Outdoor Ceremonies: Nature’s cathedral
With picturesque lake shores, rolling hills, fiery sunsets and thousands of twinkling stars, Northern Michigan has a lot to offer brides wanting to say “I do” surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Unfortunately, hundreds of other people may have the exact same idea. So in order to have the perfect outdoor wedding, you need to start planning early because there are lots of things to consider.
Nature is unpredictable — at any moment the weather can shift. Although the day of your wedding may dawn clear and bright, by late afternoon it might be cold and rainy. Even a perfect day full of sunshine has its drawbacks; guests could bake in the heat, bugs could swarm around their heads, and birds could leave the happy couple gifts they really weren’t expecting.
Jim O’Donnell from Rental Express in Indian River said it’s always a good idea to have a tent on standby.
“Pre-planning is essential,” O’Donnell said. “You’d hate to decide the morning of your wedding you need a tent and not have one on reserve.”
The number of guests determines what size tent you will need, how many chairs and tables to rent, and whether or not the outdoor space you want to use is large enough to accommodate everyone.
Kris Rundblad from MerryMakers in Charlevoix, who specializes in weddings and event planning, had this advice. 
“If you are planning to be outside for the ceremony and reception (especially) at a private home you must plan for tents, tables, chairs and all other items necessary to create a venue,” she said.
Rundblad also suggested having a professional inspect the site to make sure the space is suitable for what you have in mind. O’Donnell agreed, saying he will come to your chosen site free of charge to make sure everything will be just right.
“I tell people you can always have an empty chair, but it’s not good to make people stand because there aren’t enough seats to go around,” O’Donnell added.
What other arrangements will you need to make? For instance, will you need portable toilets? The place you’re considering for the reception site might have facilities, but O’Donnell reminds people that the plumbing at Grandma’s cottage probably can’t meet the needs of 100 (or more) people. O’Donnell said they have restroom trailers that are air-conditioned and have running water, just like the real thing.
You will also have to think about whether you will need extra lighting, electricity, generators, linens, silverware, glasses, plates, a bar, a dance floor, etc.
“We’ve got a pretty good system,” O’Donnell explained. “Let us ask the questions. You might not be thinking about skirting, but I am.”
O’Donnell also said he likes to set the tent up a few days before an event takes place, especially if rain is in the forecast. He said having the tent set up beforehand ensures the ground will stay dry and gives you time to decorate or make last-minute adjustments.
“It’s also important to have a back-up plan,” Rundblad said.
The biggest thing is for the bride, groom and their families is to be fully aware of all the possibilities.
Rundblad advised people to research about placing indoor options on hold, such as restaurants or reception halls; there will be a cost associated with that. She said if you have your heart set on having the event outdoors you may want to consider reserving a larger tent to compensate for more people wanting to remain under shelter.
Rundblad said it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Should the weather not be conducive to an outdoor ceremony, don’t let it rain on your parade,” she said.
Ultimately your budget will guide your decisions. O’Donnell said choosing to have your wedding take place at an established venue probably won’t cost any more than creating one yourself. The major difference will be the amount of work placed on the bride, groom and families’ shoulders.
Regardless of your decisions make sure to talk to the experts; they can help your perfect day go off without a hitch.
Up North Bride Home » Spring 2011 Edition » Outdoor Ceremonies: Nature’s cathedral