OK! So recently I’ve had the chance to photograph some outdoor Wisconsin weddings (La Crosse and New Richmond) and I’m SO IN LOVE. If you are on the fence, just look at a few of these images and you’ll be sold. There was a chance of rain both days, but it held off for one and for the second, it was completely done by the time the wedding started, both days were beautiful, but completely different.

Tips for outdoor Wisconsin weddings

1. Watch out for the sun. 

This is probably the biggest one, at least at far as your photos are concerned. You have a few great options. First off, you can choose a time in the evening when the sun is less harsh. Another good option is to find (or create) a shady spot. Sometimes an area set aside for ceremonies (such as a gazebo in a park) may seem like the obvious choice, but it’s likely the person designing it wasn’t thinking of wedding ceremony photos- be aware of where the light is coming from, you want to avoid it directly hitting your face; this leads to you squinting and creates hard shadows on your face. Which brings me to my next lighting suggestions. If an evening wedding is out and you can’t find shade in a spot you like, I’d suggest avoiding the time of day where the sun is directly above you and instead place the sun behind you (to the back or side of the officiant). This will create much better lighting on your face.

2. Think of the temperatue

Maybe personalized fans, spray bottles or bottles of water might be a great thing to have waiting at the guests seats.

3. Always have a back up plan

Rain looks beautiful in photos…but you will feel better if you have a plan ready in case the weather is beyond what you are comfortable getting married in.

4. Is there a way you want to keep benches and chairs dry?

Maybe you aren’t setting these up until right before the ceremony, but maybe you need them up a few hours earlier. If you think it might get damp out, have a plan so your guests don’t need to sit on a wet seat (cover them until it’s time or have towels available.

5. Wedges.

Avoid stilettos. Enough said. 😉  OR come up with a plan of action to avoid getting stuck. 🙂

 

Reception La Crosse  www.pearlstreetwest.com/

Reception/Ceremony New Richmond:  http://www.bluehorsefarm.com

Alisha Marie Photography specializes in Wisconsin Wedding photography and is available for travel nation wide.