Sunny here! I’m writing to you from the beautiful garden grounds of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. The lush grounds and the fragrant flowers set a romantic atmosphere. Sitting in the center of the garden is a wrought iron and white gazebo; perfect for reciting vows.

If you’re set on wedding outdoors but not too keen to wed on the beach, spring time sets the scene for the most gorgeous garden weddings. The best thing is… nature does most of the decorating for you! If you’re planning on having a garden wedding, here are some quick garden wedding tips to help your big day go as smoothly as possible.

Your Wedding Planner is your Best Friend! Your planner is there to do everything and then some to ensure your outdoor wedding goes as smoothly as possible. Talk to her about every detail and every dream you have your wedding. Tell your planner what you would like for them to ensure for you; whether that means having a special candle lit dinner or a romantic bubble bath waiting for you on your wedding night – you’re wedding planner is there to make it happen!

Trial, Trial and Trial again! When doing trials for your wedding hair and make-up, go to your venue and see how both your hair and make-up holds up to the weather. Try on shoes similar to the ones you would like to wear with your wedding dress to see if they’re lawn friendly. If they’re not, at least now you have time to change your shoe choice – decorative sandals can be a good choice for a casual wedding. Rehearse as much as you can with your party and find out in advance if anyone has any allergies. The wedding day is not the day to discover your flower girl is allergic to petunias!

Pack Emergency Kits! Pack a bag full of things you may need: hairpins and anti-frizz hair spray may come in handy just in case the weather calls for humidity. Make-up blotting paper, sun block, bottled water, mosquito repellent, allergy medication, etc. are also items you may want to consider putting in your wedding day emergency kit . Then give your bag to your wedding planner or maid of honor to keep close by in case of emergency.

Check the Weather in Advance! Once you’ve set your date; keep a relaxed eye on the expected weather. If you’re set to wed at high noon on a sunny day, think about adding a parasol to your wedding accessories or a tent to your venue. Having small set-ups with bottled water and mini-fans can help keep your guests cool and comfortable during your ceremony.

Plan Ahead! We know you don’t want to even think about it raining the day of the big event, but it can never hurt to have a backup plan. Discuss with your wedding planner the possibility of reciting your vows in an indoor location nearby. Perhaps your garden venue has an indoor facility that can be easily turned into a makeshift wedding hall. A winding staircase can quickly become an easy to decorate makeshift altar.

Are you planning a garden wedding? We’d love to hear some of your tips too!