12 Practical Tips for Planning an Outdoor Texas Wedding

If you're considering the great outdoors as the backdrop for your big day, you've come to the right place. We're here to spill the beans (or should we say, scatter the flower petals?) on how to plan the most unforgettable outdoor wedding, Texas-style. 

In this blog, we are skipping the typical checklist of wedding planning and getting straight into the practical tips that everyone forgets to tell you! 

     1. Offer Water.
Texas is hot, y’all. Having a water station at the ceremony is the greatest gift to your guests!      
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     2. Footwear Advisory. 
Let your guests know that the ceremony will be outside so that they can plan accordingly and wear appropriate footwear. This is also a good time to think about your own bridal shoes and what will be most comfortable. Some of our brides have opted for chic sneakers and we are in full support!

     3. Have a Back-Up Plan.
​If the weather decides to not cooperate, you should have a back-up plan for how the ceremony and day will look. One of our ceremony locations, The Saloon, is a perfect example, as it has an easy indoor-outdoor option in the event of ‘iffy’ weather! 
It is also a good idea to rehearse the back-up plan with your bridal party so that there are no last minute surprises. 

     4. Plan the Timing.
When you prepare your wedding day schedule, make sure that everyone is on the same page about when the festivities will be moving indoors. Your team at Diamond A can help facilitate this transition to make it an easy flow!
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     5. Wait on the Flowers.
If it is a hot Texas day, flowers will wilt in the sun. Plan on having a coordinator put your ceremony flowers out at the last minute so they are fresh for tying the knot.

     6. Plan for Safety. 
Depending on where you choose to have your ceremony, you will want to make sure there is a plan in place for helping your elderly and/or disabled guests get to the site easily and safely. At Diamond A, we can help you prepare for transportation needs.

     7. Wind Control. 
The wind can come and go, so if you are planning an outdoor wedding, make sure your hairstylist knows, so that they can pin and spray your hair appropriately. You may want to consider strong pins for your veil too, so that nothing goes flying away mid-ceremony!
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     8. Use Outdoor Lighting.
Hanging outdoor lights, lanterns, or mason jar “candles” can create a magical atmosphere, almost like having fireflies at your beck and call!

      9. Set Up Lawn Games.
Your guests will love some outdoor games for extra entertainment during the reception or cocktail hour. Some examples are corn hole, giant Jenga, mini golf, or giant Fast Four.

     10. Hot or Cold?
Depending on the time of year, having some temperature regulation can be helpful. 
In the summer, it can be fun to print your wedding program on a fan so that your guests have a built-in cooling option during your ceremony! It can also be cute to offer wedding-themed sunglasses as a wedding favor.
In the winter, you may want to have some outdoor heaters during cocktail hour. 

     11. Bring the Bug Spray.
Keep pesky insects from crashing your wedding with cute, personalized bug spray bottles! These can even double as wedding favors. 
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     12. Work With the Light.
Our beautiful Texas sunsets are one in a million. Work with a photographer who understands ‘magic hour’ and the Diamond A venue to create memories that will truly last a lifetime.

​Diamond A Ranch is a luxurious countryside wedding venue located in the DFW metroplex. With four ceremony locations available, our 2,000 acre venue is perfect for your outdoor Texas wedding. Book your tour of our unique venue today!