For a fairy-tale wedding set deep in the forest, you’ll need to start planning early. Finding the right space and vendors who don’t mind trekking off the beaten path shouldn’t be a last-minute scramble. Follow these tips to bring your forest wedding dreams into focus.
Find the Perfect Venue
Grab your groom and search for an event space that offers outside forest space. Flexible dates will give you the best chance at snagging your favorite spot. Many venues featuring outdoor space offer up tents or “in case of an emergency” indoor space for a price. No luck? Then you’ll need to start looking for a suitable location elsewhere.
Look into renting a camp with a professional kitchen, so you can enjoy wooded views, a potential water backdrop and accessibility all wrapped up in one tidy location. Otherwise, check your local, county or national parks. You may need to obtain permits or follow special rules (like no alcohol), but it could help you get those Pinterest-worthy wedding pics.
Consider the Logistics
Can your guests find the place? If GPS won’t work and cell service is minimal, you might end up with guests who find themselves lost and can’t attend your wedding ceremony. How remote is your location? Consider a shuttle bus to ferry guests to and from the site so anyone with a bad back, on crutches or in a wheelchair can still make your big day.
If you bypass a rental hall, then you’ll have to spring for chairs, tables, linens, and bathroom rentals. How will you get the necessities to your destination? Hefty fees might accompany delivery to hidden away wooden locales. Will there be enough parking? Include guests and vendors in your parking headcount.
Spread the Word
Save-the-date cards serve as a pre-invitation and are more for your guests’ benefit than for you. After all, you’ve known about the engagement. Now it’s time to let everyone else join in the joy (and clear their calendars). Send out your save-the-date cards six to eight months in advance of the big day.
What’s more, your save-the-date cards set the tone for your wedding in the forest. Customize yours to reflect your theme and share your adorable engagement photos in the process. It’s a quick and easy step to ensure more of your family and friends can attend.
Prepare for Any Weather
A rainy wedding isn’t the worst thing to happen. Who hasn’t seen the dreamy umbrella in the rain wedding photos? But, rain at a forest wedding ceremony changes everything. Your guests won’t want to sit in a downpour, and you won’t want to slog down the aisle knee-deep in mud, so rent a tent and avoid the stress.
On the flip side, what if it’s too hot? In that case, provide plenty of water and shade to avoid wilting groomsmen or fainting bridesmaids and to keep the icing from melting off your cake. Speak with your cake baker about the potential hazards of your forest ceremony before you sign the contract.
A Wedding in the Woods
While you can’t control the weather, you can at least find the best venue that covers all your bases while providing the natural setting you desire. Make it easy for your guests to get to your locale and don’t forget to provide them with plenty of notice with gorgeous save-the-date cards.
