Singaporebrides | Essentials

July 2020

10 Tips For The Perfect Outdoor Wedding You’ve Always Wanted

By Audrie Soh

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Follow these tips for a perfect outdoor wedding of your dreams.

The charm and romance of an outdoor wedding is undeniable, which is why it has always been a popular choice amongst soon-to-be-wed couples even when indoor ballroom weddings were the trend. While an outdoor wedding might look like it requires less wedding planning than an indoor celebration, it actually requires more work and careful consideration than what the usual wedding planning already calls for.

To help you achieve the perfect outdoor wedding that you’ve always dreamed of, we’ve put together a list of 10 tips you need to plan the outdoor wedding of your dreams in Singapore.

1. Choosing The Perfect Venue For Your Needs

Start the search for the perfect venue by envisioning your wedding. Do you see yourself getting married on a beach with the sky and sea behind you and the sand under your feet, or in a park surrounded by lush greenery and Mother Nature?

Once you have shortlisted a list of venues where you can see yourself tying the knot at, arrange for a visit to make sure that the space is able to accommodate all your needs. You should also take into consideration whether hosting a wedding there fits into your wedding budget including decorations and catering, if any, how easily accessible the venue is for your guests, and the weather at the time of your wedding, before you set your heart and mind on one location.

The bottom line is, even though it is your big day and your choice, you should choose a venue that fits the vision you have in mind as well as one that offers convenience and comfort to your guests, because your wedding wouldn’t be complete without them.

2. Always Have A Plan B Ready

Outdoor weddings can be a dream because you can finally fulfill your wish of getting married against the romantic glow of the setting sun, but it can be a nightmare to plan if your wedding date falls during the rainy months.

While we may not have to deal with four different seasons, we do experience dry and wet months throughout the year that may dampen your outdoor wedding plans. So, if you are planning for one, don’t forget to factor the weather in your plans and come up with a Plan B in case of rain.

Check with your venue if they have an alternative space for you in the event of bad weather, or discuss with your stylist or planner on the alternative arrangements that need to be made in case of Plan B.

3, Keep Your Guest List Small For A Cosier Celebration

Outdoor weddings tend to be cosier celebrations with a smaller guest list due to the capacity restrictions of alfresco venues, which make them perfect for Phase 2 weddings here in Singapore.

Weddings in Phase 2 of the reopening post Circuit Breaker are allowed to have a maximum of 20 persons, excluding the licensed solemniser, present, which means you can still fulfill your dreams of a wedding under the stars amidst this COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Create A Wedding That Is Perfect For You and Your Guests

As much as it is your day, your wedding is only truly perfect when both you and your guests enjoy the celebration together. So, don’t forget to factor in your guests’ pleasure by planning activities and items that will keep them entertained and comfortable at your wedding, while employing safe distancing measures to keep COVID-19 at bay.

You should also keep in mind that outdoor weddings tend to require more lighting than indoor celebrations, so discuss with your stylist on how you can add in more lights while keeping the romance of the outdoors to make sure that your guests are able to see properly after the sun sets, especially for the young and elderly. You should also ensure that the entertainment systems are working well for your guests to hear and see you properly during your speeches and video playbacks on the big screen.

5. Make Your Wedding Accessible For Your Guests

Some outdoor wedding venues are located a little far away from the city and any public transport. Make it easy for your guests to join your wedding by providing them a ride your venue is only accessible via car. Arrange for a mini bus to pick your guests up from the nearest MRT station at a few scheduled times to shuttle them to your venue safely and comfortably.

If your guests are driving or taking a taxi, then provide them with clear directions to your venue so that they won’t lose their way or take a wrong turn, and end up frustrated and late for your big day. You should also make sure that your venue has sufficient parking lots for your guests who are driving.

6. Be The Ultimate Host To Your Guests

Your guests are an important component of your wedding. Without them, your wedding will not be complete. So, while it is your day, do make an effort to take care of your guests. Make sure they are comfortable at your wedding by providing them with a cold beverage to cool down in the heat or a shaded area to sit or stand while you say your ‘I do’s’.

The outdoors can get unbearably hot and stuffy in our climate, especially now that your guests are required to wear a face mask at all times, so make sure your venue has sufficient fans to cool your guests down throughout the celebration.

You should also think of ways to keep your guests entertained before and during the wedding by providing them with finger-food, drinks or fun activities like a Photo Booth or a live band.

7. Prepare Fun Wedding Favours To Your Guests

Ditch the run-of-the-mill wedding favours like a bottle opener, a box of chocolates or a set of salt and pepper shakes and give your guests practical favours that they can use at and after the wedding, such as surgical or reusable face masks, or portable, USB-powered fans to keep them safe and cool at your wedding.

8. Treat Your Guests To A Gastronomic Delight

Let’s be honest – your guests are likely going to remember your wedding by the type of food served and how delicious it is, and not by how unique and beautiful your wedding venue and decor are. Which is why it is important for you to make sure that your venue serves up good, quality food that will impress your guests.

You should also abide by safe distancing measures to keep COVID-19 at bay by avoiding a buffet spread or sharing food amongst your guests. Instead, instruct the venue to provide individual portions for you and your guests to ensure everyone’s safety at your wedding during this COVID-19 pandemic.

9. Take Advantage of The Outdoors For Stunning Portraits

An outdoor wedding presents many good photo opportunities is you know how to plan your day well. Let your wedding photographer know that you plan to have couple portraits and group photos with your bridal party and check with him when the best time to do it is.

You should then factor it into your wedding day schedule so that you can take advantage of the “golden hour” – the day of time when the lighting is said to be at its best – for portraits with your groom and bridal party.

10. Let Your Guests In On The Recommended Dress Code

Clue your guests in on how they should dress for your wedding based on its location and the forecasted weather during the time of your wedding by including a recommended dress code in the wedding invitation. That way, your guests can enjoy your celebration in an attire that is appropriate for the setting and comfortable.

Credits: Feature image from Ashlee and David’s Stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu Wedding in Bali by Axioo, Bali

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