How to Choose Between an Indoor or Outdoor Wedding

The minute you start planning your wedding, you’ll find that choosing a venue- indoor or outdoor- will be among the very first and most important decisions you make. You and your partner may have a lot of questions, however. So the experts at Marco Island Weddings are here to help you out. While one style might sound more appealing than the other, you might find you change your mind- or stick to your guns- after reading our pros and cons of having an outdoor versus an indoor wedding.

Outdoor- Pros

The beauty of an outdoor wedding lies in the obvious. The natural loveliness that surrounds you on such a special day simply can’t be beat. You’ll enjoy natural light, as well, which is always perfect for photos. With the beauty of a garden, beach, field or forest, you’re sure to have a picturesque setting without a lot of decorating. Plus your guests (including kids) will have plenty of space to spread out and move around freely. Finally, there’s nothing like a gorgeous star-studded sky or colorful sunset to grace your beautiful day.

Outdoor- Cons

While the setting may be gorgeous, there are definitely a few things to consider before heading off into the wilderness to get hitched. Weather, for one, can be a huge factor in an outdoor wedding. Have a backup plan ready and watch the local forecast for several days leading up to your event. Inclement weather, including rain, wind, snow or extreme temperatures (heat or cold) can truly put a damper on the day and make you and your guests beyond uncomfortable. You might also want to think about the possibility of bugs or other local wildlife sneaking up to join the festivities. Plus, with an outdoor venue, you’ll need to invest a bit of your wedding budget in renting chairs, a trellis or altar, a dance floor, reception tables, and possibly generators so your vendors have enough power for their equipment.

Indoor- Pros

Keeping your wedding and ceremony inside can definitely have advantages. For one, you have full control of everything about how your wedding will look. The decorations will stay in place, the temperature will remain constant and the guests will each have their own seat. You can also ensure that every vendor has an outlet for power, the caterers can set up as early as they need and the sound system works perfectly. Lighting, though artificial, is also able to be manipulated, so you can ensure a beautiful look to the entire event.

Indoor- Cons

However, if you opt to have your wedding and reception indoors, you’ll find that you must work with the space provided. If the room is too large or not large enough, you might find it awkward to deal with. So will your photographer, as she tries to shoot photos of you from various angles and backgrounds. You’ll also most likely be limited to a certain number of people, which can become an issue if you were hoping to put on an oversized dream wedding with hundreds of guests.

Ultimately, only you can decide what matters most to you and your partner when it comes to choosing a venue. Keep in mind that many couples mix and match their venues. They hold their wedding outside then move indoors for their reception, or vice versa. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you’re happy with your decision and you’ll experience the most beautiful day possible. For more thoughts on the pros and cons of a specific venue you’re considering, talk to the wedding professionals at Marco Island Weddings. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you create a beautiful event you’re proud to enjoy.