There’s something inherently special about mixing nature and weddings. The two seem to go hand in hand in crafting a charming and elegant space, and over the last few years we’ve seen more couples ready to take their big day outdoors. This blog describes how to make the most of mother nature in your event, as well as raising awareness to some important considerations.
Take inspiration from your surroundings
Whether your location is a few steps away from the sea or nestled up in the mountainside, highlighting the scenery around you can lead to some spectacular results. Placing emphasis on your surroundings can be achieved by:
- Choosing a location with sweeping views (great examples include fields, coasts and hills)
- Positioning your marquee near key landmarks like lakes or trees that serve as fantastic backdrops
- Opting for transparent or open marquee sides that bring your space closer to nature
- Orientating dining areas and seating sections to face outwards
- Matching interior decor with your surroundings through the use of foliage, shrubs and other rustic ornaments
- Keeping any interior decor simple to highlight surrounding natural beauty
Work with the weather
Whilst the idea of a sunny outdoor wedding sounds perfect, preparing for the worst in terms of weather can keep your day running smoothly come rain or shine. Stable flooring inside the marquee can protect against damp ground and help keep your guests feeling comfortable all day. Portable heaters and fans aid in regulating temperature across your setup, and are particularly important for weddings in the colder Winter months. Marquee sides that roll up or down provide extra peace of mind, enabling you to stay in control regardless of what the weather brings. Furthermore, outdoor accessories should ideally be waterproof, with any outdoor equipment and furniture able to be moved inside quickly given any sudden rain.
Mark the way
Whilst a trek may seem exciting to some, endeavouring through mud and dirt in wedding attire may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Incorporating suitable walkways can go a long way in improving accessibility and keeping your guests happy. In addition, ensure paths are well-lit and stable, especially if you plan on extending your wedding into the night. The last thing you need is somebody getting injured!
Signs are also a great way of sprinkling some exploration into your wedding. Outdoor signs can build anticipation as guests walk up to your marquee for the first time, with the added bonus of preventing anybody from wandering off course.
Say I do, outdoors
The concept of an outdoor ceremony is becoming increasingly common amongst marquee weddings, and for good reason. Outdoor ceremonies help connect your day to the surrounding landscape, allowing you choose a picturesque spot to say your vows.
Setting one up doesn’t have to be complicated – more often than not, keeping it simple is key to making it impactful. Many couples opt for a coir mat runway to serve as the aisle, with garden furniture arranged on either side for seating. Transparent ceremony tents can also be used to shield guests from bad weather without the disadvantage of blocking sunlight.
Have some fun
Incorporating outdoor games and activities is a fantastic way to make your wedding feel interactive and unique. Classic lawn games such as boules or Jenga are a popular choice as they appeal to all ages, providing entertainment between key moments for every guest. Some other ideas include picnics or firepits, but the sky is the limit for these things, so feel free to get creative.
Let guests catch up
Outdoor seating areas are a fantastic way of allowing guests to take a break from the action, unwind, and soak in their surroundings. For those looking a quick catch up, wooden barrels provide the perfect place to set down drinks whilst chatting. If you’re after a more permanent social setting, wooden benches enable groups to form naturally outside.
Breathe fresh air into your wedding
MJM Marquees was an irreplaceably and unforgettably wonderful part of my wedding day… The large traditional pole tent was everything we dreamed of – it really brought the “wow” factor that we were hoping for. Katherine Ambrose
We strive to craft high-quality wedding spaces tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us today for more information.
