs are going to be hot when it’s time to sit. Consider putting cushions on the chairs to alleviate the shock of a warm seat
• Hair up, Makeup on
  When it comes to your comfort in the fall (especially when the weather is unpredictable), pulling up your hair will give you the best feel for the breeze coming through. Try to stay away from makeup that could run if you sweat. Waterproof will be your superhero! Find good waterproof makeup that won’t drip off your face during the ceremony.
• Keep the sun from beating down
  You can take your outdoor wedding a step further and get your guests small umbrellas that match the color theme of your wedding. Keep them in the shade and keep them happy. 

Always have a backup plan in case the weather takes a turn. If you do end up with a tent, ensure that it is going to be waterproof and be ready just in case. If you are not using a tent, make sure there is an indoor area that can be used as double protection. Ready to get your wedding underway but don’t want to drain your cash stash? Just like weddings, it’s always good to have a backup plan, too. A LendingPoint loan may be able to help you financially prepare for your perfect fall wedding.