
With great weather and beautiful scenery throughout the state, it’s no wonder why Florida is a popular place for destination weddings. Many couples looking to get married in Florida are particularly interested in having an outdoor wedding. From beaches to historic churches and mansions, there’s an outdoor wedding venue for everyone! Are you thinking of planning an outdoor wedding in Florida? Here are some things to remember to create a magical atmosphere on the most important day of your life.
Find the Right Venue
There is a wide range of outdoor wedding venues throughout Florida, making choosing the right one for your wedding seemingly impossible. To help narrow your search, you’ll want to ask logistical questions during your venue tour, such as access to bathrooms, electricity, and any planned construction in the area. You should also ask if the venue has a rain location and tour that facility.
Pick Appropriate Decor and Style
Some themes may work better than others for outdoor weddings, so you’ll want to remember this when picking a color palette, decor, and the bridal party’s wardrobe. Pinterest is a wonderful place to gather wedding color palette inspiration based on your preferred style.
Inform Guests
One of the most important steps to hosting an outdoor wedding is to ensure your guests are prepared. Mention what parts of the ceremony and reception will be outside in your wedding invitation and on your wedding website, so everyone can stay informed and plan their attire accordingly.
Think About Sound and Lighting
Another overlooked factor of having an outdoor wedding is sound and lighting. Ambient noises can make it hard for guests to hear you and your spouse recite your vows or your preacher give a sermon on your favorite bible verse. Consider whether the venue will allow you to have a sound system with a standing microphone so every guest can hear the wedding ceremony. You’ll also want to think about lighting. Will the ancient oak tree that provides a gorgeous backdrop for photos cast odd shadows on you and your bridal party? Will beautiful, golden-hour sunshine hit your guests right in their faces during your evening ceremony?
Budget for Rental Equipment
When hosting an outdoor wedding, you’ll need to bring all your equipment with you. Factor in the cost of rental furniture like chairs, tables, and tablecloths into your wedding budget. You may also want to consider renting tents in case of rain. If your reception is outdoors, you’ll want to determine whether you’ll want to install a temporary dance floor at the venue and provide artificial lighting once the sun goes down.
Consider the Bug Factor
If you have an outdoor wedding in Florida, you must consider ways to keep the bugs away! Ask your venue if they spray for bugs and mosquitoes regularly. As guests enter the venue, provide natural, odorless bug spray cans to help them be comfortable during the ceremony. Place bug torches or citronella candles around your ceremony seating area. You can incorporate natural bug-repelling flowers and plants, like lavender and peppermint, into your decor.
Timing
Understanding the weather and climate when you’ll have during your outdoor wedding is the key to its success. If you’re having your wedding in the summer, you may want to consider a mid-morning or late-afternoon ceremony to avoid the hottest part of the day. If you’re getting married in the winter, you’ll want to consider your wardrobe choice if there’s a cold snap that creeps in on your wedding day.
Canterbury Conference Center: Central Florida Outdoor Wedding Venue
Canterbury Conference Center is located on a secluded 48-acre property with a lake, a chapel, an indoor reception area, an outdoor terrace for ceremonies, and beautiful natural surroundings. Our executive Chef is ready to help you plan a memorable menu for your special day. We have everything you need to host your outdoor wedding and reception. Canterbury Conference Center can accommodate parties with up to 200 people. Learn more about weddings at Canterbury! Or, contact us today at 407-365-5571 to book your outdoor wedding with us.