Consider your wedding date. If you have your heart set on a January wedding, you may want to forgo the oceanside ceremony.

Step Two

Scout out several possible locations ‘ even outdoor wonderlands can get booked up far in advance.

Step Three

Examine each location carefully. Is there a major intersection nearby? Is the place prone to bad weather? Are there lots of mosquitoes? Will there be construction work in the area on your wedding day?

Step Four

Ask about rules such as neighborhood noise restrictions. What could be worse than the neighbors calling in the cops to break up your reception?

Step Five

Tell your vendors about the location and discuss any challenges or extra expenses they may incur in working there. You may want to hire vendors who already have outdoor-wedding experience.

Step Six

Calculate the costs of outfitting an outdoor site before you choose a location. Do you plan on providing a tent? What about lawn furniture?

Step Seven

Consider weather and have a backup site ready. If you have chosen a rain-prone site, make a note on the invitation: “In case of rain, please join us at … .”

Step Eight

Make your site homelike: Rent amenities such as chairs, tables, linens, an electric generator, a dressing trailer, a portable dance floor and portable toilets.

Step Nine

Designate a central location where guests can gather for cake, dancing, bouquet tossing and so forth.

Step Ten

String lights between trees, hang Chinese lanterns in the branches, rent some spotlights or scatter scores of votive candles - the possibilities are endless.