Is an outdoor ceremony for you?

Lots of venues now hold licences for outdoor weddings, and it's a great option if you're holding your wedding in the spring or summer and really want to wow your guests with something a bit different. Here are the key things to consider before booking your garden wedding...

Is it legally binding?
For a civil ceremony in England and Wales to be legally binding, it has to take place under a permanent structure which holds a wedding licence. Therefore, an outdoor wedding will involve you and your groom standing with the registrar underneath something such as a pagoda, summerhouse or terrace, while your guests sit around it.

What if it rains?
Your venue should have at least one alternative ceremony space set up for your wedding in case your outdoor ceremony is rained off. Make sure you look at the space to check you're happy with it, and that it comfortably sits all your guests.

What if the ground is damp?
If you've got a dry day, but the ground is damp and you're worrying about guests getting their shoes dirty (and your dress getting ruined!) it's worth arranging for some sort of covering to be put down. Think pathways of hemp or rush matting, and maybe even a red carpet for you to walk down!

How do I decorate the area?
An outdoor space can be difficult to decorate as it doesn't have the usual limits of an indoor room! Think about how the area will look at the time of your wedding, and consider matching your flowers to the colours of those that will be in bloom. You could also use bigger decorations such as pom poms or balloons to line the aisle for instant impact.