A pop-up wedding is a great way to merge flexibility with all the traditions of weddings you love. It offers an effortless ceremony that takes on more of an elopement mentality than a full-blown service. This relaxed approach means you get to pick and choose the best parts of a wedding to host without all the extra, costly fluff. It’s an ingenious solution during a time when a global pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our plans.
Because of its flexibility, pop-up wedding pair perfectly with outdoor settings. You may worry that hosting an alfresco service means subjecting your guests to unpredictable circumstances. However, the adaptability of these unique weddings is ideal for anything Mother Nature might throw at you. Even with this versatility, there are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your outdoor pop-up wedding to prevent any unforeseen issues.
Plan for All Weather Conditions
Weather is the greatest enemy of any outdoor event. No matter the time of year, there’s always something to prepared for, be it rain, snow, or the scorching summer rays. For light rain, utilize tents large enough for shelter and try décor that is not easily drowned out by the added moisture. Having weather-resistant furniture and items that can quickly be brought indoors is another step worthy of taking in the preventative sphere.
Putting up tents and having plenty of shade in your surroundings also reduces the risk of heatstroke. Especially when hosting a summer wedding, take issues of sun-related complications into consideration. Even if you love the sunshine and handle it well, that doesn’t guarantee all of your guests feel the same. When it comes to winter weddings, add outdoor heaters even if there isn’t any snow on the ground. In any case, it’s critical to always have a backup plan with an indoor location as your alternative setting. This strategy not only ensures you and your guests’ comfort but also your health.
Dress Accordingly and Let Your Guests Know Too
One of the best trends arising from pop-up and microweddings is the emergence of more informal attire. Rather than tuxedos and full-length trains on gowns, many modern brides and grooms opt for comfortable statement pieces that allow for more mobility. This wardrobe change is certainly something to take into consideration when planning for your outdoor wedding. Wearing shorter skirts decreases the likelihood of you and your guests getting mud on your hems.
Beyond complications associated with maintaining your appearance, there’s a general comfort to keep in mind. You don’t want your guests wrapped in shawls and coats during 100-degree weather any more than you want them sporting tank tops and skirts in 20-degree conditions. Informing your guests of the proper shoes to wear also allows them to navigate the terrain safely. Even the flattest and easily managed locale causes a headache for anyone wearing heels. Heel stoppers make great bridesmaid gifts and are a wonderful little tidbit to pass on to the other guests coming to your wedding.
Stay Hydrated and Stay Warm
When it comes to preparing for weather conditions, one key ally to have on hand is a stellar selection of beverages. Staying properly hydrated makes all the difference between a trip to the dancefloor or a trip to the ER. Despite how dramatic that sounds, it happens much more than we’d like to imagine. Especially when hosting a destination wedding outdoors, in unfamiliar surroundings and climates your guests are not used to, having plenty of water available is crucial.
In colder climates, maintaining warmth is equally essential for your pop-up wedding. Even if your guests don’t want to drink the hot cocoa or delicious coffee roast you have on hand, some may appreciate the feeling of a warm cup of something steamy between their palms. The point is to have it there period, even if it’s just a reminder to your guests of how to remain safe outside.
Planning for Bugs at a Pop-Up Wedding
The appeal of any winter or fall wedding is the absence of creepy-crawly creatures that ruin many events. But since most of us prefer the warmer weather spring and summer brings, dealing with bugs outdoors is inevitable. Bug spray is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping yourself free of these pesky pests. Pass on a little of this wisdom to your guests by supplying them with items like individual bug spray in their welcome bags.
Other things that help keep the bugs at bay during your wedding are the types of decorations you employ. Start with plants that repel pests, such as marigolds, peppermint, and lavender. While most humans love these plants’ fragrances, the scent muddles the insect’s receptors for finding food. This power keeps spiders, ants, and mosquitos far away. Adding fans is another incredible way to keep creatures like flies away while also providing your guests with added comfort. Citronella candles and tiki torches add a gorgeous nighttime glow while giving ravenous mosquitoes the boot.
How We Can Help Plan Your Outdoor Pop-Up Wedding
If you’re still not sure how to plan a popup wedding outdoors or you simply don’t want all the headache that goes into putting it together yourself, Pop the Knot is here to help. Even the smallest events take time and energy to put together. So let us be your pop-up wedding planner and bring your happily ever after to life.
