Being married and having your reception in the great outdoors can be a magical experience for many brides and grooms. And today, there are many options to choose from for your outdoor wedding venue and if you are not sure which direction to head in here are a few of our favorite types of outdoor weddings that are great for the spring, summer and even the fall seasons. You may be surprised by our bride and groom favorite!
Considering a Farm Wedding?
One of our favorite offsite catering venues for a unique and fun wedding experience is Bayonet Farm in Holmdel Township, New Jersey. This venue consists of 240 acres of farmland, historic buildings, and barns that are now preserved by the township. For brides and grooms looking for an authentic barn wedding, the two barns, fields and pastures at Bayonet Farm can be a romantic way to celebrate your special day. The Red Barn boasts a large, open rustic space on the upper level, and for smaller parties, the lower level offers a cozy, intimate setting. The venue allows tents for an outdoor experience and a caterer of your choice is permitted. For details on Bayonet Farm, contact us today.
A Popular Alternative to an Indoor Venue
There can be many things to plan for and some challenges to overcome, but the end result can be the most romantic, fairytale style wedding you can imagine. One suggestion we might offer is to prepare your guests ahead of time for the sand and surf by adding the venue to your save the date mailing. This way, guests can pick appropriate attire and footwear for the sandy and wind. If you are utilizing vendors for your decorations, tents or other rentals for the beach, check their experience with beach weddings and view photos from their portfolio and ask for references before booking.
When it comes to setting up on a beach, the experience will be the difference between things staying put and tents flying up the beach! Be sure to book your ceremony during less busy days or times since the Jersey Shore is a very busy place in the summer, so consider having an evening wedding on the beach and enjoy the great ambiance of sunset while avoiding the traffic and crowds. Beach weddings can be just as lovely in the early fall, too.
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Maybe a Garden Wedding Could Be for You?
A garden wedding can be accommodated at many local, county and state parks. Estate homes and venues with beautiful gardens also offer outdoor weddings. There can be a multitude of things you need to know before planning your wedding in a park or at a private estate. Make sure you check on things like electric, restroom facilities, whether it will be open to the public during your wedding, and if they allow tents and seating. Be sure that the venue can handle the number of guests you expect to invite (as with any venue) or if there are any restrictions on decorating. Some couples choose to have the ceremony in the garden and then the reception inside or at a different location.
Coordinating this type of wedding can be difficult with regard to timing of the reception and the ceremony, guests traveling from one location to the other or even utilizing separate companies for the rental items you may need for either or both. Check into catering companies that offer a one-stop shopping so that all of your plans are coordinated and you are not spending your time calling a variety of different vendors.
Many reception centers offer outdoor areas that feature beautiful gardens or settings for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Check with your banquet manager on the options for your wedding including an outdoor ceremony, spaces for cocktail hour and the reception. Many venues can provide tents with or without side panels or other accessories that may accommodate if the weather doesn’t cooperate. In addition, a dance floor, outside bars and everything you need to make your outdoor wedding complete can be provided, you just have to ask.
Many brides dream of having their wedding in a beautiful, outside location. Whether you choose the beach, a private estate venue or the patio or gardens of a reception center, this can make for a memorable event if you plan ahead. The flexibility of an outdoor wedding can be a blessing when you are increasing your guest list daily. Your catering vendor should be able to accommodate last minute changes, such as sides for the tent if the weather is threatening or increasing the amount of food, tables, and chairs. When you are working with a company that is experienced in setting up and providing for weddings in outdoor venues they can help you determine all of the items you will need to plan your wedding in style. Jacques Exclusive Catering and Jacques Reception Center offer one-stop shopping for all of your rental and reception needs. The reception center offers an outdoor ceremony garden with a multitude of options for your reception. For more information on our off-site catering, rentals or reception center, contact us today.
