Outdoor weddings can be unforgettable events. But along with the magic of a special outdoor place comes some not-so-magical realities -- that hurricane watch, those pesky mosquitoes, a bare tent that needs to be decorated, 200 cars and no place to park, and, oops, the heel of your sexy sandal that's stuck in the grass halfway down the aisle. Don’t panic, though, nature-lovers. Getting married outdoors is well worth it and can be accomplished with a little planning ahead.

First and foremost, consider the season. Not many people are comfortable being outside in the dead of winter, nor will your elderly guests fare well in the summer sun. You’ll need to provide umbrellas or parasols for sun protection, or heat lamps to protect guests from the chill in the colder months.

Outdoor wedding decor should be kept simple, since nature needs little embellishment. Don’t try to compete with the surroundings; instead, complement them. If you’ll be putting up a tent for your reception, don’t forget to decorate those tent poles. Finally, party planners agree that lighting is the key to a luminous outdoor wedding -- it creates an environment and is more cost-effective than elaborate decor.

To learn more about planning a wedding in the great outdoors, see our ultimate guide to outdoor weddings.