EXPERT ADVICE

FAQs and expert advice about wedding planning

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Sussex Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@your-sussex.wedding

Creature Comforts

Creature Comforts

Q What is your advice for planning an outdoor wedding?
A Kelly Andrews says: When you're tying the knot al fresco, make sure everyone's adequately informed in good time. When you send out your invitations be clear on which parts of your day will be celebrated outside, or indeed all of it, so that guests know to make their own arrangements in terms of attire and protection. Keep an open line of communication with your suppliers too, and collaborate with them on wet-weather backup plans. For example, at which point will you be prepared to make the decision to take it all inside? Who is going to be responsible for moving the whole shebang?

Check on the access to your venue. If you're tying the knot in a field, are there accessible roads and paths? If not, have a think about how you can overcome these challenges for your guests. Perhaps you need to lay on extra transport.

Sound has a tendency to drift away in the open air, so make sure you have all the tech in place to ensure everyone can hear you as you say "I do." You'll also need to check with the venue whether there are any restrictions on late-night music, as you don't want to be disturbing the local wildlife or residents! Also on the tech front, do you have all of the creature comforts in place such as loos and generators?

Have a think about what cover you want to provide for you and your guests. This is, of course, crucial for the comfort of all, not only in terms of wet weather protection, but also from the sun – we've had some scorchers in recent years. Once you've settled on a vibe for your nuptials, this should all become clear. An elegant, lined marquee is ideal for a classic wedding, whereas a tipi is the prefect choice for a boho or rustic vibe.

Finally, why not make a weekend of it and invite your guests to camp? Better still if you've chosen an al fresco venue with on-site bell tent glamping facilities!

Kelly Andrews, Your Sussex Wedding

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