From personal experience, I've found that Fall is the new summer here in the Northeast. The foliage is the perfect back drop for romance. The warm colors and cool breezes are ideal for swirling love in the air. A nice thing is that it isn't technically "wedding season" so you can often get a good deal on venues.
However, if you're getting married in New England, the market of "the leafers" (as those seeking the beauty of the foliage are known as) can drive up the cost of a stay for your guests. "Peak season" usually ends around Columbus Day weekend, however, there is still usually good foliage and decent weather after that weekend so an end of October date isn't a bad option.
There are tons of sites with locations for outdoor weddings. Here are a few:
While an outdoor wedding can be beautiful there are some important things to consider and be mindful of when planning to do so. Here is a list, in no particular order:
1) Mother Nature does not care its your day:
If you are planning a wedding outside so that you can enjoy all that nature has to offer, be aware that you're playing by natures rules. Rain, shine, snow, sleet, what have you, THE SHOW MUST GO ON! This is why you need a back up plan. Make sure that your venue has space available either inside the location or the ability to put up tents. You should be sure to leave a line in your budget for a back up plan. You don't want to have your wedding ruined because you spent the money on nice flowers instead of a tent. Most party rental companies have them available. If you're already renting things from them, adding on a tent shouldn't be too much extra. Which brings me to my next point...2) Make sure your vendors are too legit that they won't quit:
For many of these outdoor locations you will need to hire outside vendors to bring EVERYTHING. I would encourage you to find locations with great outdoor space and a majority of their own stuff on site. If the location doesn't have things on site, they will frequently have a list of vendors they use. While their vendors can be expensive, its an expense I encourage you to take. These vendors know the location, have a good relationship with the venue, and have less of a chance of screwing you over in some way. The venue would not suggest them if they didn't trust them on their property. These recommended vendors have working relationships with the venues that they won't want to ruin, you're not the first person to get married there and won't be the last. They have a lot to lose and will probably be good to you. The last thing you want to 2 days before your wedding finding out that the chairs you rented to save $300 from an outside vendor aren't coming any more. This will cause you to scramble and end up having to pay more for such a short turn around time.3) Seeing is believing:
Like with any location, you should be sure to visit the location. However, you should really go during the season you want to have your event. This will require extra time but keep in mind that what it looks like on March 14th and September 14th are very different. This really applies to those locations that you're choosing based on their seasonal appeal. If you fall in love with something, you have to accept that the great outdoors will not always look the same. But, if you can see it in its season you will get a better idea. If time does not allow for this many venues will have photos for you to see, be sure to ask. Go to the ceremony spot and pretend to sit where your guests will be seated. You want to make sure that you like what they're going to see. If not, then you should keep it in mind and when you have the space set up you can adapt for it.4) Plan for uninvited guests:
When I say guests, I'm not talking about the conventional wedding crashers. Having an outdoor wedding, the least of your worries is a stranger drinking your alcohol and eating your food. I'm talking about the worst kinds: insects and temperature. They are unwelcome in every way, but, if you prepare correctly, you will be ok.The insect issue is a bigger deal in the summer than any other time. If you need to put a line in the budget to fund OFF Products then so be it. The last thing you want people to be saying is, "It was beautiful, but, I'm covered in mosquito bites". One trick, is using citronella candles as whatever candles you were planning on using. I would caution to make sure the scent isn't too strong. Many of them can be over powering and you don't want to ruin the space with a stench of citronella.
Planning for the heat or cold is also important. You can easily rent fans to cool things down, or heaters to warm things up. The right temperature can make all the difference in your guests having a great time. The same thing goes for the sun. You don't want people straining themselves to see you when they're staring into the sun at the ceremony. Providing inexpensive personalized sunglasses is a great option. (I'll go into more regarding fun favors at a later date)
These are just a few tips that I've come up with. I very well may add to it in the future, so keep checking back. Here's to hoping you can Heist a great location and everyone cooperates.
Good luck and Happy Heisting!
-Danielle
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