by Elizabeth T. McArthur

Created on: August 26, 2010   Last Updated: September 16, 2010

If you're having an outdoor fall wedding, remember to consider the following:

Location

Check out the location carefully, whether it’s a generous friend’s backyard or a public park. Look at the trees, grass and flowers in the area. Are they hardy fall varieties that will still be growing beautifully when you have your ceremony? Or are they summer plants that will be brown and less appealing when your special day comes around? Is there enough level ground for seating? Lastly, consider parking at your venue. You should have an idea of the amount of guests you’ll invite, so take time to look around and make sure they’ll all have somewhere to park reasonably nearby. If not, perhaps it's time to consider renting a mode of transportation to convey guests from the parking area to the ceremony.

Timing

The timing of a fall wedding needs to be considered carefully. The sun is starting to set earlier and you don’t want guests to be caught in the chilly autumn evening unaware. Make sure to visit the location you’ve chosen at the time you think you want to have your ceremony. Then stay through the time you think it will take to complete the ceremony. Is there still enough light for pictures? Is it getting too chilly? And, if you’re visiting a month or two in advance, remember it will get darker earlier and earlier. If you need to move the time of the ceremony forward, it’s important to do so before you order invitations.

Invitations

Speaking of invitations, be sure to state unequivocally on the invite that the ceremony will be held outdoors. If you’re inviting many guests from a different region of the country, you might also list a website on your invitation that will allow them to find more information about the likely weather on the day of ceremony and how to dress appropriately.

Back-up Plan

Just as you would for an outdoor wedding at any time of year, make sure to have a back-up plan. Whether the day ends up being rainy or just too cold, you want to be confident that you can move your decor and seating to a different location and have a ceremony that is just as wonderful as the originally planned, outdoor event.

Last but not least, remember to enjoy your wedding. It’s a very special day for you, your fiancé and those who gather for the festivities. Have fun!

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