Top things to consider for outdoor weddings when planning your wedding music

The gorgeous sunshine is glorious! I am here for this weather! And it's even more exciting to think that drinks receptions and cocktail hours will slowly but surely start to make their way into the great outdoors - but what about your musicians? I hate to play devils advocate but it's sometimes not as simple as just moving outside if that's where your guests are, so here are my top considerations that you need to think about if you're wanting part of your day to be held outdoors.

1. Licenses and Restrictions

   Check with your venue about necessary licenses or noise permits. Some venues have noise restrictions or time restrictions that could affect live performances held outdoors, which are non negotiable so it's the most important factor to consider prior to planning this.

   
   

2. Power Supply

   Some musicians do have the ability to play via a battery powered PA system, including our services, however, I always put this in my contract that this is not the most effective way of powering your live musicians, nor the most reliable. As much as systems will be checked and double checked, the most reliable option is to be powered. Check to see if your venue has outdoor power, and if not, see what options your musicians have in case of battery failure if they are relying on a battery powered system.

   
   

3. Shade

   As much as it sounds glamorous to be playing in the glorious sunshine, without any shade it can be incredibly difficult. Equipment also runs the risk of overheating if there is no shaded area to protect it, so a small cover, marquee, even a good row of trees can be just what we need to stay cool in the sunshine!

4. Access

   When planning where you would like your musicians to be placed, consider the ease of access to that part of the venue - for example playing on a juliet style balcony looks gorgeous, but if there is no lift and a winding staircase to get there, it might not be the most feasible, so just think about how your musicians are going to get where you like them to play, and how they can get around the venue as well.

5. Acoustics

   Live music carries very differently when played outdoors to indoors, and it has a very different sound, as there are no walls, ceilings, or anything else to help carry or contain the sound. It can still sound wonderful, however we might need to alter our set up slightly to ensure you get the best experience.

6. Back Up Plan

   I am not a negative person I promise, but one thing I know we can't rely on is the British weather to play ball! With the greatest will in the world, if it rains on your wedding day, just ensure you have a plan B of where your musicians can set up, and how to protect them mid-set if the heavens open half way through your drinks reception!

Outdoor weddings are coming, and I am so excited to get out into the fresh air to perform a lots of weddings this Spring, Summer, and maybe even Autumn! With a little bit of forward thinking and planning, outdoor weddings can be accompanied by live music, just think about the above points in your planning process to make sure every eventuality is covered!

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