Outdoor weddings offer a stunning backdrop and a beautiful atmosphere, but they also come with unique logistics to keep you and your guests comfortable. Whether planning a summer ceremony under the July sun or a crisp fall celebration, ensuring everyone is comfortable will help smooth your wedding experience. Here are some must-haves to keep your guests comfortable at an outdoor wedding.  

Provide Shade and Shelter

One of the most significant factors in guest comfort is protection from the elements. If you’re hosting a ceremony or reception outdoors, consider these options:  

• Tents or Canopies: Rent a tent to provide shade in the summer or cover from potential rain.  
• Umbrellas or Parasols: Place large umbrellas over seating areas or offer handheld parasols for guests.  
• Natural Shade: Utilize trees or covered patios to provide relief from the sun. Luckily for our Darby House couples, the large trees near our Waterside Terrace offer plenty of cooling shade for outdoor ceremonies.   

Keep Guests Cool in Warm Weather

Preventing overheating is key if your wedding occurs in the summer or early fall. Here are some ways to beat the heat:  

• Fans: Provide handheld fans for guests to use throughout the day.   
• Refreshing Drinks: Plan a hydration station with cold water, lemonade, or iced tea to keep everyone hydrated. Our in-house caterer can set this up for guests before the ceremony starts!  
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses: A small basket of sunscreen and sunglasses near the ceremony site is another nice touch for anyone needing extra help to make themselves comfortable in the warm weather.   

Keep Guests Warm in Cooler Temperatures

For fall and early spring weddings, chilly weather can be a concern. Help guests stay warm with these thoughtful touches:  

• Blankets & Wraps: Provide cozy blankets for guests to use during the ceremony or reception.  
• Heaters or Fire Pits: Rent portable heaters or use fire pits for warmth and ambiance. Darby House has a great outdoor firepit perfect for a cozy evening!  
• Warm Beverages: Offer a hot drink station with options like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or mulled cider.  

Plan for Bug Control

Outdoor weddings, especially in the warmer months, can come with uninvited guests—bugs. Keep them at bay with these solutions:  

• Citronella Candles: Your Darby House coordinator would happily help place these around your outdoor cocktail tables to help drive away insects.   
• Bug Spray Stations: Provide insect-repellent wipes or sprays for guests. These items could be placed in the guest bathrooms for easy access!  

Have a Backup Plan

Even with the best planning, nature can be unpredictable. Always have a backup plan in case of rain, extreme temperatures, or strong winds. For Darby House, this means utilizing our gorgeous indoor ceremony space- the Racing Room, as your backup option. What’s great about this space is the floor-to-ceiling windows offer you the same view of Big Darby Creek as you would have with an outdoor ceremony!   

Communication with your Darby House coordinator is key to planning for potential weather outcomes the week of your wedding. However, our team is always willing to be flexible to do what we can to not let the weather interfere with the joy of your day!  

Comfort Makes a Difference

A comfortable guest is a happy guest! By planning ahead with thoughtful details, you can ensure that everyone enjoys your outdoor wedding, no matter the season. At Darby House, we’re experts at providing couples and their guests with a seamless and enjoyable experience. Contact us to learn how we can help bring your dream wedding to life!