Pinky's Tip...The Outdoor Ceremony

Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips for your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union.

We've all seen the pictures - the happy couple exchanging vows and rings on a serene beach as their guests surround them, wiping away tears of joy. In New Zealand, the reality is more often the couple hanging onto each other so they won't blow away, surrounded by guests wiping away wind-blown sand, or drops of rain! 

There are two things you can't control on your big day - small children and the weather.  New Zealand has a climate that could best be described as unpredictable. And don't assume that summer will provide calm weather. According to my own statistics, you are just as likely to have rain in February as in June. And it isn't always rain that can spoil your day. Wind is much more difficult. So is too much sun. Remember that your guests will have been there for some time before the actual ceremony begins. Often there is no shade or shelter for them. So when planning, try and think of their comfort. The ideal day for an outdoor ceremony is actually slightly overcast - better photos without the glare, and no squinting or sunstroke - with a light breeze to keep everyone cool. 
    
Like most celebrants, I have shared the challenges of the outdoor ceremony. I am all for them - but do apply a bit of forethought and planning. 

• Ask yourselves, do we really want an outdoor wedding because this place is special to us, because we love being in the outdoors, or is it just for great photos.  Remember, photos can be taken outside after the ceremony. 

• Having decided on an outdoor venue, make a list of potential problems, and try and address each one. If you've chosen a hired venue, like a vineyard or a restaurant, don't assume their people will address problems. Be proactive, ask questions, and involve your celebrant in this process.   

• If choosing a beach, check tide timetables and access. If it's a public park, check with the local council. 

• Have a good Plan B. Weather can change quickly. You need to have an  alternative that will be close enough for you to change to quickly and easily, and can comfortably accommodate all your guests. Decide who will make the call to switch to Plan B, and when. Note your Plan B venue on invitations and have a number guests can call with a voice message telling them where to go. Make your Plan B venue as attractive as possible. The last thing you want to feel on your big day is disappointed.   

• Consider hiring a marquee. A marquee is expensive, but it can double as a ceremony venue, a shelter for guests before and after the ceremony and somewhere to dance later in the evening.

• Warn guests in advance so they can choose suitable attire, especially footwear.  Include a map in the invitation. 

• If access is difficult, arrange transport for guests who need help. 

• Provide large umbrellas for guests.  These can come from a $2 shop - have fun drawing pictures or printing your names on them with felt pens - waterproof, of course!  

• If you're marrying in a private garden, let neighbours know you'll be having an outdoor wedding.  Stereos, chainsaws and mowers can disrupt the day.  Make sure house phones are switched off as they can be heard outside.   

• Consider hiring a good sound system with a lapel microphone.  Most celebrants can't be heard outdoors, especially if it's windy or there's lots of ambient noise - trains, planes, helicopters, nearby sports fields, crashing waves... 

• Music can be provided by a battery operated sound system.  If using musicians, they'll need somewhere to shelter.  String quartets especially need to protect their instruments from sun and rain. 

• Prepare yourselves well.  Wear sunblock.  Remember you'll be outside for the ceremony, and for your photos.  Make sure you have a hamper with warm wraps to pop over bare shoulders, brollies, bottled water, (I don't need to tell you to pack champagne!), even a flask of coffee. 

• Have an attractive folding table to sign the register, and a few chairs for senior guests.  This keeps them comfortable, and helps define the ceremony area. 

• Be creative about "decorating" your outdoor venue.  Use hay bales, logs, or rocks as seating.  Organise friends to mark out the ceremony area, or create a pathway with shells, rocks, toe-toe fronds stuck into the sand, or driftwood.  Leave it till the last minute though, as the wind can erase the most creative endeavours! 

• Make sure the celebrant draws guests in close to the ceremony area, so they can hear what's happening.  People tend to hang back, and they need to be actively encouraged to come closer.

• Most of all, relax about your choice of venue.  Once you have all your planning in place, there is nothing more you can do but hope that the weather - and small children - will cooperate, making your day everything you hope for.