If you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, the Winchester, Virginia area is the perfect setting. Brides longing for wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and big skies — bright and blue or starry nights — fall in love with the timeless beauty and romantic charm. It’s a place like no other. Against an idyllic backdrop, outdoor wedding details in Virginia ceremonies add the perfect touch, sure to make your special day an event to remember.
Whether you’re looking to create a gorgeous and glamorous outdoor gala or a rustic-chic intimate gathering, the delight is in the details.
Here are some helpful ideas for creating the one-of-a-kind wedding your heart desires amidst the unparalleled beauty of the Virginia countryside.
Hosting a ceremony outdoors means embracing the elements and welcoming Mother Nature, no matter what she brings to the party. By planning ahead for anything which might happen, you can see to it your guests celebrate in comfort. Be prepared for a rainy day, heatwave, cold snap, pesky insects, or whatever blows your way. With a few simple adjustments and backup plans, nothing will spoil the beauty of your surroundings.
From floppy hats to fluffy towels, handheld fans to portable heaters, parasols to pashminas, and heel covers to sunscreen, your guests will appreciate all the little things you do to help them avoid the potential pitfalls – which sometimes await us in the great outdoors – so they can enjoy the open air with a smile.
The majestic beauty of the green mountain ridges of Frederick County is breathtaking on its own any day, and every bride dreams of flowers on her wedding day. So outdoor wedding details in Virginia ceremonies are sure to include flawless florals to accentuate the decor with flair and sophistication.
To ensure your arrangements stand up to wind and rain, avoid light-weight vases and delicate blossoms, and opt instead for weighted centerpieces and hardy blooms such as roses, dahlias, and zinnias.
To keep the bugs away, incorporate natural deterrents like sprigs of lavender, mint, rosemary, and thyme and steer clear of the baby’s breath and peonies you love so much, as they tend to attract pests.
Whatever your personal style and vision, you can bring it to life in the details of your outdoor wedding. Why opt for generic decor which will make your event blend in with the next bride’s when you can stand out and shine in your own way?
Think of adding colorful cushions, a funky chandelier, sparkling lights, whimsical accessories, vintage charm, or something entirely unexpected. From the most offbeat style choices to the most traditional, the stunning Shenandoah Valley scenery becomes your blank canvas and the possibilities are endless. By focusing on the details, you can decide how to make your outdoor wedding truly unforgettable and uniquely yours. (See our post on some unique centerpiece ideas to get some inspiration!)
Every couple wants their guests to have a wonderful time at their wedding, so attending
to details will always matter. Whether it’s an elegant soiree or a casual affair, you can look for ways to create an environment that’s welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
The layout and design of the event can make all the difference. Make certain your guests are able to navigate the outdoor space with safety and ease, including your elderly, disabled, or pregnant friends and family members. Use signs and pathways to point people in the right direction and manage the flow. Provide adequate seating, creative arrangements, and intimate vignettes to keep things interesting.
Overall, make the guest experience your top priority and your special gathering will be memorable for all the best reasons.
After the ceremony, it’s time to celebrate with fun in the sun or dancing the night away under the stars. So don’t forget to keep the details in mind when planning your outdoor wedding entertainment and menu.
In the summertime, steer clear of rich, heavy foods like cream sauces, risotto, and buttercream icing which will melt right off your cake. Instead, select meals which feature fresh fruit and veggies and cake with smooth fondant. In the fall, serve creamy soups, root vegetables, and roasted meats. Frosty cocktails are a surefire hit on a summer day and spicy mulled wine will warm up a chilly September evening. Or … think outside the box! How about s’mores over a firepit … or a desert or ice cream truck? Both can show up just in time to treat your guests to a unique wedding dessert experience they’ll remember and talk about for years to come!
All in all, Virginia brides have the opportunity to take advantage of one of the most serene and spectacular settings in the world. Green pastures, rolling hills, and the bucolic charm of an unspoiled landscape become a backdrop like no other for your outdoor wedding. Details in Virginia ceremonies shine through and 6 Pastures is the premier wedding venue to host the event of your dreams.
