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A few more questions to be answered and thoughts to mull over…
Clean-up: This goes for before and after the wedding!
Before the wedding clean-up: Your lawn as plenty of things in it that you probably every day, you’re a bit desensitized to all the bits and pieces of your home. A few things to scavenger hunt for would be doggie toys, hoses, bird feeders, rogue patio furniture, children toys, potted plants (particularly failed potted plants) and of course anything you don’t want ruined by fun-loving guests! I suggest getting the lawn serviced (whether you do the servicing or not) about 2 to 3 days prior so all the extra clippings can settle yet everything is still crisp and cleanly trimmed. Grand finale for pre-ceremony clean-up? Pooper-scoop.
After the wedding clean-up: Unfortunately weddings are messy. A hotel staff usually does most of the dirty work but at your own home… Well there’s always Merry Maids! Most important is to have a set plan so your charming little home and backyard do not become a disaster that keeps getting postponed. So set a date, time and clean-up crew to get it all back to normal!
Weather: Let’s touch on this again more ideas. Is there a covered patio in sight in case the ceremony needs a quick cover? Most rain issues at weddings are quite quick and do not have to ruin the entire day’s plans. Also, people always underestimate wind and it is the most common wedding-weather-woe. Please weigh down anything that could possibly get carried away! A few suggestions on small efforts you can provide for your guests to ensure they are comfortable and having fun…
Umbrellas/parasols, fans (possibly make your program into a fan?), SPF, bug spray (for the evenings especially), some personalized handkerchiefs and beverages. Now for inspiration…
You cannot find a bigger fan of a quaint, romantic and casual backyard wedding than myself but as I work with my bride getting everything organized and prepared, I am realizing the many obstacles along the way. Your love for a backyard wedding must run deep with admiration and determination to be able to pull one these off 
Some basics to cover…
Rentals: Possibly get a backup tent on reserve? They cost a pretty penny on their own so if you don’t end up needing it, you’ll have more $ for the honeymoon!
Power: Lighting, hot food, DJ… start your checklist now. Does your cake need a spotlight? Are you hanging those adorable string lights?
Parking: Everyone will not fit in your driveway. Will there be a bus bringing everyone over from the ceremony? Do you happen to have a nearby field for extra cars? And how are the neighbors going to feel about this?
Weather: Rain is not the only enemy, wind is the runner-up so make sure all decor is secured. I’ve seen many vases break…
I’ll continue to add to this list but for now here are some of my favorite representations…
I live in Orlando but a girl can dream right…
Thank you to John Zich Photography, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grazier Photography & Anne Ruthmann Photography
The Summer Bride
Living, working and simply walking outdoors in Orlando mid-June is enough to explain why the once well known June Bride is a rare sight in Florida. However every so often there is a beautiful bride wanting her dream wedding set in the middle of summer. And to make it happen we’re gonna throw out a few suggestions to make this day all it was meant to be, breathtaking & joyous! Let’s start off with some ceremony brainstorming…
One. Bottled water. Grab a cooler or a big colorful bucket filled with ice and bring water for your guests. If you’re having ushers, they can offer a bottle to each couple or guest as they’re seated. Of course the bottle’s labels can be personalized for your wedding.
*A helpful hint~ Ask the ushers to carry a nice, clean white towel to wipe off bottles as they’re handed out
Two. Fans. The variety of fans available is incredible. Traditional Asian-inspired fans, Hollywood glamour fans, double duty fans with the program printed on it or fans with amusing/romantic photos of the couple du jour.
Three. Handkerchiefs. This is great little addition to a sunny ceremony that guests can take home as a favor. You could buy a solid color in bulk then get your initials, wedding date or wedding location stitched in for guest’s to remember where they got their hankie! Some may think they’re a little old fashioned but I love the cute touch they add.
Four. {My favorite} Parasols. This is probably the priciest option but also the best sun protection. A cute pail at the entrance to your ceremony site full of parasols for guests is a beautiful addition for your photos. It’s your call whether guests take them as favors (what will you do with 20 umbrellas?) or the type of umbrellas you offer. You can find gorgeous varieties just like the fans.
*These are quite handy if the weather gets too rainy also
Are there any other tips out there for the summer bride? There are still plenty of them north of Orlando, Florida 
Next week we can chat about adding European flair to your wedding. I’ve been inspired from my recent trip across the Atlantic…
