Maybe you are planning a destination wedding. Maybe you live in one of the most beautiful and scenic areas of the country. Or maybe you just have a vision in your mind of the perfect day that includes lots of fresh air. Either way, if you are planning an outdoor wedding, there are undoubtedly more factors to consider than the indoor alternative. The payoff, on the other hand, can be truly spectacular. We spoke to brides and experts to let you in on the secrets of having a fabulous outdoor wedding that no one ever thinks to tell (probably because they are too busy enjoying their day).

1. Go with your hair type

Humidity, wind, and heat can destroy a well-planned hairdo faster than you can say “dry shampoo”. If you are having an outdoor wedding, play to your hair’s characteristics and

If you have naturally curly hair, consider a loose bohemian braid or headpiece that works with your curls. If your hair is stick straight, voluminous waves may fall flat before the flower girl makes it down the aisle. Instead consider a pinned back style or a classic chignon. You should absolutely have your dream hair on your wedding day, but you should also be present in the moment and not worried about a bird’s nest forming at the nape of your neck.

2. Not all bugs are bad

Depending on the time of year and location of your wedding, you may be dealing with ants, bees, or worse… mosquitoes. These uninvited guests can be pesky (and potentially dangerous if someone is allergic to bees), but some other insects have a way to create ambiance that cannot be faked. Consider the magical properties of the firefly AKA lightning bugs to those of us in the South. An afternoon or evening wedding with a reception at dusk can be made exponentially better by the appearance of a few fireflies. Particularly if you are having a rustic wedding, nearly nothing goes hand in hand more than fireflies and mason jars. It’s a way to activate the child in us all.  not against them.

Another scene-setting insect group are the ones who make noise. Crickets and cicadas can provide a melodic backdrop for an outdoor wedding. It’s nature’s symphony, and it is so relaxing. Finally, if you are getting married in autumn and don’t mind incorporating a little spooky fun into the mix, a spiderweb with dew on it can be both regal and seasonally appropriate.

3. You may end up hating your corset.

Some people take their wedding as the perfect opportunity to cinch themselves into a gorgeous gown, but if you are having an outdoor wedding, make sure that elaborate undergarments are what you really want. An 80° day may feel perfectly pleasant until you add a 20 lb dress and underwear with boning. Do you want to be able to climb to the top of a hill for the perfect photograph, or will you be sitting down to dinner with your guests? Strike a comfortable balance between fashion and function so you won’t be digging at your ribs all day. Don’t even get me started on humidity and underwire…

4. You are not in charge of the elements.

Obviously, right? But coming to terms with the idea that some things are out of your control can go far when the time is here. It might be windy. It may rain. A crow may be caw-ing really hard in the distance. Choose what is important, make contingency plans, and try to give up and go with the flow for the rest. If your flowers are very important to you, make sure you stake those arrangements down in case of a gusty breeze. If the unity candle ceremony is the most sentimental part of your vows, have a wide mouthed hurricane vase or lantern just in case.

Sometimes things will go perfectly, and sometimes you must improvise, but Mother Nature is seldom boring.  That’s what makes outdoor weddings so much fun! And who knows? Maybe that super loud crow becomes one of your favorite inside jokes with your spouse.

 5. Time of day plays a big part

You may have a completely logical reason for choosing the time of your wedding. Perhaps you would rather have appetizers instead of a full meal, so you are going for a mid-afternoon ceremony.  Maybe your wedding venue had another event booked that day, and you took the earlier spot (at Sampson’s Hollow we only book one event per day to give undivided attention and avoid a hurried change between ceremonies, but some venues book multiple events on the same day).  Regardless of why you chose the time of your ceremony, time will inevitably play a part. Take time – no pun intended – to recognize the factors that make your wedding schedule special.  Are you driving to the venue early in the morning while the fog is still settled on the mountains?  Is your ceremony just before dusk when bonfires and fireplaces nearby are filling the air with the gentle smell of wood smoke?  Is dew beginning to form on the grass when you are leaving for your honeymoon?