Matthew McClure - March 21, 2015

With the first day of spring here and warmer weather right around the corner, it can be tempting to plan an outdoor wedding. How hard could it be, right? Hard. Very hard. But don't let that turn you away! You're definitely going to want some guidance before heading down that path, but that's what we're here for!

Selecting the Day

Assuming you don't want to wear a ski jacket over your wedding dress, you'll want to choose a date between May and September. While you may love the cool, autumn air, it's not always a safe bet in Louisville. When you choose a date over the summer, you won't always get the perfect weather outside, but you can normally expect temperature in the 70's or 80's. During autumn, Louisville's weather usually varies from 50 - 80 degrees, making dates in those months a gamble. Now, I'm sure the temperature isn't the only worry you've had. What about rain? Nobody can guarantee sunny skies on their big day, but you can look at past weather patterns. Historically, Louisville gets the least rain in September, followed by August and June. The most rain comes in May and July, which isn't something to be ignored (Check out Louisville's historic weather data). Since the temperature is a bit less predictable in September, June and August are the months we rank as the safest and most predictable.

Backup Plan

While you may be adamant about having your wedding outside, be considerate of your guests. Everyone immediately thinks of needing a backup plan for rain, but other conditions need to be carefully considered. We know the day is all about you, but it's also your responsibility to keep the elderly from sitting in 100 degree weather for hours. One of the easiest ways to prepare for the worst is to use a party tent for the reception. While not ideal, the ceremony can easily be moved under its protection if weather threatens to ruin your big day. And even if you have perfect weather, you'll probably still want a tent to keep bugs away when serving food. Alternatively, having your wedding outside a venue is always an option. This allows guests to go in and out as they please and makes for an even easier (although more expensive) backup plan! If you're interested in an option like this, we would recommend checking out Mellwood Art Center and 314 Exchange.

Attire

Just because a wedding is outside doesn't mean attire needs to change, but it does make a casual atmosphere feel more appropriate. Many couples with outdoor weddings elect to have the groom and groomsmen in only a vest and tie rather than a tuxedo or jacket. Once again, consider the comfort of your guests when making this decision. If you ask everyone to wear formal attire to an outdoor wedding in 100 degree weather, that's what the day will be remembered for. No matter how beautiful the decorations are, if guests are uncomfortable, you'll be fighting an uphill battle. Plus, the jackets will be coming off as soon as the dancing begins anyway. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and our advice is just to be realistic. Don't ask your guests to do something you wouldn't want to do.

Don't let all your concerns scare you off! Some of the most beautiful weddings are outside, but you'll need to be a bit more flexible in the planning. This was only meant to be a starting point, so don't worry if you still feel a bit overwhelmed - we'll be covering the topic more in the future! If Louisville's wild weather makes you nervous, why don't you check out this blog to learn how to plan a destination wedding? If you have any more questions, subscribe to our newsletter, find us on Facebook, comment below, or send us a Tweet at @bridalbprint! We'll do our best to alleviate your fears! Get out there and prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. Happy planning!

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