L'Auberge de Sedona Offers Tips For A Beautiful Sedona Outdoor Wedding
With more than 2.4 million weddings occurring each year in the United States, the
bridal industry has grown into a $72 billion-a-year industry*. On-site wedding locations
often include hotels, restaurants and clubs, with over 30 percent of weddings held
outdoors**.
"The outdoor wedding is more popular than ever, especially in a setting as
beautiful as Sedona Arizona," says Meghan Rudolph, wedding planner for the award-
winning L'Auberge de Sedona, one of the premier wedding venues in the country.
"They're very different from the traditional indoor affair and offer more options,
with only the weather as a variable."
Wedding specialist Rudolph offers the following 10 tips that make planning an outdoor
Sedona wedding a worry-free, gratifying experience:
1. Budget: Have an exact budget or specific dollar amount when you meet with your
wedding planner. Make a prioritized list of what is necessary to create your wedding the
way you envision it. This will help in deciding between calligraphy invitations and live
music. It can be disappointing to make big plans and then have to cancel them because
they're not affordable.
2. Date: Planning the wedding date is extremely important. Have several in mind, since
the popular wedding months such as May, June, September and October may limit the
choice of dates. At L'Auberge, which is in Sedona, we recommend winter weddings for
better value. They can be spectacular at this time of year.
3. Comfort: Remember to ensure your guests' comfort by considering weather conditions
on the wedding day. If hot, have ushers offer ice-cold water bottles as guests are seated, or
print your wedding program on a hand-held fan to keep your guests cool. Colorful paper
umbrellas shade the sun and add beautiful color as well.
4. Backup Plan: What if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location should have an
indoor plan just in case. However, an outdoor tent is another option, but only for light to
moderate rainstorms. Or, the bridal couple might have the ceremony outside and reception
inside as a way to minimize the risk of bad weather. Check Sedona Weather and Average
Temperatures.
5. Plan for Wind: Windy conditions can wreak havoc on attire, hair, and d�cor. If the
location is typically windy, avoid fabrics such as chiffons or China silks. Also, advise your
hairstylist that your wedding is outdoors so she/he can design an appropriate style for you
and the bridal party. While unity ceremonies are important, wind can have an ill effect on
the traditional unity candle. More recent ideas include the sand ceremony and water ceremony.
6. D�cor: With natural beauty all around, outdoor weddings often use fewer decorations.
Some to be considered, however, include an arch or trellis, strings of lights or lanterns in the
trees, torches, and luminarias or farolitas. A flower petal walkway dense with deep colored
rose petals creates a dramatic contrast to green grass. Note: for weddings on grassy areas,
ensure the sprinkler system is disabled so guests don't receive an unwanted shower!
7. Food: At L'Auberge, we recommend a reception with food stations with delicious and
beautiful food options that are prepared and refreshed on a continual basis. Guests can enjoy
the reception without worrying if the food is getting cold or that they'll miss a served food course.
8. Bugs: One way to limit bug disturbances is to use citronella candles. While insects are
not typically a concern in Sedona's high dessert, we place citronella candles around the
border of the event disguised with red rocks or other natural elements just in case.
9. Sunlight: Couples who consider timing their outdoor wedding to a beautiful sunset
should ensure that chairs are oriented away from the sun so it won't shine directly in the
eyes of their guests during the ceremony. Check average Seasonal Sunset Times.
10. Attire: If hot weather is in the forecast, wear light fabrics to avoid unnecessary overheating
or perspiration. Brides wearing trains should consider the ground they will be walking on to
avoid grass and dirt. (An aisle runner can be helpful in avoiding stains.) Consult a makeup
professional for makeup that won't cake, streak, or shine and will hold up well for photographs
and throughout the event.
* The Knot
** The American Bridal Association
About L'Auberge de Sedona
L'Auberge de Sedona is an intimate creekside retreat that sets elegantly on the banks of Oak Creek
in Sedona. Surrounded by the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona. The Inn's 11 acres of lush
forest grounds offer 56 king bed accommodations; including 19 guest rooms and two junior suites in
the European styled Lodge, 31 private cottages and four rooms in the expansive Creek House. The
AAA Four-Diamond L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek features the culinary artistry with breakfast,
lunch, and dinner services and a popular Sunday brunch. The luxurious Spa at L'Auberge, a serene retreat
offering a tranquil, rejuvenating experience, is surrounded by lush natural beauty, and offers a
carefully crafted spa menu designed to soothe and balance. Guests of L'Auberge are treated nightly
to an informal, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres reception in the living room of the Lodge.
L' Auberge Weddings
800-905-5778
928-204-4360
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This page was last modified on 28 November 2011 at 22:03
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