Whether your setting is an oceanside cliff or mountain vista, your backyard garden, the beach at the family cottage, or an outdoor terrace twinkling with lights, we have suggestions for hosting a unique and memorable celebration.
Saying “I do” in the great outdoors: TOP 10 TIPS
- Have an indoor “plan b”: It goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway – be prepared. Weather is never 100 per cent predictable, so have an alternate, indoor plan in case of a torrential downpour or other weather disaster. This might mean securing access to an on-site pavilion in the park, or renting a tent.
- Put guest comfort at the top of your list: Provide bug repellent or use plenty of citronella candles if pests are a problem. Ensure adequate seating, at least for older guests or those who tire easily. If there’s a long distance between parking and the wedding site, consider renting golf carts. If evenings are cool, tent heaters can take the edge off for guests who want to dance into the wee hours. Be clear in your invitations that it’s an outdoor wedding, and offer recommendations about practical attire for guests.
- Dress appropriately for the setting and the expected weather: If you’re getting married on the beach in the middle of July, a long-sleeved dress with a train and high heels probably isn’t your best option. Similarly, for groomsmen, don’t go the full-tuxedo route if temperatures are expected to be in the 30-degree-Celsius range.
- Log on to www.weatherplanner.com: While this is a pay-for-use service, you can try it free for two days. It’s been used by business and government for more than 60 years to predict weather conditions for important dates and events, and the site boasts up to 83 per cent accuracy.
- Keep décor simple: The beauty of an outdoor wedding is in the natural setting. Don’t compete with it. Limit your decorations to a few well-chosen accents. You may want to ensure that there’s a focal point for the ceremony, in the form of an archway, trellis, or something similar.
- Secure all necessary permits: Don’t risk a nasty surprise on your wedding day by assuming anything. Check into whether your location requires permits for guest parking, serving liquor, using an open flame, and noise at certain hours.
- Make sure you’ll have access to the amenities you’ll need for a successful event: If restrooms are not available at the site, you’ll have to rent port-a-potties (which can be made surprisingly accommodating for more formal events). You’ll probably need an electrical source as well, and if one isn’t available you may have to rent a generator.
- Visit the site at the same time of day well in advance of your big day: This will help you ensure that the sun won’t be blinding for your guests (set up shade umbrellas or consider changing the direction of seating if it is), for example, or any other weather-related arrangements necessary.
- Hire professionals: Even if you’re hosting a casual gathering, consider hiring some wait staff and at least one professional bartender to help out so you can enjoy the event. A general guideline is to hire one bartender per 50 people served (although I had 90 at my wedding and our one bartender handled things quite well). Other good reasons to hire a professional bartender: He/she will be better equipped to deal with those who have clearly had too much to drink (coach in advance about potential problem guests, if necessary), and people typically drink more at a self-serve bar.
- Consider setting up a small tent: Even if you're not planning to provide a tent to shield your guests, a simple "fly" tent can be useful for shielding the food (if it’s a buffet) or even just to protect the cake until it’s ready to be served, while leaving it in view of the guests. (One important note: Be sure the ground is level where you’re setting up food. It helps to avoid spills and, as I witnessed at one outdoor wedding, the gradual splitting apart of the wedding cake!
Setting up the bar for the big event
When it comes to stocking a bar for your reception, it’s up to you to determine how much variety you wish to offer your guests. Typically, wine is served with the meal (and it’s entirely appropriate to have the bar closed during this time). Choose wines to complement the food you’re serving (see our article on pairing wine with food for guidance).
Doing the math
When it comes to calculating alcohol amounts, here are some general guidelines:
- Expect guests to consume three to four drinks each over a three-hour period
- A standard bottle of wine yields five glasses (seven per litre, 10.5 per magnum)
- A bottle of champagne yields six flutes
- A 750 mL bottle of spirits yields 17 standard drinks
- For each bottle of spirits include approximately three similarly sized bottles of mix
Mixing it up
When it comes to liquor, here are some suggested proportions:
- 30 per cent Canadian whisky
- 20 per cent vodka
- 20 per cent rum
- 10 per cent scotch
- 10 per cent gin (more popular in summer)
- 10 per cent float or something unusual ( e.g. liqueurs, tequila or schnapps )
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WEDDING THEMES
Wedding theme #1: Sunrise spectacular
The invitations: Photo or postcard of ceremony location view
The menu: Made-to-order omelettes, assorted breads and pastries, chocolate-dipped strawberries. Served buffet-style
The drinks: Sunrise mimosas, specialty coffee bar, selected liqueurs (see coffee drinks for inspiration)
The atmosphere: Casual to semi-formal, depending on location.
The music: Hire violinist and guitarist for flexibility
The favors: Selection of specialty coffee beans or teas packages in pretty cloth bags
Planning tips: Make sure you know what time sunrise will be that day for the best chance at great photos and the best show for your guests
Wedding theme #2:Afternoon garden party
The invitations: Hand-decorated seed packets
The menu: Assorted tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, seasonal salads, served family-style or buffet
The drinks: Pitchers of bubbly punch, lemonade, mint juleps, iced tea, wine
The atmosphere: Personal, friendly, semi-formal
The music: String quartet or classical CDs playing in the background
The favors: A small packet of your favorite seeds (perhaps collected the season before from your own garden) or a small garden plant
Planning tips:
- Large, fragrant planters to line walkways and help direct guests
- Comfortable seating, not just for ceremony, but in small groupings around garden to encourage conversation
- If you plan far enough in advance, have an arbor or trellis with flowering vines as a focal point for the ceremony
- If you’re shy in the trees department, consider patio umbrellas or even basic canopies if you’re not using tents, to provide some shaded areas for guests
- Renting tableware makes for easier cleanup, but mismatched old china borrowed from family and friends adds to the garden atmosphere and is easier on the budget
- Releasing butterflies after the vows are exchanged can be a dramatic and memorable touch
Wedding theme #3: Sunset on the beach
The invitations: Nautical or summer-themed cards, with seashell or loon motif (if the beach is at a family cottage, consider a summer photo of the engaged couple at the property)
The menu: Boiled lobster, grilled corn, salads on ice
The drinks: Assorted premium beers (see "Beer and Food" to help you find the right match), pitchers of lemonade, Long Island iced tea, and Caesars.
The atmosphere: Casual and fun
The music: Beach party – memorable summer songs, “golden oldies”
The favors: CDs of the happy couple’s favorite summer tunes
Planning tips:
- Rake sand in advance to make comfortable for all, and encourage bare feet for all guests
- Provide plenty of lawn chairs and large, comfy blankets
- Plastic only, for tableware (have bartender pour bottled drinks into plastic cups)
- Torches add to the atmosphere
- Long tables or picnic tables with tablecloths can provide comfort for guests while eating
- Consider making a unique entrance by arriving via boat
Wedding theme #4: Twilight cocktails
The invitations: Simple and elegant, printed on quality stationery
The menu: Substantial hors d’oeuvres, served by wait staff
The drinks: Martini bar (see our Martini article for ideas), wine, champagne cocktails
The atmosphere: Intimate, elegant and formal. Could be a backyard, a rented greenhouse or solarium. Twinkling lights, candles everywhere
The music: Assorted jazz CDs
The favors: Small, exquisitely packaged boxes of truffles
Planning tips: Have enough wait staff on hand to ensure that guests are well attended to
 There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.
~ Martin Luther 
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