6 Tips for Planning a Perfect Ohio Outdoor Wedding

cleveland wedding planning for outdoor wedding ceremonies

WE’RE HERE TO HELP WITH YOUR OHIO OUTDOOR WEDDING PLANNING. THESE TIPS WILL ALLOW YOU TO PUT TOGETHER THE PERFECT CEREMONY!

When you begin planning for your Ohio outdoor wedding, there’s a lot to consider. An outdoor wedding can be beautiful, especially if you have a scenic natural background. However, outdoor weddings can also be challenging to plan, especially with the weather in Northeast Ohio. Whether it’s sweltering heat in the summer months or an unexpected thunderstorm, it’s important to be well prepared for every possibility if you plan to say “I do” in the great outdoors.

OUR TOP 6 TIPS FOR PLANNING AN OHIO OUTDOOR WEDDING

1. KEEP EVERYBODY COMFORTABLE.

When you’re planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, it’s important to be thoughtful of your guests. After all, they’re here for you! For example, if the weather is going to be hot and sunny, think about providing sunglasses and sunscreen for everyone. If you’re planning on a winter wedding, consider having blankets on every seat or even coffee or hot cocoa on hand after the ceremony.

fun sunglasses for guests as gifts for for a sunny wedding day

2. TALK TO YOUR VENDORS ABOUT SPECIFICS.

Not only should you let all your vendors know about both your outdoor ceremony and your backup plan, but you should also ask them for advice. Chances are they’ve all worked at outdoor weddings before and can offer some tips for decorating, keeping bugs away, and any other concerns you may have. The more advice you can get, the better prepared you’ll be!

3. CREATE A PLAN B YOU LOVE.

clevleand backyard wedding tent for outdoor ceremony

Having a backup indoor plan for your outdoor wedding is a smart choice, but make sure it’s a plan that makes you happy. Of course, your dream ceremony will take place outdoors, but if you don’t have things you love about your backup plan, you’re headed for huge disappointment if the weather turns bad. Make sure to thoughtfully incorporate fun details into your Plan B so that your wedding day will be a blast no matter whether it’s inside or outside.

We’ve had outside weddings need to be moved due to weather, and without a plan B in place, couples have ended up with very different ceremony accommodations than what they envisioned. Please do not underestimate the need for a plan B – especially in northeast Ohio.

4. PUT EXTRA THOUGHT INTO HAIR, MAKEUP, AND WARDROBE.

If you’re planning on having your ceremony outside, you’ll need to choose a hairstyle that’s wind-proof and won’t be easily destroyed by the weather. Talk to your stylist about what would work best with your hair and the expected weather. The same goes for your makeup—if your wedding may be humid, you’ll want to make sure your makeup won’t run and ruin your photos. A professional makeup artist can help you plan the perfect look that will hold up no matter the weather.

When you’re shopping for the perfect gown, think about the terrain at your venue and the temperature. If your wedding will be in a warmer month, consider also purchasing a reception dress that you can change into after the ceremony. You don’t want to be overheating when everyone else is on the dance floor. You’ll also want to put some thought into your shoes, as sharp heels can sink into grass or soft ground. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and easy to walk in.

bride hair and makeup look for Ohio outdoor wedding ceremony

5. MAKE SURE YOUR GUESTS STAY UPDATED.

Use your wedding website (like The Knot) to keep everyone up to speed on any changes due to weather. Your website is also a great place to let guests know what to expect from your ceremony. For instance, you can offer tips on what to wear, such as “The reception will be held outside on the grass, so avoid heels.” Your guests will be grateful for any information ahead of time that will make them feel more prepared—and there will be less grumbling about the weather or the outdoor venue.

6. BE FLEXIBLE.

Your wedding may not go exactly as you planned, and that’s okay! Just roll with it and make the most of the unexpected. For example, have some umbrellas on hand for some romantic rainy portraits in case of inclement weather. Instead of fretting about what could go wrong, enjoy what goes right and remember that the most important thing is you’re finally married to your best friend!