Choosing an outdoor ceremony in the mountains is one of the best and most important parts of your wedding day. But knowing how to plan an outdoor ceremony can be a bit challenging and requires careful consideration. But with a little help from Cornerstone Weddings, we’ve put together our top tips on how to ensure your outdoor ceremony runs smoothly.
Should we have a weather contingency or indoor back up plan?
Certainly! At Cornerstone Weddings we 100% believe you should have an indoor back up plan. Regardless of the weather, you should have a plan for your outdoor ceremony. Especially if your outdoor ceremony is scheduled for Canmore or any other mountain town. Even if the forecast is seemingly perfect, mountain weather is very unpredictable, and anything can happen. So, it’s always best to be prepared with an alternative just in case. If your wedding is hosted in a sunny climate, ensuring a back up is great for your peace of mind.
Should we serve food at our outdoor ceremony?
This is a personal preference, however we feel that extending the ceremony celebrations is a great start to the day. You may want to offer your guests light refreshments such as canapes, appetizers, or a celebratory glass of champagne to enjoy after the ceremony. Serving food can help to create a more lighthearted atmosphere, and get your guests mingling. However, it’s not a necessity, and if your budget is tight, you could always skip this part.
What time of day is best for an outdoor ceremony?
When it comes to knowing how to plan an outdoor ceremony in Canmore, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the perfect day. One question that often comes up is, “What time of day should we have the ceremony?” Our suggestion is to plan for a ceremony between 1pm and 2pm. This allows plenty of time for post-ceremony photos, which photographers often like to have around 3 hours for.
While your guests take a break after the ceremony, they can relax and enjoy the surroundings. Those seeking an adventure can check out our blog on “What To Do In Canmore in 3 hours,” which provides a list of exciting outdoor activities in the area.
Summer Outdoor Wedding Attire Tips and Tricks
When you’re planning an outdoor summer wedding, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the most important is making sure that your guests are comfortable throughout the day. With that in mind, here are a few tips for choosing the perfect summer wedding attire:
- Consider the location: If your ceremony is outdoors, it’s important to let your guests know so that they can choose appropriate clothing. You don’t want anyone getting overheated or uncomfortable in the heat.
- Provide some relief: Small wedding favors like mini sunscreen, fans, or parasols can be a lifesaver for your guests on a hot day. And it’s always a good idea to make sure there’s plenty of water available so everyone stays hydrated.
- Choose the right fabrics: If you’re wearing a traditional wedding gown, make sure it’s made from lighter, flowy fabrics that won’t weigh you down. And for the groom, a lightweight suit (maybe even a waistcoat instead of a full jacket?) is the way to go.
- Think about your wedding party: Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be with you all day, so make sure they’re comfortable too. Consider choosing dresses and suits in breathable fabrics to help keep everyone feeling their best.
- Protect your skin: Last but not least, don’t forget the sunscreen! Apply early and often to ensure you stay protected throughout the day.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create the perfect summer wedding atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Winter Outdoor Wedding Attire: Tips for a Cozy and Memorable Celebration
Winter weddings, especially in picturesque Canmore, can be truly stunning. However, with temperatures in the minus, you’ll want to ensure that you and your guests are as warm and comfortable as possible. So, before you walk down the aisle, here are some tips on how to keep everyone toasty!
Dress for the elements: No surprises here! This may mean your guests don their large winter jackets and warm boots. But hey, with a gorgeous winter landscape as your backdrop, this look can actually add to the wedding charm!
Keep your guests informed: With an outdoor ceremony, you don’t want your guests feeling unprepared. Encourage them to dress appropriately and let them know what to expect.
Additional layers are your friends: Prepare for the worst, hope for the best! Incorporating thermal leggings, winter boots, shawls, or even faux fur hand muffs can all contribute to a cozy and stylish appearance. And for a more formal feel, scarves or hats can be added to the mix.
Don’t forget the little things: To keep your guests warm and comfortable throughout the day, provide hand warmers, blankets, and make hot chocolate readily available (Baileys optional!) or even better, mulled wine!
By embracing the frosty season, you can create a memorable winter wedding celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.
At Cornerstone Weddings we host year round outdoor weddings and have many great additions for our Winter Wonderland Package including blankets, hot chocolate and a horse drawn sleigh ride.
Choosing your outdoor wedding ceremony location
Picking the best outdoor ceremony venue is one of the most important decisions. Ensuring the venue has all the facilities your require is a must. Things to consider are:
- Does the outdoor venue have onsite parking?
- Is the site wheelchair accessible or suitable for guests that have other mobility concerns?
- Are there washroom facilities onsite (is this more than a porta potty)?
- Is the outdoor ceremony venue private or public?
- What is included at the venue? Items such as chairs, arches, set up, coordination need to be arranged.
Booking an outdoor wedding ceremony with Cornerstone Weddings couldn’t be simpler. Our wedding packages include everything you need to host your breathtaking mountain ceremony. You book your Marriage Officiant and obtain your wedding license and we take care of the rest.
What should the bride, groom and guests wear for outdoor weddings?
Another important factor to consider is attire. When thinking about what to wear for an outdoor ceremony, keep in mind the time of year you are hosting the event. Many Canmore wedding venues host outdoor ceremonies year-round, so dressing comfortably and appropriately is key to ensuring everyone feels and looks their best.
Outdoor weddings can be breathtakingly beautiful and an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. But, it’s not just as simple as picking a scenic location and signing up.
Hopefully, these tips will help you execute and plan your outdoor ceremony perfectly. Remember, take the necessary precautions to ensure your special day runs smoothly, and always have a bad-weather backup plan in place. With careful consideration and thoughtful planning, your outdoor wedding ceremony is sure to be stunning, flawless, and one you will cherish for years to come.
For details on how to book an outdoor ceremony with Cornerstone Weddings at either the Canmore Ranch or the Canmore Nordic Centre, contact us.
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