Glenna Tooman
Glenna Tooman is the owner of Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC, located in Boise, Idaho. She is a graduate of Boise State University with a degree in entrepreneurial management. She has also completed additional training in technical communication, and in event and wedding planning. Glenna is an internationally recognized authority on wedding and event planning and wedding etiquette. She has been interviewed on television and radio and in newspapers and magazines, including the Northwest edition of the Wall Street Journal. Glenna has written numerous articles on wedding and event planning and on operating a small business for newspapers, magazines, and trade publications throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
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Having an outdoor wedding ceremony can be beautiful; however it can present challenges as well. To find the perfect location, consider city and state parks, bed and breakfasts, botanical gardens, wineries, museums, hotels, and historic homes. Consider the following things as you compare locations:
- What does the facility provide and what will you need to rent? This may include chairs, canopies, tables, linens, and more.
- How many hours is the facility available? Will other events be scheduled before or after yours?
- How many guests can be accommodated? Can you have the reception there as well as the ceremony?
- Is the area shaded or will you need to provide shade?
- What is the temperature likely to be on your wedding date? Having an outdoor event on a 100 degree day may discourage guests from attending.
- Are insects a problem; if so, what are they – bees, gnats, flies, or something else. Does the facility spray regularly?
- Is lighting adequate after dark? What about lighting in the parking area?
- Is adequate parking available? If not, you may have to shuttle guests from another location.
- Is electricity available, and if so, where? Many parks and similar locations offer limited power access, making it difficult to use recorded music or a sound system.
- When is the lawn mowed and watered? Freshly mowed grass and mud will stain your gown and shoes and you don’t want the sprinklers to come on during your ceremony.
- Are restrooms located nearby? What about dressing rooms for the wedding party? Is there a place where the wedding party can remain out of sight of arriving guests?
- Can you take photos at the location or must they be taken somewhere else?
- What is the back-up plan in case of bad weather? Does the facility have an in-door room that you can use or might you have to choose a different location at the last minute?
If you are considering having your ceremony at a private home, you may need to rent chairs, tables, linens, canopies, and other items. The homeowners may also want to do some landscaping or maintenance. Before deciding to have the ceremony at a private home, consider the above things and the following issues as well:
- Do neighbors have pets that could become disruptive and upset by the extra activity?
- Might neighbors mow their lawns or have a noisy pool party when you are having your ceremony? Will neighbors complain about the added noise or the traffic from your event?
- Is parking available near the home? If fire lanes are blocked, guests’ cars could be ticketed or towed.
- Are adequate restrooms available or will portable ones need to be rented? This is a particular issue if the property is on a septic tank.
Having an outdoor ceremony and/or reception can make your wedding more personal and beautiful. As you consider the above issues you will be able to better compare locations and choose just the right setting for your outdoor wedding.
Copyright © 2006; Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC; all rights reserved
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