Spending time outdoors comes with a long list of benefits. It’s rejuvenating. It improves our memory and enhances creativity. Being outside can create feelings of happiness as well.

 So, it only makes sense that in 2024, holding wedding ceremonies, receptions, or both outdoors remains as popular as ever. It’s a way to infuse one of the most important days of your life with the calm, beauty, and pure joy that outdoor setting can deliver.

 True, there is an element of risk that comes with getting married outside. Weather doesn’t necessarily care about the hours of planning you put into creating a magical outdoor wedding. But there are steps you can take to keep your guests comfortable and minimize weather-related risks.

 We’ll cover them here, along with some tips and outdoor wedding ideas for you to consider.

Timing Matters

 If an outdoor wedding is a priority, select a month when you’re most likely to get cooperative weather.

 The best months for outdoor weddings will vary, depending on where you live. Here in Houston, where we’re based, the best windows of time are from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-November, when you’d be able to enjoy mild spring or fall weather.

 The time of day you get married will be important, too.

 In late spring/early summer, you’ll want a schedule that will help you beat the heat. You can do that, and capture that magical golden hour light, with a ceremony in the late afternoon followed by a reception as the sun sets. If you’re getting married in late fall, consider an earlier ceremony and reception to enjoy the sunset and comfortable temperatures before the evening cools down.

Give Your Guests a Heads Up

 Not only will an outdoor wedding require some extra planning on your part, it also will require your guests to put some thought into what they wear and bring with them, from comfortable, breathable clothing to sunscreen.

 Ideally, you should make it clear your wedding ceremony and/or reception will be outdoors on both your save-the-date and your invitations.

 Possible wording could be:

 Option 1: Formal

"We kindly request the pleasure of your company at our outdoor wedding ceremony and reception."

Option 2: Semi-Formal

"Join us for an outdoor celebration of love and laughter as we exchange vows under the open sky."

Option 3: Casual

"We're tying the knot outdoors! Come celebrate with us in the fresh air and sunshine."

Additional tip: To make it even clearer, you could add a small note after the main wording, something like:

"Please dress comfortably for an outdoor setting."

"Weather permitting, our ceremony and reception will be held outdoors."

"Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!"

Preparing for Weather Glitches

One of the most important aspects of planning an outdoor wedding is developing a “what if” strategy.

If it rains, for example, you’ll want to know far in advance whether your wedding venue will allow you to move your guests indoors. Or maybe you’ll want to have a large tent or pavilion area where you and your guests can take shelter. Setting up one or more tents, by the way, is also a good way to protect your food, cake, gifts, and anything else that you don’t want to get soaked.

Other rainy-day precautions, including some suggestions geared for southeast Texas, could include:

-Providing umbrellas: Have a stash of umbrellas available for guests to use as they move between locations. If you go with clear umbrellas, you’ll be able to preserve visibility and photo opportunities.

-Having a shoe station: Set up an area where guests can swap out their dress shoes for rain boots or sandals if the ground gets wet.

-Preparing for wind: If your ceremony includes any lightweight decor like paper lanterns or fabric draping, make sure they're securely fastened so they don't blow away.

-Protecting the aisle: If your ceremony aisle isn't paved, we recommend putting down a runner or mats to prevent guests from sinking into the mud.

-Offering towels: Have a basket of towels available for guests to dry off if they get caught in a sudden shower.

-Embracing the weather: Have fun with it! You can provide colorful rain ponchos for photos or have a "rainy day" playlist ready to keep the mood upbeat.

-Thinking about hair and makeup: Suggest that your wedding party and guests use waterproof makeup and hairspray that can withstand humidity.

-Planning for humidity: If it's not just raining, but humid too, provide fans or cooling towels to help guests stay comfortable.

Audio Considerations

I still remember attending my cousin’s lovely outdoor wedding ceremony a couple of years ago. The setting was gorgeous. The bride was radiant. I still can picture it. But my memories have no soundtrack, because I couldn’t hear what the bride and groom were saying.

With that in mind, I highly recommend taking sound and acoustics into consideration for your outdoor wedding or reception.

Here are a few tips to consider:

-Invest in a sound system: Don't rely on just your voices carrying. Rent or buy a sound system that can adequately project sound over the area where guests will be seated. This will be especially important if you’re have a large wedding or if there's a chance of background noise (like traffic or wind).

 -Use microphones: Make sure the officiant, you and your partner, and anyone giving readings or speeches are using microphones. Then you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that everyone can hear the important moments of the ceremony and reception.

-Hire a sound technician: If your budget allows, hire a professional sound technician to handle setup, sound checks, and any technical issues that may arise.

-Consider the acoustics: Trees and open spaces can disperse sound, making it harder for guests to hear. If possible, position the ceremony and reception areas in a way that naturally amplifies sound, possibly against a wall or under a canopy.

-Test the sound beforehand: Do a sound check a few days before the wedding or at the very least the morning of the wedding. You’ll want to make sure the volume is appropriate, and everyone's microphone is working properly.

-Have a backup plan: If you're using wireless microphones, have backup batteries on hand. Look into renting or borrowing additional audio equipment in case of technical difficulties.

Decorating Your Outdoor Oasis

Outdoor weddings offer a unique canvas for personalizing your big day. Here in Houston, where nature provides a stunning backdrop, your décor can complement the beauty of the surroundings while reflecting your style.

Here are a few ideas for inspiration.

Embrace the Natural Beauty

Let the natural landscape shine. Use the existing foliage, trees, and flowers as part of your décor. Choose a wedding venue with picturesque views, like a garden, park, or waterfront, to minimize the need for excessive decorations.

Lighting Is Key

As the sun sets, create a magical ambiance with lighting. String lights, lanterns, candles, and fairy lights draped on trees or bushes can add a romantic glow. For a more dramatic effect, try uplighting trees or architectural features.

Floral Arrangements

Fresh flowers always add a touch of elegance. Choose seasonal blooms that thrive in Houston's climate, like roses, hydrangeas, and sunflowers. Incorporate them into centerpieces, bouquets, and ceremony arches.

Don't Forget the Details

Personalize your décor with unique touches. You can do this with customized signs, a photo display of your love story, or mementos with special meaning.

 Weather-Proof Your Décor

As we mentioned, weather can be unpredictable. Use sturdy materials and decorations that can withstand wind, rain, and humidity. Go with waterproof fabrics, sturdy vases, and securely fastened decorations.

Think Comfort

Provide shade with umbrellas, tents, or pergolas to keep guests comfortable during hot days. Consider adding blankets or shawls for cooler evenings.

Hire a Pro

If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding decorator. They can help you create a cohesive look, source décor items, and handle the setup and breakdown.

Feasting in the Fresh Air: Food and Drink Tips

When it comes to weddings, the food and drinks can make or break the experience. When your wedding will be outdoors, it becomes even more important to plan your menu and service with both flavor and function in mind.

Keep it Fresh and Seasonal

Embrace the flavors of the season. If at all possible, select fresh, local produce that's in peak season. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures your dishes are bursting with flavor. Consider a menu that complements the time of year, like a refreshing berry salad for a late spring wedding or hearty chili for a fall celebration.

Beat the Heat (and Bugs)

If there’s any chance temperatures will soar on your wedding day, choose dishes that hold up well in the heat. Avoid mayonnaise-based salads or creamy desserts that can spoil quickly. Your best bets are grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and fruit-based desserts. And don't forget to provide plenty of cold beverages to keep your guests hydrated. (You might also consider adding a bug spray station to ward off those pesky mosquitoes.)

Put Thought Into Logistics

Consider how the food will be served. Buffet-style is often easier for outdoor weddings, but you'll need to make sure the food is kept at safe temperatures. If you’d prefer a plated meal, make sure you have enough servers to efficiently serve everyone.

Think Presentation

Make your food and drinks visually appealing. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving platters, and creative displays to make your spread look as good as it tastes.

Hire a Caterer with Experience

You always have the option of hiring a caterer who specializes in outdoor weddings. They'll be familiar with the challenges and have the expertise to make sure your food and drinks are delicious and safe, no matter the weather.

A Few Thoughts About Cake

And don't forget the centerpiece of your dessert table—the wedding cake. When choosing your cake for an outdoor celebration, consider both taste and resilience. Rich buttercream frostings may not hold up well in heat, so opt for sturdier options like fondant or whipped cream. Choose flavors that are refreshing and complement the season, like lemon, raspberry, or a fun, tropical twist.

 Talk to your baker about using fillings and frostings that are less likely to melt or soften in warm temperatures. And if you're worried about bugs, ask about having a smaller cake for display and cutting, while serving sheet cake to your guests.

Since The Bell Tower on 34th opened more than a decade ago, it has earned a reputation as the best wedding venue in Houston.

Our southeast Texas venue with a chapel, waterwall, and beautifully tended grounds, can accommodate both small and large weddings.

Learn more about getting married here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355