June 25, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II & III • Page 9 How to throw a successful outdoor wedding Outdoor weddings are romantic when done right, and a growing number of couples are exchanging vows amid an expansive garden or with the splendor of the pounding surf providing a picturesque backdrop. If Mother Nature cooperates, outdoor weddings can go smoothly. Even if the weather does not cooperate, there still are ways couples can enjoy a memorable ceremony. Preparation and planning help keep outdoor weddings moving along. Weather can be unpredictable and unforgiv- ing, so it is always best to account for various scenarios. The following are some tips to consider. Be mindful of hot weather. Many outdoor wed- dings occur when temperatures are at their warmest. As anyone who has had to sit outdoors in the blazing sun for an extended period of time can attest, it can grow quite uncomfortable, especially when everyone is dressed to the nines. Advise guests in advance that the wedding will be taking place outdoors and to dress accordingly. Arrange to have shaded areas for guests who may struggle with the heat. Keep chilled bottled water nearby so guests can stay cool and refreshed. Ask the officiant to keep the ceremony brief so guests are not melting away in their seats. Keep wind in mind. A stiff breeze can upset tents and wreak havoc on hairstyles. Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down. Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind. A short, blusher veil may be more appropriate than a sweep- ing train. Couples should advise their hairstylists that they will be getting married outdoors, and looks should be well secured by bobby pins and gel to keep hair in place. Stick to real dishes for food service, as plastic or lightweight mate- rials may get blown away. Check for power sources. Choose a wedding location with easily accessible power outlets. Guests will certainly want to hear the vows, and that may require the use of microphones and a sound system. Having power available also makes it easier for bands and musicians to set up their equipment for an outdoor reception. If the wedding will be stretching into the evening hours, electricity will be needed to power supplemental lighting that illuminates the festivi- ties. Ensure accessibility. Outdoor terrain can prove tricky, especially for older guests or those with mobility issues. When scouting for locations, select a wheelchair-accessible spot that can be easily traversed. Understand that turf can become water-logged and challenging to walk over should it rain the day of the wedding or prior. Plastic or fabric runners may make things easier. Choose a location that is not too far off the beaten path. It should be close enough to a parking lot and not require guests to have to take an extended hike through nature. Face away from the sun. Glare can make it difficult for guests to see the ceremony. Be sure to arrange seats so that guests do not have to look into the sun. This is best achieved by having the sun behind everyone for the ceremony. It also ensures that the bride and groom will not end up with washed-out photos or pictures of everyone squinting. Ensure food is properly chilled or heated. Dining out- doors means keeping food safety in mind. Food that is sup- posed to be kept cool should remain on ice or be refrigerated until served. Hot foods should remain hot. Food in chafing dishes or served buffet-style also should be protected from insects. Improper handling of food can result in food-borne illnesses. No one wants to remember a wedding for intes- tinal discomfort. Use flowering potted plants. Cut flowers tend to wilt prematurely in hot weather. Rather than waste money and beautiful flowers, choose potted plants that will thrive if well-tended. Guests can then take the plants home and con- tinue to cherish the wedding long after it is over. Budget for a tent. It is always better to have a contingency plan if the weather is uncooperative. A tent with surround- ing sidewalls may be sufficient. Otherwise, determine if there is an indoor location that can be kept on standby. Mix up the candles. Intersperse citronella candles with decorative ones to help keep bugs at bay. In addition, con- sider placing small bottles of insect repellent on the tables. Guests will appreciate the gesture if biting flies or mosqui- toes want to join in the fun. Plan for all the possibilities so an outdoor ceremony or reception will go as smoothly as possible.