Many couples are moving away from traditional wedding venues and opting instead for the outdoors. Jacinta Walsh speaks with Phoebe Dean from Perth City Farm about the important aspects to consider when planning an outdoor wedding.
The benefits of hosting an outdoor wedding are endless. From selecting your own providers, to saving a bit of extra cash, your creative boundaries are only as limited as you allow them to be. Take your outdoor wedding as an opportunity to cater to your sensibilities and history as a partner; perhaps your ceremony will take place at the park where you met, or the beach where you shared your first kiss.
Planning a wedding may seem daunting at first, but it’s simply a matter of knowing where to begin. Here are Western Australia Wedding & Bride’s top 10 things to consider when planning an alfresco affair.
BOOKING A VENUE
While you can have your outdoor wedding just about anywhere these days, there are some logistics to consider first. If you’ve dreamed of
exchanging vows in a public space, like in a park, garden or on a beach, then you will most likely need to obtain a permit. You can apply for permits online through the local city council or by filling out a hard copy and submitting it by hand. Depending on where your wedding will take place, service fees and other costs may also be required. Public spaces are typically cheaper than traditional venues, but will vary in price due to factors such as their proximity to the city, as well as the length of time you will be using the space. Heritage-listed sites are usually more expensive, whereas some merely require a donation.
Before booking a venue, it’s also important to consider what facilities are available to your guests, such as if there are parking and toilet amenities nearby. A considerate bride is a favoured bride; something as simple as mentioning relevant parking details on the wedding invitations will put you in good stead with your guests.
Next, you must consider whether the ceremony and reception will take place at the same venue. Due to council restrictions, public spaces are typically only available for ceremonies, however outdoor venues such as vineyards, golf courses and manor houses typically have the resources to cater for both.
Perth City Farm offers amazing packages that include both its indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can use as much, or as little, of the venue as you require. “The Barn and The Art Room are [both] indoors and come with access to a courtyard for an outdoor wedding,” Dean says. It’s also important to know your venue’s policies on music, rubbish, and the consumption of alcohol before entering into an agreement. Similarly, check the venue’s event schedule, as well as other places nearby, to ensure your ceremony won’t be interrupted.
For a sentimental experience that will save you money, consider having a backyard wedding. If you or a loved one has the room, why not tie the knot in a space that is meaningful to you? You’d be amazed at how you can transform a gazebo – or even a Hills Hoist – into something special for your big day!
PLANNING
If you opt for an outdoor venue like Perth City Farm, you may have to take a BYO or DIY approach when planning your wedding. “We’re a hands-off venue,” Dean says. “[We leave it to] you to organise your own equipment, shelter and lighting.” What is most appealing about this approach is the fact that you aren’t locked in to specific suppliers. It’s a great way to save money, and depending on the day you wish to host your wedding, you can score some amazing deals. “Sunday night weddings are ridiculously cheap in either of our spaces,” she says.
In an outdoor setting, it’s far better to over-prepare as you will have less control over the environment. Outdoor weddings are subject to creepy crawlies, windy weather and temperamental temperatures, and while you can’t plan the weather, you can plan around it.
Come rain or shine, it’s important to provide shelter for your guests. Have a back-up plan in place; it might be as simple as moving to a different area or putting a deposit down on a tent in case the forecast is suddenly looking miserable a week before the event. In case plans change, set up a wedding website or social media page for your guests to follow. Just pop the link on your wedding invitations to keep everyone in the loop.
If your congregation is on the larger side, add a microphone to your list of things to bring to the ceremony. Sound may not travel well when you’re out in the elements, particularly if it’s a windy day. There’s no point hiring that eccentric celebrant if no one’s going to hear them.
SET UP
Depending on the venue, different packages will be available in regards to when you’d like to set up the space. Parks and gardens typically only offer a certain amount of time before the ceremony, while other venues, such as Perth City Farm, will allow you to set up days before your wedding. “Our wedding package covers a three-day hire,” says Dean. “You have full use of the venue on the Friday for any extensive indoor set up, deliveries or food prep, and the commercial kitchen is also yours from 9:00am.” This flexible arrangement gives you the ability to enjoy your wedding day without having to worry about setting anything up on the morning of.
In regards to seating, certain parks and gardens have a 10-seat maximum, so be sure to reserve chairs at the front for guests who really need them – you wouldn’t want your poor grandma standing for any longer than she needs to! Another aspect to consider is the position of the sun during the ceremony. To ensure your guests don’t miss a second of your nuptials, face seats away from the sun so it’s on their backs rather than in their eyes.
DÉCOR
There were probably many reasons why you’ve chosen to have an outdoor ceremony, but it’s most likely because you loved the setting – allow that to shine! The decorations should only be an extension of the natural surroundings, so keep colours neutral and flowers aplenty.
Lastly, keep your guests safe and the atmosphere romantic with lighting that has both function and aesthetic merit. A popular choice among couples is festoon lighting, as well as fairy lights, candles and lanterns.
ATTIRE
Before you fall in love with your wedding gown, think logically about whether or not it will suit the space in which your wedding will take place – there’s no point wearing mikado silk in the blazing heat or a heavy ball gown on a sandy beach. Lightweight fabrics like crepe, tulle and silk-organza work well in warmer weather and will ensure you stay comfortable on your wedding day.
In regards to makeup, start with a good base. Opt for primer and a matte foundation, which will increase staying power and reduce shine. To ensure your eye makeup doesn’t budge, use an eye primer, smudge-resistant eyeliner and waterproof mascara, and stay away from cream eyeshadows that will crease or melt in the sun. Use bronzer sparingly, particularly a product without a shimmery pigment. Remember to always carry a touch-up kit in case of emergencies, and don’t forget things like blotting paper, powder, lipstick, Q-tips, and tissues.
As for hair, a flexible-hold hairspray or mousse will keep your locks in place by removing any excess moisture. If you’re really worried about wind and rain, opt for an updo instead. For touch ups, add a toothbrush to your emergency kit. Spray the bristles with hairspray and guide any flyaways back into place. A veil will also work to protect your hair from the weather, while adding another gorgeous element to your bridal look.
COCKTAILS & CANAPÉS
If you’re looking to make your day as stress-free as possible, consider utilising one location. Take
advantage of a cocktail hour after the ceremony, where guests can enjoy drinks and canapés before the reception. To make use of the outdoor space, invite guests to partake in lawn games while getting to know one another. There’s no better way to break the ice than by introducing something light-hearted that will encourage conversation between guests who may have never met before.
During this time, you may choose to explore the grounds with your bridal party and photographer. Perth City Farm’s large courtyard is surrounded by established gardens and rustic buildings. “We have a graffiti wall and a thriving garden,” says Dean, who believes both locations are ideal for wedding photos.
Also consider positioning signage throughout the grounds to guide your guests between the ceremony, drinks and reception, which will avoid any confusion and encourage a natural flow.
THE RECEPTION
If you’re having your reception outdoors, it’s probably wise to invest in a tent or marquee. Be sure to consult your venue prior to organising a tent, as there may be restrictions on those that require posts nailed into the ground.
The three main styles include pole, frame and tension tents. Pole tents are the most common option, as they are inexpensive, light-weight and easy to install, but cannot be used on concrete or gravel. Frame tents, on the other hand, can be erected anywhere as they don’t need to be nailed into the ground. Metal frames brace the canopy of the tent, which makes it ideal for smaller, non-grassy areas. This does come at a cost, however, as they are the most expensive option. Lastly, tension tents rely on the tension of fabric that has been tied to the ground. Their high ceilings make for
beautiful, spacious interiors that should hold up in any weather.
Linens, tables, chairs and dinnerware can usually be sourced from the same supplier. Even if you don’t plan on having a sit-down dinner, have enough seating to cater for elderly guests, as well as people who may prefer to sit down and have a chat. Place your tables close together to keep the atmosphere intimate and encourage guests to mingle in the one area. It may also be a good idea to arrange a space where guests can relax or cool down after dancing the night away.
Portable toilets are also a must if there aren’t sufficient toilet amenities on site, but this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using an established outdoor venue.
CATERING
In order to keep your day cohesive and functional, adjust your menu to suit the location of your wedding. When booking your catering company, ensure it has had prior experience waiting on an outdoor wedding, particularly if yours will include a tent or sit-down dinner. “Food preparation and service may become tricky [in hot weather],” says Dean. Hiring a cooler or cool room may stop things from spoiling in the heat, especially your cake. Yes, it’s probably elaborate and deserves all the attention it can get, but consider bringing it out only when necessary – it’s for its own good!
Better yet, if you’re planning a smaller celebration, why not make it personal with some home cooking or a barbecue? Otherwise, if you’re looking for
something less formal and a bit more fun, Perth City Farm’s courtyard is the perfect setting for food trucks and other funky vendors.
ENTERTAINMENT
Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is your wedding entertainment. Regardless of whether you hire a band or DJ, they’ll most likely need electricity to power their equipment. Liaise with your venue to arrange access to power points or extension leads, or invest in a generator (and a back-up one!) if you’re out in the open.
The next important task is organising the dance floor. If your reception is taking place on a grassy area, install a hard surface for your guests to
dance on, because doing the twist can get a bit tricky when you start twisting into the ground. You should also make yourself aware of any noise restrictions that the venue may have in place. “[At Perth City Farm], there are general city noise limits,” says Dean, who recommends being mindful when partying into the night.
ENJOY THE DAY!
This step is the easiest. When the day arrives, it’s simply a matter of enjoying it! The planning is over, and all that’s left to do is celebrate your love with the people who matter the most. Take everything in and relish the beautiful setting around you – they don’t call it the great outdoors for nothing!