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Having an outdoor event has grown in popularity over the years, and has begun to boom with the vast increase in destination weddings. However, decorating and planning can be more challenging when dealing with "Mother Nature." Help ensure a successful event by following the 10 tips below.

1. Make sure to incorporate natural elements. Sometimes you will find the best outdoor designs incorporated the setting around them. Look to attach your place cards to a fence or tree, make the fountain the center of the dinning area, use statues as entrance points or buffet center decorations, etc. Also, when selecting the color scheme select colors that will work well with the environment. So, if there is a red barn, use red as an accent color and have a red wagon filled with flowers as a decoration; or if you are on the beach look for soft pink or peaches interwoven with tans and creams to work well.

2. Make sure your site has a fantastic background. Now, I know this sounds like a no "brainier", but sometimes it's not as easy as it sounds. If you have selected a local garden choose a backdrop of beautiful flowers near a garden gate, stone seating or the like. If you have a venue near the water, choose the lake as the backdrop near the dock, or the beach. Try to select a more exclusive location that will not have nearby boat traffic interrupting your ceremony. If you do not have a natural background, create one. Try fabric strung across shepherd's hooks or rent an arch and column structure. Just make sure the colors on the backdrop will not blend into your wedding dress or bridesmaids colors. You can ensure this by selecting a softer hue or slightly different tone.

3. Select heavy pots and sturdy decorations. The wind can be a real problem, especially in the Midwest or along coastal waters. Make sure the floral arrangements you choose are heavily weighted to guarantee they will not fall over. Also, make sure to anchor any decoration exposed to wind with extra care. You do not want your place cards blowing away because you did not pin them in place or forgot to attach them with clips.

4. Provide directions with signs, or luminaries. Many outdoor venues are vast areas of land with dozens on walking, carting or other pathways. Adding signals and / or luminaries (where allowed) will not only strengthen your overall design, they will also serve as directional indicators for your guests.

5. Be Prepared for Bad Weather. I would love to tell you that you're the weather is going to perfect on your wedding day, with lots of sun, blue skies and white fluffy clouds, but unfortunately no one can predict the weather. So be prepared. Make sure there is a sheltered structure on the property. If not, make sure you set one up, such as canopy or a tent. That way if the weather is not so nice, you and your guests can continue the festivals without skipping a beat.

6. Make sure you place food stations in or near shaded areas and Shelters. Leaving food out in the sun can deteriorate the quality of the food, not to mention destroy the presentation and you do not want your $ 600 appetizer ice sculpture to melt! Also, having food stations near Shelters also provides a place to stack extra supplies, without your guests seeing the extra clutter.

7. When and where to have food. A plated meal is a better choice for outdoor venues, along with buttered appetizers. These reception styles limit the amount of time food is setting out in weather elements and will discourage the grouping of bugs or "critters", while providing an elegant atmosphere. Reducing the possibility that the squirrels will be mingling with your guests.

8. Ensure waste containers and cigarette dispensers are at least 50 feet away from dinning areas. It is important to have enough waste containers and cigarette dispensers (if applicable, by law) for your guests. But, you do not want unwanted trash or smoke smells infiltrating your fine dinning experience. Also, by ensuring proper distance you will help keep bugs and bees from circling near guest.

9. Parking for your guests. If you have selected a professional outdoor venue, parking issues will be addressed. However, if you have decided to have your wedding at home, parking is a huge concern. Make sure you indicate to guests where they may park. Notify your neighbors and ensure their driveways are not blocked. If you can, look for nearby public lots (schools, park district) and hire a valet to park cars.

10. Restrooms for your guests. Again, if you have selected a professional outdoor venue this detail is probably already taken care of. However, many local parks and homes are not equipped to handle more than 30 guests at a time. Make sure to rent additional washroom stations and a sink station to ensure guests are not standing in line waiting for the restroom. Also, create a small tented area approximately 50 feet away from dinning areas (see number 8 for more details) to act as a bathroom. Equip with a wash station, extra chairs and a mirror. Your guest will thank you later.

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Source by Kristi Richardson