Singaporebrides | Weddings 101

March 2024

6 Planning Do’s and Don’t’s of An Outdoor Wedding

By Audrie Soh

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Whether you are envisioning a beach wedding or a garden soiree, follow these do’s and don’t’s to help you plan the perfect outdoor wedding of your dreams.

An enchanting outdoor wedding surrounded by nature’s beauty and under the open sky is a dream many couples dream of for their wedding day. However, turning this dream into a reality requires careful planning and consideration, more so than a wedding within four walls. From unpredictable weather to logistical challenges, outdoor weddings come with their own set of unique requirements.

To help you plan the perfect alfresco wedding, we’ve put together a list of do’s and don’t’s when planning an outdoor wedding that’ll bring you closer to the magical wedding in the open you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Do Choose your venue wisely

When planning an outdoor wedding, it is important to decide what kind of outdoor wedding you’ll like to have. A beach wedding with the sand under your feet and waves crashing in the back? Or, in a park surrounded by lush greenery and wild florals? Perhaps instead of a fully outdoor wedding, you want your solemnisation outdoors but an indoor dinner banquet.

The right venue for you should be one that meets your vision and needs, so after you have shortlisted the venues you like, do make a trip down to tour the space to make sure it ticks all the boxes before you commit to it.

2. Do hire a wedding planner

Outdoor weddings tend to pose unique challenges due to the different nature of the space, as compared to an indoor wedding, so do consider hiring a professional wedding planner for your big day. Wedding planners have the experience in planning an outdoor wedding and have a large pool of resources, which can help you navigate potential obstacles such as unpredictable weather, the logistics involved in outdoor setups and coordination with vendors. They can even help recommend venues that would bring your wedding vision to life too!

3. Do Keep your guest list small

Compared to indoor weddings, outdoor weddings tend to be cosier celebrations due to the limitations of outdoor venues. So, if you are planning for an outdoor wedding, you might want to keep your guest list small to fit your celebration into your outdoor venue. A trim guest list would also make planning and coordinating an outdoor wedding less challenging as it would be easier to cater for and look after a smaller group of people.

4. Don’t assume an outdoor wedding will cost lesser than an indoor one

Couples tend to have a misconception that outdoor weddings cost lesser than an indoor one, and if you are one of them, you might want to hold that thought. While they are perceived to be more budget-friendly, outdoor weddings may not always be cheaper due to certain factors.

Outdoor venues may require additional rentals such as tents, seating and lighting, which can add to the overall cost. Plus, you might to spend more on styling if you need to erect structures to support your decoration. Outdoor weddings also require more logistical planning and coordination, such as transportation for your guests. All these little details add on to the final bill, which make an outdoor wedding more expensive than an indoor one.

So, if you are opting for an outdoor wedding because you think it might cost less, you might want to rethink. However, if your dream wedding is one in the outdoors, then you might want to note down all the extras and factor them into your wedding budget before you start engaging your vendors.

5. Don’t get upset about things outside of your control

It may be easier said than done, but don’t let things outside of your control upset you on the happiest day of your life. Despite the amount of preparation you’ve done to make sure that nothing outside of your plan happens at your wedding, something definitely will, regardless of how small or big it is.

This is especially true for outdoor weddings, since they are particularly susceptible to factors such as weather changes, which can be unpredictable. Instead of letting these stress you out, focus on the positives of your day. Embrace the unique charm of an outdoor celebration and take everything that happens (or doesn’t happen!) in your stride, and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime.

6. Don’t forget about permits

While hotels and restaurants may not require you to apply for a permit to host your wedding in their outdoor spaces, some venues such as public parks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens require a permit to host a solemnisation ceremony at their outdoor spaces. So, do remember to write to National Parks to secure all the necessary permits in advance for a smooth-sailing wedding.

Credits: Feature image from Trixie and Steve’s Ethereal Wedding at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa by Andri Tei Photography

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