When Mother Nature is on your guest list there is no telling what she can bring. Sunshine, rain, or cold can all be possibilities of wanting to get married in the great outdoors, but there is just something about an outdoor wedding that we can’t help but love! It probably starts with the beautiful pictures, the laid back feel, and it provides a timeless backdrop that will never go out of style.
Weather can always be on your mind when you get married outside, but here below are some ways to make the best out of what your day might bring!
Rain
Rain is the number one weather issue our brides are concerned with when getting married at the barn. Understandably, everyone has a vision of an outdoor wedding and reception being filled with sunshine, lawn games and that perfect 70 degree breeze that leaves your hair blowing at just the right angle to get that 8×10 mantle shot, but the reality is that sometimes the weather doesn’t always agree with you. Despite what people might think, some of Fresh Air Farm’s most memorable, and most lively weddings, have been in the rain! It all depends on your attitude and preparation.
The Silver Lining
- Fun Pictures
- Memorable Moments
- Unique Props
- Cool Crisp Air
- Good Luck!
Tips and Tricks
Rent a Tent
Renting a tent can put your mind at ease and keep your guests dry in case of rain during your ceremony. Here at Fresh Air Farm we can take care of renting a tent for you. Check our last blog post “How to Dress up Your Wedding Tent” for ideas on tent decor.
Photo by Beau Vaughn Photography
Umbrellas
If it looks like rain buy umbrellas to put in the seats for your guests. They will appreciate the gesture and you can take some great photos. You can also provide them for your wedding party to match your wedding colors.
Rain Boots
Rain boots for you and your bridal party? A great way to make the rain fun! Also a great reason to buy Hunter boots.. Don’t you love it when the weather gives you an excuse to buy new shoes?
Positive Attitude
Most wedding guests will always feed off your energy so if you’re happy and can weather the storm with a smile, so will they. Make light of the situation and play fun songs about rain like “It’s Raining Men” during the bouquet toss.
Dancing in the Rain
As the old saying goes “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.. it’s about learning to dance in the rain”. Is there a better moment to embody this life quote than on your wedding day? Toss the umbrella aside and do a slow dance with your new Mr. on the patio under the string lights. It just might be a photographer’s dream.
Photographs
Photographers don’t mind shooting in the rain for a few reasons. The overcast skies make for great lighting. Also, with the right back lighting the raindrops light up and create a unique backdrop.
Folk Tales
According to many cultures rain on your wedding day symbolizes good luck, cleansing, and fertility. So maybe we should all hope for it??
Sunshine
The sunshine is beautiful but it can also cause the heat to be scorching in the summer. These thoughtful brides made the most of the Missouri summer temps. The main thing to remember about a hot day – it makes for a perfect night.
The Bright Side
- Comfortable temperature when the sun goes down
- Pictures are still beautiful
- Fun treats
- Dance the night away
Tips and Tricks
Rent a Tent
A tent can shield your guests from the beating sun. (Can you tell it was 100 degrees in the picture below? Neither can we.. and neither can Borrowed and Blue, the well known blog this wedding was featured on)
Photo by Amy Hoskins Photography
Fans
Large industrial fans and portable air-conditioning units can help keep the heat at bay for a more comfortable environment for your guests. You can also provide fans as favors and have them ready for your guests as they walk to the ceremony site.
Treats
An ice cream bar in the heat can be just the thing to cool down those hot guests. You can make personalized ice cream flavors, have interesting toppings, and waffle cones. It’s fun, interactive, and makes for adorable pictures!
Photo by Katie Day Photography
Chilly
Cold temperatures are another possibility of an outdoor venue. You can prepare for frigid temps with layers, heaters, and other tips and tricks seen below.
Chill Out!
- Huddle together with your favorite people
- Heating is always easier than cooling
- Blankets, shaws, and fur!
Tips and Tricks
A Bonfire Dream
A bonfire is great excuse to huddle up with all of your friends and “remember when” over a s’more and a cold brewskie (two things which are always in surplus at Fresh Air Farm).
Photo by Danielle Mousley
Rent Heaters
Heaters can come in all shapes and sizes. Here at the farm we can rent tent heaters to warm up the whole barn creating a cozy oasis from the cold.
Layer
Fuax furs, shaws, and blankets are great for layering and add an interesting detail to the photos.
Festive Favors
Try some of Fresh Air Farm’s homemade apple butter as a favor, or you can go all out and pair it with our famous homemade rolls. DIY gifts such as hot cocoa kits in a mason jar, candles, or warm pie are creative ideas that are a big hit with guests. Think “will they use this?”, “can they eat this?”, or “it is unique to our wedding?” and you can’t go wrong.
Warm Drinks
Fresh Air Farm’s homemade hot cocoa and fixins bar is sure to keep your chilly guests toasty warm. We also offer a coffee bar and here’s a fun fact – sometimes wine can increase your warmth as well.
And since we’re in Missouri.. I had to throw this one in.. #itcouldalwaysbeworse #tornadoalley
There will always be a lure to get married outside, where the air is pure and the countryside is untouched. Although it can cause stress, these tips and preparation can make whatever Mother Nature brings beautiful. At the end of the night you’re marrying the one you love, and really there is nothing that can take away from that.
