PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING

Whether you're planning a backyard bash at your parent's house, your local park or a picturesque setting by a lake or river - remember it's more complicated to host a wedding outdoors.

Here are some things to keep in mind...

•    Before anything - figure out the best time to wed.  It's pretty rainy here till mid-July sometimes - and then it can be blistering hot!  We have the luxury of a beautiful fall season - just keep in mind those home football games that might conflict with schedules of your bridal party.

•    Put a tent in your budget and keep in mind fans, air conditioning or heat lamps cost extra, as do sidewalls and lighting.  

•    If you're in a backyard, several months before the wedding, have the yard evaluated.  You may need a landscaper to fill in uneven ground and plant grass seed or lay sod.

•    Meet with your Wedding Coordinator to go over the best places for an aisle - which you  can create with rose petals, potted plants or large stones.

•    Think of where you want to say your vows…perhaps a terrace, a majestic tree or mom's prize rosebushes.  Let your florist know where you are getting married and supply them with photos - they will have suggestions of what you can use from wedding to reception.

•    Don’t forget to inform neighbors ahead of time about your event, ask the police about any noise ordinances or curfews.  Remember neighbors can be guests too… unless you want them mowing the lawn during the ceremony!

•    Look into a local hotel to hold your guests.  Your parents house can hold only so many people and it’s best to have extra space so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

•    Don’t let anyone that comes to the house early park in the driveway – keep that area clear for deliveries.

•    Hire a professional valet service (remember “Father of the Bride”?)

•    Find out when trash day is and call them to find out about special pick-ups.

•    If you’re in someone’s backyard, think about how guests will access the yard without traipsing through the home.

•    Don’t block the street – depending upon the neighborhood, you may need a special permit from the local police precinct or city/county office to allow so many cars to park on the street.  Consider having guests park at a local school or community center and hire a shuttle service.

•    Remember those pesky bugs (mosquitoes love dusk) and if you're by water, they can reak havoc - so plan ahead with hidden bee traps, keep the food close to the house or facility so the catering staff can keep on top of keeping them away.

•    Allergies - pollen peaks in early Spring and late Summer.

•    Suggested list of "must haves" for a backyard wedding - tables, chairs, linens (that drop to the ground to cover the legs), portable restrooms if there's only one or two on-site, dance floor, generator, speakers, lighting, microphones, a tent.

•    If you're working with a facility with an outdoor space - check to see which items they have on-site and which ones need to be rented.

•    Ask your caterer for suggestions with the warm weather.  Remember that cold, crisp food works well, but try to stay away from anything in heavy cream, mayonnaise dressing, cheese displays, heavy or braised meats or cake frosted in buttercream.