This post is all about the pros and cons of an indoor wedding or an outdoor wedding. Plus, some tips on what to do if you still can’t decide!
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My future husband and I couldn’t wait to say, “I do.” But, there was one problem, Mother Nature. And boy, was she moody!
No one could foresee that the ashes from Canada’s British Columbia Wildfire would make their way down to my intimate rooftop wedding. Mix that with heavy wind and rain on what is usually a sunny day, and BOOM…. every outdoor bride’s nightmare!
In this post, you will learn the five pros and cons of having an indoor wedding and nine pros and cons of having an outdoor wedding; to help you decide which best is for you.
This post is all about the pros and cons of having an indoor vs. outdoor wedding.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Wedding
Indoor Wedding
Tip #1(PRO): Control
The main reason you may want an indoor wedding versus an outdoor wedding is control.
With indoor weddings, you won’t have to battle with Mother Nature. Rain, wind, humidity, and sun will not be your enemy.
If you’re a control freak like me, throw that “control” out the window if you decide to have an outdoor wedding.
Tip #2(PRO): Convenience
Privacy: Indoor weddings allow you to have a more intimate and private event without unexpected guests or onlookers.
Amenities: Unless you are building your venue from the ground up, you will not have to worry about restrooms, kitchen facilities, or power outlets. Plus, parking will be wheelchair accessible and more accommodating for your guests.
Food: Want that buttercream frosted wedding cake? Get it! You won’t have to worry about catering and baked goods going bad when planning indoors.
Tip #3(CON): Limitations
Nature: Unless your indoor venue has floor-to-ceiling windows, you will have limited views of nature.
Seating and space: Before renting that oversized lounge chair or long banquet table, you must consider limited seating and area.
Tip #4(Con): Decor Restrictions
Decor restrictions are in place for the safety and preservation of the event space.
Some venues will not allow you to hang anything on the walls or have candles.
So, before you decide on an extravagant candle centerpiece or drapery, review your venue contract for any restrictions.
Still want that romantic ambiance from candlelight? Flameless candles or fairy lights are great substitutions!
{Related Post:$7 DIY fairy light wedding centerpiece to WOW your guests}
Tip #5(Neutral): Dark Venues rely on artificial light
Professional photography gear is essential for dark wedding venues. Make sure your photographer is skilled at capturing beautiful indoor shots under these conditions.
Ask to see examples from their portfolio of similar wedding venues. These photos you want to show your children and look back on when you and your partner are old and grey. So, it is crucial that their expertise can match your vision.
Outdoor Wedding
Tip #1(Neutral): Mother Nature is your guest of Honor
No one can deny that the beauty of Mother Nature outweighs any indoor wedding space. This is why so many couples consider having an outdoor wedding in the first place. But that doesn’t mean Mother Nature will always be kind.
With breathtaking views comes the possibility of rain, strong winds, heat, humidity, and even ash.
You will catch Mother Nature on a good day if you’re lucky, and your wedding will go off without a hitch!
Tip #2(Pro): Minimal Decor Needed
With Mother Nature’s magnificent beauty, you won’t have to worry about lavish wedding decor.
This means you will have more time to make other important decisions and put money away into additional funds. That’s right, get that dream honeymoon!
Tip #3(Pro): Natural Light
Photographers love natural light because the results are stunning.
Natural light allows your photographer to capture the “realness” around you, thus creating a timeless and memorable image.
Tip #4(Pro): More Open Space
You can utilize the area with more space by adding entertainment for your guests.
Some games to think about are giant jenga, giant tic tac toe, outdoor wedding cornhole set, and ring toss. The options are endless.
Tip #5 (Con): Permits and Restrictions
This is not always needed. However, if you have a large number of guests and you want a specific space for a certain amount of time, a permit may be required.
Tip #6 (Con): Rentals
Having an outdoor wedding does not guarantee you will have all the amenities needed to keep you and your guests comfortable.
Here is a list of some things you may need to rent:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Linens
- Silverware
- Lighting
- Generators
- Outdoor heaters
- Tents
- Portable restrooms
Speak to your venue manager about what they offer and what they can provide.
You can also consider disposable plates, cups, and silverware to help cut costs.
Eco-friendly Wedding Products
For eco-friendly options, check out these beautiful compostable wood-like plates and silverware to match any rustic themed wedding.
Not only are they beautiful, but they also reduce wedding waste.
Tip #7(Con): Food
Outdoor venues are not so great for catering and cake options.
You can say “bye” to that buttercream cake you’ve always wanted and “sayonara” to that beautiful cheese platter with heat and humidity.
Also, be prepared for some uninvited guests circling your banquet table. Bugs!
On a positive note, you can rent some fans to help keep the food cool and blow bugs away.
Tip #8 (Con): Bugs
Bugs are pretty notorious outdoor wedding crashers. But there are ways to keep them at bay.
You may want to consider citronella candles that blend with your wedding decor.
Also, bug spray favors help keep you and your guests comfortable.
Another cool trick is to stick dryer sheets under your guest chairs. Most dryer sheets contain an ingredient called linalool. Linalool can be found in plants like lavender, bergamot mint, Rosalina, thyme, coriander, and basil which naturally repel bugs.
Tip #9(Con): Have a “Plan B”
When I was trying to decide on a wedding date, I researched five years’ worth of weather data to determine which day would be best. Mother Nature decided to be moody that day and was not in my favor.
It’s best to play it safe by securing a “Plan B.”
Speak with your venue manager and ask if they offer covered areas in case of heavy rain or wind. If not, you may need to spend on a “just in case” event space. Better to be safe than sorry!
Still unsure of what you want? Do a mix of both!
If you are still undecided, consider doing your ceremony outdoors and reception indoors.
Many wedding venues have indoor and outdoor options, so don’t limit your choices; just compromise! You will have the best of both worlds.
Still want that outdoor reception? Think about renting a clear tent! You will get to admire mother nature’s true beauty, day and night, without worrying about wind or rain.
This Post Is All About The Pros And Cons Of An Indoor Vs. Outdoor Wedding
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