![\"\"](\"https:\/\/singaporebrides.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2002\/06\/Outdoor-4.jpg\" "\\"Outdoor")
You\u2019ve been dreaming of a wedding under the stars or of saying your vows on a beautiful beach, but you\u2019re not sure if you should go ahead and do it, thanks to a million what-ifs that are racing through your mind. We share how to accomplish an outdoor wedding with aplomb \u2013 from private pool parties to large-scale garden affairs.<\/i> <\/p>
Updated July 6, 2011<\/b><\/p>
W<\/b>hat if the rains come? What if Grandma can\u2019t take the heat? Do I want to sweat buckets in my satin gown? We\u2019ve heard all these what-ifs and concerns before. And they\u2019re all valid. But with Singapore being the sunny island, why limit yourselves to a traditional banquet in a hotel ballroom or restaurant? Holding an outdoor wedding is gaining a lot of popularity here, and it\u2019s certainly a great way to celebrate the most important day of your life. When you exchange your vows amongst the beauty of Nature, your family and friends will probably remember the romantic moment more than if it were a run-of-the-mill sit-down affair.<\/p>
The trick of planning the perfect outdoor wedding is not to assume the worst. But yet, it is absolutely important to consider what could happen and come up with solutions for them. Here\u2019s Outdoor Weddings 101 to guide you along.<\/p>
You shouldn\u2019t sweat the small stuff, but don\u2019t forget these as well\u2026<\/p>
1. SCALE AND BUDGET<\/B><\/p>
Many couples have the misconception that outdoor weddings are expensive. In fact, the actual cost of everything can be adjusted according to budget. Consider how much you\u2019d like to spend, taking into account important outdoor essentials like logistics, photography, catering, sound system and venue d\u00e9cor such as floral arrangements. This is also the time to decide if you\u2019d like to hire a wedding planner to coordinate everything for you.<\/p>
2. GUEST LIST<\/B><\/p>
Not all of your guests will be sun worshippers. When you\u2019re making up your guest list, consider if any of them will have unique needs. The elderly will need to be comfortably seated, while the children should probably not be exposed to too much sun. Do check if the outdoor venue is handicapped-friendly as well.<\/p>
3. WINE AND DINE<\/B><\/p>
The fact that your wedding lunch or dinner will be held outside will actually determine the kind of food and drinks you should have. Make sure your caterer has experience planning an outdoor wedding menu because this means they know they should prepare foods that keep well in the heat. Also, alcoholic drinks can be dehydrating so offer your guests a selection of refreshing, cooling choices like iced teas AND fruit punch.<\/p>
4. TRANSPORT<\/B><\/p>
If you\u2019re holding your wedding in a relatively remote area, consider whether your guests might need transport to get there. Not everyone drives, so it\u2019d be A good idea to arrange for free shuttle buses at strategic locations like the nearest MRT station. Your well-wishers will appreciate the gesture.<\/p>
5. TEMPERATURE<\/B><\/p>
The heat and humidity in Singapore can be a little too much to bear. If you\u2019re worried that the event may be too warm for some, you can always ask for cooler fans to be installed. That way, your guests will be able to enjoy the proceedings in a comfortable environment \u2013 without sacrificing the outdoor feel.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/singaporebrides.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2002\/06\/Outdoor-5.jpg\" "\\"Outdoor")
\u2026 it\u2019s on to Plan B. Having a contingency plan while organising an outdoor wedding is crucial.<\/p>
6. BACKUP SPACE<\/B><\/p>
Many outdoor venues have a \u201cback-up\u201d space that couples can use in case of emergencies, so ask the venue if you will have access to indoor space. However, if you\u2019re holding the wedding in a public space, you might have to think harder to make alternative arrangements.<\/p>
7. SHELTER, SHELTER, SHELTER<\/B><\/p>
If you don\u2019t have access to a back-up space, then a proper shelter to shield your guests is absolutely crucial. Make sure that your wedding planner or events organiser understands the importance of a sturdy tent \u2013 so it won\u2019t flip over in a thunderstorm. A tip: It has to have thick and weighted sides. Also have carpet flooring and transparent rain curtains on standby so that your guests won\u2019t be soaked to the bone or slip accidentally.<\/p>
8. COMFY MUST-HAVES<\/B><\/p>
Why not provide your guests with comfortable essentials? Consider printing your wedding program on a pretty fan so that guests can cool themselves. Or give out small bottles of sunscreen to concerned mums. If the weather doesn\u2019t hold up, why not surprise your guests with chirpy wellingtons and personalised umbrellas?<\/p>
As mentioned, one of the most important aspects of an outdoor wedding is the shelter. This is what will make or break the event. The most obvious choice is to rent a lovely white marquee. If you\u2019re holding the wedding at a hotel, it\u2019s likely that they will be able to arrange it for you, or point you to a trusted vendor.<\/p>
There are different styles to choose from, so know what you want. A century tent has more peaks with windowed sides \u2013 it can be air-conditioned and definitely fits the requirements of a formal \u2018do. A frame tent, as its name suggests, is supported by a frame with no poles down the centre. If you\u2019re holding an al fresco wedding in a picturesque location, go for this.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/singaporebrides.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2002\/06\/Screen-shot-2011-07-06-at-AM-10.10.53-e1309918330736.png\" "\\"1-TwentySix")
1-TwentySix Beach ing (now closed)<\/I>
There is no lack of suitable establishments or lovely outdoor venues in Singapore, but here are some suggestions.<\/p>
1. BEACH WEDDINGS<\/B><\/p>
Located on the East Coast beach and surrounded by lush greenery, 1-TwentySix is an ideal choice for holding romantic sunset weddings. There\u2019s a tropical pathway, which leads to two distinct areas for solemnization \u2013 the trellised garden or the beach. They have in-house wedding planners too!<\/p>
2. GARDEN WEDDINGS<\/B><\/p>
A classic choice for couples who want a picturesque garden setting for their weddings, Burkill Hall at Singapore Botanic Gardens is situated on the highest point of the National Orchid Garden. Guests can expect stunning panoramic views of the lush greenery. A plus point: Burkill Hall is a 2-storey colonial house that has been lovingly restored to capture the romance of a bygone era. You can also look at more garden venues we’ve recommended here<\/a>.<\/p> 3.CITY WEDDINGS<\/B><\/p> If your romantic dates have centred around visiting exhibitions at the National Museum of Singapore, why not get married here? For an outdoor feel, opt for the Glass Atrium, which commands a view of the exterior fa\u00e7ade of the iconic dome. No worries about bad weather, generous space for stage and lighting setup, and guests can actually enjoy banquet-style seating.<\/p> 4. POOLSIDE WEDDINGS<\/B><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/singaporebrides.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2002\/06\/Screen-shot-2011-07-06-at-AM-10.12.12-e1309918383677.png\" "\\"Crowne")
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport<\/I>