At the Antique Boat Museum, we love hosting beautiful waterfront wedding ceremonies and receptions. Restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cancel our 2020 event season, and we greatly missed hosting weddings on campus. As we get excited about moving forward and planning safe events for the 2021 season, we’re sharing some commonly overlooked tips for planning your big day outdoors.
Stable Shoes– Cute and practical shoes are a waterfront wedding essential! It’s important to have a sturdy shoe that won’t get stuck, wobble, or give out when walking on the docks. Stilettos, for example, are very stylish but not the best choice for an outdoor wedding.
Hairstyle– If the wedding is outdoors, your hairstyle will likely be subjected to some of the elements. Choose a hairstyle that is easily touched up, secured with pins, or one that gets better with a windblown look. Be sure to add hairspray and a hairbrush to the day-of kit!
Sunscreen– There’s nothing more beautiful than a waterfront sunset after an amazing wedding, and nothing worse than developing a painful sunburn after spending all day outside. People wearing makeup should be sure to add a base layer before applying, and consider a foundation or moisturizer with SPF! Couples, consider gifting samples or sending out a message to guests to remember their SPF. Sunburns happen, even when it’s cloudy!
Décor– Our facilities provide shelter from the elements, but it is still important to opt for sturdy decorations that stay in place with a bit of wind. Be sure to check the forecast and avoid items that can become litter if blown away!
Water– It doesn’t get better than spending a day on the water celebrating love, but dehydration could dry up the fun quickly. Even without physical activity, guests may get dehydrated when spending an extended period of time outside in the sun. Consult with your caterers to ensure water is available for those who need it throughout the event!
Timing– The timing of the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception is important for summer weddings to maximize sunset time and minimize time outdoors at the hottest time of the day. Opting for an early morning or late afternoon ceremony can provide guests with some relief from the sun. At the Antique Boat Museum, guests can walk through the exhibits and cool off until the Museum closes.
Food Placement– Consider where the light shines into the facility when placing food, and opt for the shadier areas of the facility. Having the hot sun double bake the goods can result in some drippy confections or mushy fruits. Still delicious, but not as fresh and appetizing!
Thanks for reading, we hope these tips help cover some of the little details and provide some excitement for this summer’s wedding season. See you there!
