Outdoor wedding receptions carry the potential for an unmatched aesthetic experience. Whether your party unfolds near hypnotic waves and soft, sandy beaches, or high in mountainous terrain beneath a sky that has suddenly grown closer, your reception will be long remembered for its natural charm.

There are many lovely, outdoor sites to be considered when thinking up outdoor wedding reception ideas. Some will only work on a seasonal basis, while others; depending on your location and tolerance for the elements, are timeless.

Outdoor wedding reception ideas include the following:

• Parks
• Beaches
• Forests
• Wineries
• Lakes
• Mountains
• Estates
• Country Clubs
• Boats
• Backyards

The most important rule for an outdoor wedding reception is to be prepared. Determine whether or not you need a permit, and whether there are any noise restrictions. Staying optimistic about weather and location is wonderful, but preparing for the worst is salient. With good backup plans in tow, your party will be a success no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

If possible, visit your chosen location one year to the day in advance of your wedding. This will not predict your weather scenario, but it will help you to observe some key elements including:

• What are the natural decorations?
• Are flowers blooming during the time of year that your wedding will take place?
• What time does the sun at the location?
• How will all of these elements affect your photographs?

A bunch of drenched, overheated, or freezing guests makes for a disappointing party. Have a back-up plan. If your ceremony is at a country club or inn, there will be indoor facilities. Reserve a backup room, just in case. It may add to the expense, but it will ensure that your reception can continue in the event of nasty weather. If your reception area does not have a building nearby, have a tent available. It needs to be sturdy, water resistant and large enough to comfortably house all of your guests. Additionally, canopies and tables with umbrellas can be a welcome shield from the sun.

Outdoor wedding receptions can be difficult for some guests in hot weather. Have lots of bottled water on hand. Waiters can ensure that everyone has enough and they can even carry platters with decorative fans that can double as favors.

Additionally, you might want to consider the following for your warm weather outdoor wedding reception.

• Beverage Station: in addition to the bar, have a non-alcoholic station with plenty of water and other cool drinks.
• Favor Buckets: on reception tables filled with travel-sized bottles of sunscreen, visors, and sunglasses for your guests.
• Electric Fans: strategically set up to cool the event.

Windy weather can take a bunch of good ideas and blow them away! From your hairstyle to your tablecloths, you need to plan in advance. Table settings must be pinned and anchored, and remember that candles will blow out in the wind. Consider how the wind will affect your sound system and talk to your sound coordinator to make sure that he or she is prepared.

Remember to tell your guests that the reception will be held outdoors. You can include this on your wedding invitations. This will allow your guests to dress appropriately and thoroughly enjoy the day.

Make sure that your outdoor wedding reception has adequate rest room facilities. If there are no indoor bathrooms nearby, you will need to rent portable bathrooms. Think about where you will place them so that they will be close enough for guests without becoming part of your d?cor.

If you are in an insect laden area, have plenty of citronella candles, and perhaps even bug zappers, on hand. Annoying pests can really get in the way of a good time.

Make sure that there are adequate parking facilities and that they are close enough to your location so that all of your guests can comfortably walk to and from their vehicles. If they cannot, consider a shuttle service. For additional ideas, please read Outdoor Wedding Themes.

Outdoor wedding receptions allow you to celebrate in the midst of nature and they add an aesthetic element to a day filled with exhilaration and promise.