Drywater Videography.

Outdoor Wedding Considerations

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Below are some things to consider if you are planning an outdoor wedding.

Outdoor weddings are great, but they do pose unique challenges which must be considered. Here are a few of the most common things we see at weddings for you to take note of to ensure an unforgettable day- in a good way!

Have a backup plan.

If you plan an outdoor wedding, you are expecting clear skies and perfect weather- but what if it's not so perfect? Be sure your backup location has enough seats to accommodate your guests invited.  If possible have the backup location already prepared.

Have adequate sound.

Indoor weddings can echo and amplify singers and speakers, but outdoors, the sound is easily lost in the wind. Be sure you have adequate sound equipment both for the speakers and/or reader as well as for any musicians or specials you have planned. When we say adequate, we mean something that works. Karaoke machines might work ok in your living room but probably won't suffice outdoors. If you're not sure, try the equipment a month before hand, not an hour before the ceremony, in case you need to rent something more adequate. Also consider wind when choosing microphones.  Some microphones will pick up more wind than they do the speaker which will make your sound even worse.

Grass is different than carpeted floors.

Be sure the ground where the bridal party will be walking is safe for their shoes. If it's rock, cement or sand, will they easily trip? If it's grass or dirt will their shoes sink in? What if the ground is damp from dew or rain?

If you are using an aisle runner be sure you try it before hand! most outdoor weddings run into problems when the wind grabs the runner and blows it around. The last thing you need is for the bride to trip on an air-born runner or for the guests in the aisle seats to have to lean out to hold it down. Be sure it is heavy enough to resist the wind and that it lies flat enough (if in grass) to not catch the heels of shoes. Also be sure the runner actually unrolls- many of them look ready to unroll but prove challenging if not prepared in advance.

Be aware of the sun.

Depending on how you place the bridal party you may find they are blinded by the sun, creating unflattering photos.

Look at your surroundings.

If possible, you want all distractions (eg. golfers, playgrounds, ugly buildings, etc) to be behind the audience, not behind you or the officiator.  If it is behind the officiator it is more likely to be captured on video or in photos.