Pros and Cons of Outdoor Wedding Receptions

If you are getting married, you may be tempted to take advantage of the warm summer nights when planning your wedding and reception. While this is a great idea for the most part, there are problems that come up. When you start planning outdoor wedding receptions, there are things you can do to eliminate or at least side step those problems so that you can have the wedding of your dreams without having to look back at your big day wishing you had chosen a different path. A little planning can go a long way.

One of the biggest worries you have with outdoor wedding receptions is the weather. When you plan your event, you probably already know that this could be a problem. There is nothing that can stop a rain cloud from opening up on your party, but you can do something to make sure your day is not ruined when it does. Always have an alternative location when you are planning to have outdoor wedding receptions. That way, you have somewhere to quickly move your party if the weather is not cooperating. Have a few people in charge of the move just in case it happens.

Another problem that comes with outdoor wedding receptions is bugs. Most people do not think about this but it can be a huge problem and can cause what should be great memories to be bit painful and even a bit comical. If you are having your reception at night, you are going to have bigger problems with insects. Don't forget that some are drawn to light, and though there may not be much you can do about that it is nice to keep that in mind so you are not surprised. Add water nearby, and you could have a swarm of mosquitoes at your reception as uninvited quests. Take precautions to ward off insects and offer some bug spray.

Wind can be yet other of the bigger issues you have to deal with when throwing outdoor wedding receptions. You can not stop the wind, but you can take the time to make sure that everything important is secured so that dinnerware and cups are not flying all over the place. Table clothes can be taped down in a way that they still look great, but will not stir and fly away with a gust of wind. If the wind is too strong, you may want to consider moving to your indoor location. If you are prepared for it to be an issue, you may not care that much.

For the most part, outdoor wedding receptions are great and will leave you with good memories of your wedding day. However, this may not be the case if you do not take precautions. Those with a good sense of humor are the best candidates for outdoor parties of this type, as they can look back on things that happen with a smile rather than thinking they were cheating out of a great wedding reception. What you want to do is up to you, but know that it is possible to have a fun and memorable outdoor wedding reception if you think ahead towards all possibilities.