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Outdoor Wedding Ideas

Few venues can compare with the great outdoors when it comes to inspiring wedding day awe. Imagine the rocky shore of the ocean, a fragrant botanical garden, even the cosiness and familiarity of your own back garden. Think of sunsets, cool breezes, the tranquillity of a star-filled sky, the great outdoors presents the perfect setting for weddings. Here are some of our outdoor wedding ideas to help and advise you with a location for your special day.

Great outdoor Wedding site ideas

Here are some of our picks for amazing outdoor wedding sites:

Wedding Planning

Ask any newlywed couple, even couples that have been married for a long time, and they'll all say the same thing: The key to a successful wedding ceremony and reception is in the wedding planning. What's a successful wedding? One that goes smoothly, without any major glitches. Small things go wrong at every wedding. But keep in mind that you can save yourself from migraine headaches and crying spells by making a wedding plan and simply sticking with it. These simple tips will help you take some of the stress away (or at least minimize it!).

A COMMON MISTAKE

One mistake that many couples make is basking in the glow of their engagement until 4-6 months before their wedding date. Then they try to cram all of the wedding planning into a too-short period of time. Of course you should just sit back and be thrilled about your engagement for a while, but then you have to get cracking on the wedding planning!

BUY A CALENDAR OR DATEBOOK

Once you determine your wedding date, set specific dates by which you want to get things accomplished. For example, you got engaged in June, and your wedding date is April 24. On August 31, mark in that you want to have the ceremony location and reception hall reserved. Try to get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few won't be hectic.

SET ASIDE TIME TO WORK ON PLANNING THE WEDDING DETAILS

Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on it, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion, i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on reception hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs.

SHARE DUTIES

This is the best way to get things done. You both should be involved every step of the way. Make a list of details to be taken care of, then divide the list in half. Each of you choose what you want to do. This will make grooms want to be involved, instead of making them feel like they have to help. Sure, your sweetie probably isn't concerned with exactly which flowers you carry. And maybe you're not picky about what tuxedos he and the guys wear (or maybe you are!). But involving your husband-to-be will make him feel that it's his wedding, too - something he helped plan, not just something he has to show up at. Which brings us to our next tip...

TALK, TALK, TALK

We can't stress this enough. Be sure that if you're sharing the wedding planning duties that you're also sharing the wedding planning details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, just make sure you're telling each other about it so the caterer isn't contracted with twice!

BE FLEXIBLE

Okay, so you really didn't want the groom/ushers in those tails and top hats. And maybe he doesn't want the cake to be lemon with pecan icing. Each of you is going to want things that the other doesn't care for, but flexibility is a must. Be willing to bend. If you really object to something, let your objection be heard and noted. Just give the other person a chance to explain why he/she really wants to arrive at the reception in a jacuzzi in the back of the limo.

DETAILS, CONTRACTS, AND NEGOTIATIONS

When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price.

Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

STAY ORGANISED

This one's pretty obvious! The more organised you are, the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Buy a notebook, and keep all your wedding planning information in it. Receipts, contracts, ideas, everything. You might also want to get notebooks for your maid of honour/bridesmaids and the best man. Put info such as dates, times, locations, and duties. This will keep everyone organised as well, and minimize the chance of someone missing a fitting date or rehearsal time.

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