Planning an Outdoor Wedding
In recent years, more couples have been leaning away from the traditional church ceremony and are moving towards outdoor weddings. Getting married outdoors really captures an air of romance with the added bonus of a beautiful landscape backdrop. Therefore, minimal decorations are required and the ‘less-is-more’ approach is enhanced. This blog highlights some of the key things to consider when planning your perfect outdoor wedding.
How to find an outdoor wedding venue
When renting an indoor traditional venue like ours, you don’t have to worry about essential things like electricity, bathrooms and running water. These things are not as readily available with an outdoor wedding and may need to be hired. Depending on the closeness of indoor toilets, you may wish to hire outdoor facilities. Also, seating, shelter and music facilities should all be considered to ensure your guests’ comfort and enjoyment. British weather can be rather unpredictable so hiring a marquee or a gazebo makes sure everyone stays warm and dry.
Types of catering for an outdoor wedding
There can be many more challenges when it comes to feeding your guests at an outdoor wedding as opposed to an indoor one. You may opt to hire a pop-up kitchen to offer your guests a hot three-course meal. However, buffets and BBQs offer an easier and cost effective alternative as some of the food can be prepared in the hotel kitchens and transferred outside.
Wet weather contingencies for an outdoor wedding
We would always recommend asking your musicians or DJ how much space, access to electricity and temperature control they require. Once you’ve confirmed the number of guests and seating arrangements, you should produce a floor plan. This is to ensure you’re making the most of the space available and an outdoor shelter is large enough to cover everyone and everything you want to keep dry! If the weather does take a turn for the worse, when booking outdoor weddings with us, we will ensure that you have an indoor room available. So keep some indoor decorations in mind just in case!
Whatever your dreams for your big day, The Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group are happy to help. To speak with one of our dedicated wedding coordinators, please email weddings@devonshirehotels.co.uk or call 01756 718155. Also please click here more information.
Jody Holden
Group Wedding & Events Coordinator