Nowadays, it’s quite popular to hold an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. With all the stunning beauty surrounding us in Northern Nevada, there’s no question as to why couples prefer the outdoors! Although our venue has everything you need for an elegant barn wedding, there are some things we just can’t control. That’s why we’ve gathered our best tips and tricks for you and your guests to have a wonderful outdoor wedding experience.
There will be bugs- Unfortunately, the one thing that always comes with the beauty of mother nature is the bugs! We are known to have mosquitos in Northern Nevada, and our grassy fields don’t help our case. Providing bug spray at your wedding is a great option to keep you and your guests from getting bitten. Grab a few bottles for guests to share at your local store, or make it match the elegance of your wedding with these adorable bottles!
Mosquitoes hate strong smells. Laying coffee grounds in small containers around the venue can keep those pesky bugs away. Other strong smells mosquitos dislike are lavender, basil, peppermint, citronella, marigolds, catnip, and lemongrass. Purchasing any of these scents in an oil form and applying them to your skin could repel mosquitos. This option is great if you don’t want your dress to smell of bug spray.
If you really want to get fancy with it, this battery-powered Thermacell Mosquito Repellent is a great choice! Every 15 minutes, it automatically releases repellent into the air. Place a few around the reception area and you’re good to go.
If it’s forecasted to be cool at night, encourage guests to bring a shawl or jacket. Covering up is also a great way to keep bugs off your skin. Be smitten, not bitten!
Mind the terrain- While the barn is surrounded by grass, a beautiful back patio, and paved paths on either side, the front area is landscaped with woodchips. The walk from the car to the barn may also be a little dusty. With this in mind, plan your footwear accordingly!
Open-toed heels may leave your feet a little dusty by the end of the night, or a few woodchips might find their way into your shoe. If dust and dirt don’t bother you- go for it! A closed-toe heel might be a better option for those concerned with the terrain.
We also want to remind brides and guests who are having a lawn ceremony that stilettos and grass are not friends. To avoid sinking into the grass, you can purchase these heel protectors, or go for a flat shoe or block heel instead. If the dress code allows, cowboy boots are always a great choice for any barn wedding!
Keep an eye on the weather- Rain, snow, or shine, the show must go on! It’s always a great idea to keep an eye on the weather to make sure you and your guests have the best wedding experience.
If your July wedding is forecasted to be just a bit too hot to be comfortable, consider providing your guests with sun umbrellas or hand fans. A great two-for-one are wedding program fans. These can serve as a welcome sign, wedding timeline, or fun details about your wedding party or you as a couple. Extra water and sunscreen might also be thoughtful additions. Bridesmaids and groomsmen- it’s up to you to keep the couple watered and cool!
On the flip side, who knows when afternoon thunderstorms might come rolling in? Clear umbrellas for your party and your guests are a great idea to still enjoy your outdoor wedding with a little drizzle. Plus, it makes for stunning photos and a unique day!
Outdoor weddings come with many factors that seem out of your control, but there are ways to make sure you and your guests have a great experience! We can tell you that we’ve had weddings in every weather imaginable out here at the barn- and they all turned out fabulous! Braving the unknown is well worth it for the stunning mountain views our valley has to offer.
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