How to have a successful outdoor wedding

Getting married outdoors can be beautiful, with the sun, warm air and natural beauty surrounding your wedding. However, there are some items you need to plan for. Follow these tips to have a successful outdoor wedding.

Beach wedding: What better backdrop for a wedding ceremony than the ocean? Beach weddings can be beautiful, but consider these tips. Prepare for the wind. According to MarthaStewartWeddings.com, the wind can cause candles to blow out and hairstyles to get windblown. But if you take a few precautions, you can enjoy a beautiful ocean-side wedding.

Winery: Wineries are becoming popular wedding spots. These locations offer beautiful scenery, great wine, and often have pretty, quaint facilities to hold receptions. One thing to consider, according to MarthaStewartWeddings.com, a lot of wineries will only allow you to serve wine and no other types of alcohol.

Your backyard: For anyone who's seen "Father of the Bride" or "Steel Magnolias," there is an appeal to have your wedding in your very own backyard. You won't have to worry about securing the venue, and it will have a sentimental feel. However, getting married in your yard can be more costly than you'd think. With no venue to work with, you'll be responsible for obtaining all tables, chairs, place settings, tents, parking, catering and restrooms, among other items. You may also need city permits and licenses to have a sizable party at your home.

For all outdoor weddings, you also need to account for Mother Nature. Make sure you have a Plan B option in case of rain or a storm. Also make sure you're taking care of your guests. If rain is a possibility, make sure to provide umbrellas or items to dry off with. If heat is a concern, make sure there is plenty of water available, and shaded areas for people to cool off.

Also make sure you know exactly what you will need at each location, including electricity, chairs and restrooms. You don't want to assume something is available and find out too late that it's not.