Singaporebrides | Weddings 101

August 2023

The Most Common Mistakes Couples Make When Planning an Outdoor Wedding

By Tansey Tang

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Exchanging your vows in an outdoor wedding ceremony? Don’t be caught out by these common mistakes!

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate it than out in the open air, with a romantic outdoor wedding ceremony? Imagine the boundless blue sky reflecting the huge love and excitement in your hearts, the fresh breeze, enchanting gardenscapes or glittering blue sea views forming the backdrop to your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. And not to mention the beautiful natural light that will illuminate your love in your wedding photos forever.

While outdoor weddings offer an unforgettable experience, they also come with their fair share of challenges. We’re here to guide you through some common mistakes couples make when planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, ensuring your special day is nothing short of perfect.

1. Not Preparing for the Elements

In tropical Singapore, most couples remember to have a wet weather plan when planning an outdoor wedding. But don’t forget to prepare for our hot and humid climate too! Shield your wedding guests from the scorching hot sun with tentage or shade, and keep them cool with stand fans or portable air-conditioning. At the very least, provide sunblock or handheld fans, and keep them hydrated by offering beverages.

2. Forgetting About Permits

Many hotels and restaurant wedding venues offer private enchanting outdoor spaces for your outdoor solemnisation ceremony. However, if you’re holding your outdoor wedding ceremony in a public park such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, you’ll need a permit. Write to National Parks to secure all the necessary permits well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

3. Sound System Snafus

Nature’s sounds are beautiful, but they might not be enough for your guests to hear your heartfelt vows. Not prepping a quality sound system can lead to frustration among attendees. Make sure your vows, speeches, and music are clearly audible to everyone present. If you’ve hired musicians or a DJ, always conduct a sound check at the venue before the big day, as outdoor acoustics can differ significantly from indoor spaces.

4. Underestimating the Wind

Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. Couples often forget to consider the wind when planning an outdoor wedding, and it can interfere with your veil as you march down the aisle, blow away all the confetti, foil your unity candle ceremony, or even knock down floral arrangements and flip up the table clothes if a gale sweeps through.

5. Overlooking Bug Control

Make sure to have bug repellents, citronella candles, or even a few strategically placed fans to keep those pesky insects at bay.

6. Forgetting Restroom Facilities

It’s easy to forget about restrooms in the midst of wedding planning excitement. But providing proper restroom facilities for your guests is crucial. If the venue doesn’t have them, consider renting portable restrooms to avoid any inconveniences.

7. Overlooking the Logistics

Guests always appreciate a wedding that’s easy to get to, with ample parking or convenient public transport. Ask your venue about on-site parking, and consider offering a shuttle service for the convenience of your guests if your venue is far from a public transport stop.

8. Insisting on Formal Attire

Not everyone will be comfortable wearing a three-piece suit and tie in the heat and humidity of the outdoors, so don’t insist on a black tie dress code if you’re holding an outdoor wedding in Singapore. Be considerate to your bridal party too when selecting their outfits, and opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics for your bridesmaid dresses, and consider your footwear’s ability to navigate any potentially uneven terrain.

9. Excluding Accessibility

Ensure that your outdoor venue is accessible for all your guests, including those with mobility challenges. Consider ramps, pathways, and seating arrangements that cater to everyone.

10. Not Informing Your Vendors

Remember to give your wedding vendors a heads-up about what is and is not available at your outdoor wedding venue. Does your photographer need Wi-Fi to stream your live video, or your photobooth require a power supply? Letting your vendors know in advance what’s available at your venue will help prevent last-minute problems.

11. Not Illuminating Your Venue

Natural light is undoubtedly one of the highlights of an outdoor wedding, but if you’ve holding a sunset ceremony or dinner and dancing under the stars, be sure to prepare adequate lighting when night falls. Fairy lights overhead and candles on the tables can be very romantic. Don’t forget sufficient light for visibility and safety too, such as lighting the way to the restrooms or exits.

12. Leaving Guests Uninformed

Outdoor weddings can be unique and unforgettable, but your guests might need a heads-up on what to expect. Include clear information about the venue, parking arrangements, weather considerations, and dress code in your invitations to ensure everyone is well-prepared. Knowing that the wedding will be held on the beach will help your guests decide on the right outfit and shoes so they can comfortable enjoy your celebration.

Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate your love amidst the beauty of nature. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing for any eventuality, you can ensure that your special day goes off without a hitch. Embrace the joy of outdoor nuptials, bask in the sunshine (or starlight), and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to love, laughter, and a perfectly planned outdoor wedding!

Feature image from Soukaina and Siddartho’s Destination Wedding in Dubai with Cultural and Modern Elements by Violet Studio Dubai

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