When it comes to weddings, we love when couples are adventurous and choose a location for their wedding that can't necessarily be found via a Google search. These off-the-beaten-path weddings offer an opportunity for us to help you truly personalize your big day, ensuring that your wedding is unlike any other. Whether you're dreaming of saying "I do" on a cliffside with the ocean behind you or inside a cozy, botanical greenhouse, planning a wedding in a non-traditional setting can present a few unique challenges that we are well equipped to handle!
If you're thinking about planning an unconventional wedding, here are a few tips to guide you:
1. Scout the Perfect Location
The first step in planning an off-the-beaten-path wedding is to find the right location. Unlike traditional venues, these locations may not have all the wedding-ready amenities, so careful planning is essential.
Cliffside Ceremonies:Â Imagine exchanging vows on a breathtaking cliff overlooking the sea or the mountains. The natural beauty of such locations provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and photos. However, cliffside ceremonies require a keen eye for safety and logistics. You'll need to ensure easy access for your guests and consider the weather and terrain to keep everyone comfortable.
Greenhouse Weddings:Â If you're a nature lover, a greenhouse wedding is a perfect way to be surrounded by lush greenery and blooms without worrying about the weather. Greenhouses offer a beautiful, intimate atmosphere and often have built-in natural decor, but the space is often limited and not set up for traditional weddings. Getting creative with the layout, type of service, and decor will help make the space feel more intentional and comfortable for your guests.
2. Prepare for Logistical Challenges
While off-the-beaten-path weddings can be wildly beautiful, they come with their own set of challenges. You'll likely need to plan for everything from transportation to power sources, as non-traditional locations may not have these on hand.
Consider Accessibility:Â Ensure that all guests, including those with mobility issues, can safely arrive at and enjoy the venue. This may require renting transportation, building temporary walkways, or accommodating seating arrangements that work in the natural environment. We also recommend keeping your guest list small, as more people can present more logistical hurdles.
Bring the Essentials: From restrooms to electricity, you’ll need to bring in services that a traditional venue might automatically provide. Portable restrooms, generators, and catering setups can all be brought in, but these need to be accounted for in your planning and budget.
Two Locations:Â If you're absolutely set on an off-the-beaten path wedding but cannot fathom cutting your guest list to a smaller number, we love planning ceremonies in these natural settings with a delicious dinner and killer dance party at a nearby venue, restaurant, bar or lounge! Immerse your guests in nature for the ceremony (which naturally requires less logistics) and then bring them to a space that is set up for food service and dancing to celebrate!
3. Design Around Nature
When you choose a non-traditional venue, let the natural beauty of the location shine. Work with the environment, not against it, to create a cohesive, magical experience.
Minimalist decor is often the best choice for weddings out in nature. Opt for elements that enhance rather than overshadow the stunning views, such as simple floral arches or wooden seating. We always find inspiration in our surroundings and take this into account when we build out the design for weddings. At hand+heart, we want your wedding to feel like it belongs in its surroundings.
For spots that are bit of a trek from any sort of parking lot, you want to make sure to be very, very intentional about the decor choices. The more that vendors need to load-in the more complicated (and expensive) things will become! Less is more is definitely our motto for weddings in nature!
4. Hire Vendors Who Understand Unique Locations
Working in a non-traditional location requires a team of experienced professionals who can handle the specific challenges of your venue. Make sure your vendors are on board and have experience working in outdoor or unconventional settings.
Florists: You’ll want to work with florists who can be flexible and creative in transforming non-traditional spaces. For outdoor ceremonies amongst the elements, your florist should know how to secure arrangements in windy conditions and utilize florals that can withstand heat and sun. Being available for a site visit with our team to survey the chosen location and understand the requirements for load-in and setup is also a must!
Catering:Â Working with a catering team that is experienced in setting up satellite kitchens and preparing food in an unconventional setting is a must. If you're planning a dinner outdoors, you will need to work with your caterer to asses power/generator needs, where to get water, and what type of kitchen equipment is needed to execute your menu. Many caterers are well versed in setting up pop-up kitchens, but it takes real experience to understand how to work amongst the elements and plan for Mother Nature.
5. Plan for the Weather
When you’re getting married outside of a traditional venue, weather becomes an even bigger factor. Have a backup plan ready for rain, wind, or unexpected temperature changes.
The wind can be a real factor, so securing lightweight decor and choosing a wind-friendly look (hairstyle, veil choices, dress trains, etc.) are essential.
Check out our series on Preparing For, where we chat about preparing for extreme heat, wind, and rain (rain coming soon!).
6. Focus on Guest Comfort
With unique locations come unique experiences, and it’s important to make sure your guests are comfortable. Provide clear guidance for what to wear, such as appropriate footwear for uneven terrain or advice on layers for changing temperatures. Offering welcome bags with details like custom maps of the location, snacks, or fans can also go a long way in keeping everyone happy and informed.
Planning an off-the-beaten-path wedding takes creativity, flexibility, and a sense of adventure, but the rewards are incredible. If you're really excited about an off-the-beaten-path wedding, then the name of the game is flexibility. Planning an event without the usual amenities of a traditional venue requires you to be more flexible, chill, and willing to compromise. Things will not likely go as planned (ahem, weather), and we, as your planners, will think on our toes to pivot and make magic happen. If you're dead set on a specific design, florals, or unwilling to budget on certain elements of your wedding, an off-the-beaten-path wedding may not be the best fit! Regardless, we work with all of our couples to find a venue or location that is a perfect fit for them. Maybe it's a combination of a cliffside ceremony with a dinner and reception at a nearby restaurant (with amenities galore). Or maybe it is a full wedding (ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, reception) in the middle of nowhere where we build everything from the ground up. We will present you with all the logistics to think about, the vendors to hire, and the ways to make your wedding feel like the most true representation of your relationship!
Planning a wedding in a non-traditional location might seem challenging, but with the right planning team, it can become a truly magical experience. If you’re ready to create an off-the-beaten-path celebration that reflects your unique love story, we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact us today via the form below to start planning the wedding adventure of your dreams!
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