For most people, the big day only comes once. You want everything to be perfect, especially your outdoor wedding reception. But with all the planning that goes into a wedding, it’s easy to forget some crucial details that will make or break your reception. Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor wedding reception:
1. Pick the Right Venue
Choosing the right venue is critical for any wedding, but it’s essential for an outdoor reception. You’ll need to find a location that can accommodate your guests and has enough space for your planned activities.
If you plan to have an extensive guest list, you may need to rent a larger space or book multiple venues. But don’t forget to factor in the cost of renting additional space when you’re budgeting for your reception.
2. Plan for the Weather
No matter what time of year you’re getting married, the weather can always be a potential issue for an outdoor wedding reception. If you’re getting married in the summer, it’s crucial to have a backup plan in case of rain or heat.
If you’re getting married in the winter, you need to make sure that your guests will be able to stay warm. Either way, it’s crucial to have a plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on your big day. So, always have a backup plan in case of bad weather, especially if you’re planning an outdoor wedding reception.
3. Keep the Bugs Away
Bugs can be a big problem, especially if you’re getting married in the summer. No one wants to deal with mosquitoes or other pests while they’re trying to enjoy your special day. You can do a few things to keep the bugs away, though.
First, make sure to keep food and drinks covered as much as possible. Bugs are attracted to food, so it is essential to keep them away from the buffet table. You can also buy citronella candles or use bug spray to keep the bugs at bay.
Second, if you’re getting married near a body of water, be aware that there may be more bugs. If you can, try to move the reception away from the water. Or, if you can’t avoid it, make sure to provide bug spray for your guests.
4. Rent Your AV Equipment Early
When it comes to weddings, timing is everything. And that includes renting your audio-visual equipment. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to rent your LED screen, microphones, and speakers because you may not be able to get what you need.
So, if you’re planning on using any audio or visual equipment at your outdoor wedding reception, make sure to rent it as early as possible. That way, you can be sure that everything will be ready to go on your big day. It could also be wise to get a genset rental from a reliable provider, so you have a backup power source in case of an emergency.
5. Consider the Seating
One of the challenges of having an outdoor wedding reception is ensuring enough seating for everyone. If you’re planning on having a lot of guests, you may need to rent extra chairs or set up some seating area.
Another option is to have the reception in a public park where there are already benches or picnic tables. Just make sure that there’s enough seating for everyone because no one wants to stand the whole time!
6. Provide Shade
If you’re getting married in the summer, it’s essential to provide some shade for your guests. The last thing you want is for everyone to be sweating and uncomfortable during your reception when they should be enjoying themselves.
You can provide shade by setting up tents or umbrellas. Or, if you’re having the reception in a park, you can use the trees for natural shade. Just make sure that there’s some way for your guests to stay cool and comfortable, especially if it’s a hot day.
7. Have a Plan B
As mentioned before, it’s crucial to have a plan B in case of bad weather. But that’s not the only thing that can go wrong on your big day. Many things can go wrong at a wedding, so it’s always essential to have a backup plan.
For example, what if the food runs out? What if the band cancels? What if someone gets hurt? These things could happen, so it’s essential to plan each scenario. That way, you can be prepared for anything and ensure that your wedding reception is perfect, no matter what!
So, there you have it! These are just a few tips on making your outdoor wedding reception perfect. With a bit of planning, you can ensure that your big day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of!
