Outdoor wedding are more common than ever before! Weddings are being held at lovely outdoor venues in the spring, summer and fall all across the country in record numbers. Having an outdoor wedding can be a really unique way to celebrate your special day, but it can also pose additional challenges when it comes to planning it. If you’re trying to decide whether or not to have an outdoor wedding in Michigan, read this list of pros and cons to help you determine if it’s right for your event:
Pros
- Beautiful Scenery
An outdoor wedding provides stunning natural scenery for guests and the wedding party alike. Guests that might normally get bored at a wedding during the normal wedding rituals will likely be kept interested because the setting is so aesthetically appealing. This is especially true for children because they can play outdoors and enjoy themselves during the wedding and reception. Having a wedding outside allows people to spread out more to mingle, dance, eat, and have a good time.
- Customizable Options
Unlike a regular wedding venue that may only deal with their own vendors for catering, music, photography/videography, etc. outdoor wedding venues usually let you line these pieces up yourself. While some couples may see this as a drawback because it requires more planning, it’s actually a real plus because it means that you can customize your wedding to your own liking. This is especially beneficial for couples that already have clear ideas in mind of what they want for their wedding or special needs that must be taken into account (dietary restrictions, religious requirements, etc.). Having more flexibility with your wedding vendors means that you can use friends or family to provide services or call upon regional businesses to support your local community.
- Unique Setting
If you get married at a wedding venue where someone else you know has already gotten married, guests will inevitably compare the two weddings. It can also make your wedding seem less special and unique. Getting married at an outdoor venue will feel different to guests because even if they have been there for another wedding or event, the setting will look different from season to season and year to year.
- Natural Photo Opportunities
Professional wedding venues usually have areas staged for the typical wedding photos but these locations typically result in images that look very similar to other couples’ wedding photos. Having an outdoor wedding, on the other hand, provides natural photo opportunities that are completely unique. The photos themselves often end up looking a lot better as well because of the natural light and the vegetation or foliage in the background. People also tend to be more relaxed in outdoor settings, allowing for more authentic images.
Cons
- Weather/Temperature
The weather is always a risk when it comes to having an outdoor wedding. However, with the right planning, you can mitigate the effects of poor weather. Renting a tent allows you to shield guests from rain or really hot sunshine. For weddings that are planned during the hottest months and times of day, fans can be brought in and cold drinks can be served to keep guests cool. On the converse, couples having weddings that are early or late in the season (or later in the day) may want to have some heaters on standby to keep guests warm in case the temperature doesn’t cooperate.
- Lack of Bathrooms
One of the biggest drawbacks that engaged couples mention when considering an outdoor wedding is the lack of bathroom facilities for guests at some venues. While more rural venues like parks may not have any bathrooms, venues like farms often do have bathrooms but they may not be conveniently located or able to accommodate a lot of guests. No matter where you choose to have your outdoor wedding in Michigan, you can rent luxury restroom trailers to give your guests an elegant bathroom experience. Our luxury restrooms offer the same amenities that your guests would find at any upscale indoor wedding venue, including flushable toilets, running water, climate control, stylish décor, and plenty of room to for your wedding party get ready. You can choose from 2-stall, 3-stall, 6-stall, or 10-stall trailer options to fit any wedding size.
Kerkstra Luxury Portable Restroom Service Inc. provides portable restroom service across Michigan and luxury restroom trailers for all of the states surrounding the Great Lakes. We provide portable restroom service for parties, weddings, special events, and much more!
