There’s nothing wrong with having a traditional wedding, with a formal religious ceremony, followed by a reception in a separate venue, be it a ballroom, a banquet hall, or a restaurant. Most people enjoy the pomp and pageantry that comes with these types of celebrations, from the ages-old rituals and lavishly decorated locations to the grand entrances, the dances, and the seated meals and toasts.
However, if your soul craves adventure and you have a different vision about how your wedding should look, you shouldn’t feel obligated to follow the crowd and do what everyone else is doing simply because of the pressure to conform to the general expectations and norms. After all, this is your special day, and you should celebrate it in a way that represents you and your loved one and brings joy to both of you.
Fortunately, adventure weddings are becoming an increasingly popular trend among couples who feel most at home in nature and enjoy nothing more than exploring the great outdoors. Obviously, these events look nothing like the weddings most people are used to, as they come with their own challenges and logistics requirements. So, if you’re thinking about taking the path less travelled to saying “I do”, here’s what you should know.
The Benefits
Planning your wedding as an epic outdoor adventure is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it does come with numerous advantages, the most obvious one being the freedom and flexibility it offers. You are not limited by venue options and availability and can choose almost any location that speaks to you, as you basically have the whole world as your potential backdrop. Well, you may not be able to exchange vows on top of Mount Everest (theoretically), but there are so many stunning destinations around the globe with dramatic scenery, from beaches and forests to waterfalls and glaciers, that you’ll have a hard time deciding where to go and what to do.
Adventure weddings also imply a shared experience for the couple and the guests, in a unique and intimate setting, which makes the moment all the more meaningful and special, and isn’t that what all weddings are supposed to be about? The beauty and serenity of remote locations not only provide a level of privacy you can’t find elsewhere, but also facilitate deeper connections with the great outdoors and the people that join you as you step into this new chapter in your life.
The choice variety gives you the opportunity to turn your wedding into a memorable adventure that you’re going to remember for the rest of your lives. Far from the madding crowd, you can enjoy an authentic celebration that aligns with your personal values and
With an adventure wedding, there’s simply less stress about the minutiae of planning, which in traditional weddings often takes away from the true meaning of the event. Here, it’s not about going through the motions, smiling politely, and doing small talk with relatives you probably didn’t even know you had. The focus falls on being fully present and enjoying every moment of this special day, celebrating in a way that reflects who you truly are as a couple.
The Challenges
While an adventure wedding may be more up your alley, you should know that planning one is not exactly as hassle-free as some might imagine. First of all, the venue hunting, decorating, and catering parts are replaced by concerns regarding unpredictable weather conditions, safety, and permits. You can’t order Mother Nature to give you sunshine and good weather on your wedding day. You also have to think about how you’re going to get everyone to the location you’ve chosen safely and soundly.
Regulations may also pose a challenge as you might need to obtain permits to organize a celebration in certain locations, such as national parks, and dealing with the bureaucracy is not exactly pleasant.
Furthermore, planning a wedding in a remote location will also inevitably limit your guest count, especially if you decide to tie the knot in a hard-to-reach area, which means you’ll only be able to take your nearest and dearest with you. And if access can be difficult for your guests, it will also be difficult to bring in facilities and caterers.
How About the Attire?
Now let’s talk about an aspect that is central to any wedding: the outfits, particularly the wedding dress. You obviously can’t climb on top of a mountain wearing a 10-meter-long train and 5-inch heels. However, this doesn’t mean you need to renounce the glam altogether; you simply need to find a balance between style and functionality.
You can still don a classic wedding dress, if the weather and terrain allow. For extra comfort, consider choosing a wedding gown made of durable and breathable fabrics, especially in hot climates. Layering is a good idea if you know you’re going to face conditions like rain, wind, or snow. Wearing a coat on top of your wedding dress and some first layers underneath to keep you warm and dry will help you face the cold without any issues.
There are plenty of wedding dress styles that can be suitable for outdoor events, so feel free to explore your options until you find the one. The most important aspect to consider is footwear. Hiking boots, sturdy sneakers, or even waterproof boots are all great options, and they can make a nice contrast against a stylish wedding gown.
Final Recommendations
When it comes to wedding planning, the only thing that should guide your decisions is the desire to enjoy yourself. But if you’re dreaming of turning your special day into an outdoor adventure, make sure you don’t neglect the logistics and focus on comfort and safety. Choose a suitable location that offers the kind of experience you’re dreaming about, take care of the necessary arrangements, get all your guests on board, and let the adventure begin!
