The Hidden Costs of an Outdoor Wedding: What You Need to Know Before Saying “I Do” Under the Open Sky

There’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of an outdoor wedding. Picture it: golden sunlight filtering through the trees, birdsong in the background, and a gentle breeze lifting your veil as you walk down a flower-lined aisle in a family friend’s backyard or a peaceful open field. It sounds magical—and for many couples, that dreamy, natural setting is incredibly appealing.

But as a wedding professional who has seen countless couples navigate the realities of their big day, I feel it’s important to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to pull off an outdoor wedding—and why it may not be the budget-saving fairy tale you’re hoping for.

The Bathroom Dilemma

Let’s start with something no one wants to talk about: restrooms. Does your outdoor location have them? Are they clean? Are there enough for 100+ guests? If not, you’ll need to rent upscale portable restrooms, which can cost hundreds—sometimes thousands—depending on the quality and quantity.

Weather: Your Wild Card Guest

Even the best-planned outdoor wedding is at the mercy of the weather. Rain is the most obvious threat, but what about extreme heat, sudden cold snaps, or gusty winds that toss your hair and your centerpieces around? A backup tent can help, but quality tents that can accommodate all your guests, DJ, dance floor, and dining tables are not cheap—and neither is the setup and teardown.

Renting It All

When you host a wedding on a property that isn’t already event-ready, you’re not just renting a tent. Think: tables, chairs, linens, lighting, catering equipment, trash disposal, generators for power, and potentially even flooring if the ground is uneven or muddy. Suddenly, that “free” venue is racking up a very real bill.

Bugs, Bright Sun, and Unexpected Guests

If you’ve ever tried to eat a meal outdoors in the summer, you already know: mosquitoes don’t care that it’s your wedding day. Neither do flies or bees. And while sunlight makes for beautiful golden-hour photos, midday sun can cause squinting, sweating, and melting makeup—not exactly the look you envisioned in your portraits.

The Case for All-Inclusive Venues

If you're starting to feel a little overwhelmed just reading this, that’s because outdoor weddings come with a lot of logistics. That’s why more and more couples are turning to all-inclusive wedding venues. These venues offer the best of both worlds: beautiful indoor settings with air conditioning (or heat), reliable restrooms, built-in infrastructure, and experienced staff to handle the heavy lifting.

You can still have those dreamy outdoor portraits—just time them around golden hour, when the lighting is most flattering and you’re already relaxed and glowing from your ceremony. Your photographer can help you capture that magical outdoor vibe without the need to commit your entire wedding day to the elements.

Bottom Line

By the time you add up the rentals, backup plans, and countless hours of coordination, an outdoor wedding on private property may cost just as much—or even more—than booking a venue that’s ready to host your dream day without all the uncertainty.

Choose peace of mind. Choose comfort. Choose a venue that lets you enjoy every moment, stress-free—and leaves the bug spray, rain plans, and power issues behind.

Because your love story deserves to unfold beautifully... not be at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Why Central Illinois Should Be Your Next Week-Long Getaway (Even If You’ve Never Heard of It)

I get it. When you think of planning a vacation, “Central Illinois” might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But hear me out—if you're looking for a getaway that’s relaxing, budget-friendly, and still packed with day trip adventures, this little pocket of the Midwest has a whole lot going for it.

And once you're here? You’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.

Your Romantic Getaway at Wells on Main Guesthouse & Gatherings. As you enter your Parisian-inspired suite at Wells on Main Guesthouse & Gatherings, you will find an extra touch of sweetness to enhance your Valentine's escape. Imagine being welcomed by a bottle of champagne, velvety chocolates, and a tempting selection of pastries – a delightful surprise left just for you and your love. Let the bubbles dance in your glasses as you savor the decadent chocolates and pastries, creating memories that linger long after your stay in Fairbury. Your romantic rendezvous just got sweeter at Wells on Main.

The romantic Parisian-inspired retreat has a luxurious townhouse feel. You will find it has its own kitchenette, cozy living room, bedroom and a private bath. A king-size bed beckons you to unwind, a French-designed fireplace, dancing candles, heavy silk drapes, and a matelassé coverlet creating an ambiance of romance and luxury. The velvety bedspread beckons you to a world where every moment feels like a stolen kiss in the heart of Paris. While the private bath becomes a sanctuary with its large soaking tub and double rain shower – the perfect setting for an intimate escape. Let the magic of Wells on Main be the backdrop to your unforgettable Valentine's Day. Book your stay and let the enchantment unfold.