Finding that perfect wedding venue is one of the most daunting tasks an engaged couple will face in the run-up to the big day. There’s the cost of the venue to contend with, the question of location, and a seemingly endless barrage of factors that pile up faster than gifts at a bridal shower.
Outdoor weddings are no exception. So what happens when you’ve always pictured your wedding ceremony and reception taking place outside, in a lush garden, idyllic beach, or sunny hillside? Well, quite honestly, what happens is you end up with even more questions that need answering, and logistical challenges to solve.
With the many worrisome factors of wedding planning in mind, here are the cons of an outdoor wedding—and why you're probably better off with an elegant indoor venue:
Mother Nature’s Darkside
This is the obvious risk when it comes to staging any event outside. And no matter how closely you follow weather reports or how adamantly you studied the Farmer’s Almanac from front to back, Mother Nature is her own boss and follows her own rules. As such, even if you diligently monitor the weather forecasts, there is always a chance a storm could roll in unexpectedly. Imagine waking up on the morning of your wedding to a few dark clouds on the horizon. No big deal, right? Okay, then a few hours later when you are about to walk down the aisle, the sky opens up. Guests are scrambling for cover, your dress is soaked, and the entire event is compromised. What a nightmare.
Less-Than Grand Entrance
One of the more classic moments of a wedding happens at the outset of the reception, when the bride and groom make their grand entrance into the hall, following their wedding party. It’s a moment overcome with applause, music, photos, and loving adulation for the newlyweds. A dramatic outdoor entrance is far more difficult to pull off, as some of the grandeur is naturally lost when the couple isn’t bursting into an actual room, hand in hand. When the DJ is about to call your name at an outdoor reception, you're just awkwardly standing there in full view of everyone—unless you decided to rent tacky drapery, which obviously is not ideal.
Hidden Costs Everywhere
There’s a prevailing thought that outdoor weddings are less expensive since there is no brick and mortar venue to pay for. But when you plan an outdoor wedding, you quickly learn that you are responsible for every single aspect—and the cost quickly adds up. From napkins to silverware to garbage bags and bathrooms, there is no end to the logistics needed in planning. On the other hand, wedding venues often provide catering and everything that goes with it. They have staff that will clean up after the guests, plenty of utensils, and they definitely have restroom facilities on hand.
Takeaway
It can be tempting to plan an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature. In theory, it sounds like a fantastic idea that your guests will remember for a long time. But in reality, there are just far too many question marks—and the danger that your guests will remember it for all the wrong reasons.
