Nothing makes you happier than the great outdoors. A scenic waterfall at the base of a beautiful mountain, a lake at your favorite national park, an English garden at the music conservatory near your childhood home -- beginning your new life together in a gorgeous natural setting is your fantasy. But while you gravitate to the open-air, understand that while a stunning outdoor setting may be your dream, the logistics could be your nightmare.
Outdoor events often require the host to provide all of the necessary equipment from setup to breakdown. The comprehensive list includes everything from generators, heat lamps, refrigerators and restrooms, to all of the smaller items (with no emergency back-ups or seconds available!). But if you choose to go for the outdoor wedding of your dreams, let us provide a few suggestions on reducing your costs
Sound Judgment
Make sure that you review the local sound or noise ordinance in the community where your outdoor wedding is to be held, prior to signing any contracts or agreeing on payment. Don't pay for five hours of music when local laws may only allow for three.
Seasonal Bargains
You're having your wedding at your favorite national park, and would love to have it during the summer months. Terrific. However, do try to avoid the major summer holidays such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. You'll find the rates are raised, the local hotels are filled and gas prices are high.
Local Flavor
You can't imagine anything more important at your outdoor wedding than your bridal gown and the catered food but the costs of bringing in generators, cooling equipment and portable stoves is prohibitive. So go ahead and consider making your wedding meal less of a formal event and more of a nighttime picnic under the stars. Replicate simple meals for the great outdoors that are easily prepared with few ingredients and readily available in even remote locations. French feasts with crusty bread, cheese and fruit work perfectly.
Rental Savvy
Since your outdoor wedding is potentially subject to inclement weather, you will likely require a tent or portable heaters. Try to contact a company that is fully stocked with both major equipment rentals and the smaller, but very necessary items, like linens, tableware and barware. Going with one company that can provide everything will save you money on deliveries and overall rental rates.
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