If it rains, or it's hot

Outdoor Wedding

Outdoors, the weather is part of the guest list. Pick the section for your season and your site, and skip the rest.

47 products, each chosen by I Do with a note on why.

Prices marked ~ are estimates. Check the retailer for current prices and availability.

Sun and heat13

  • Cooling Towels (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Redbaker Cooling Towels, 20 Pack, White

    A wet microfiber towel on the neck is the one hot-ceremony item guests actually use.

    ~$30 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Cooling Towels (opens in a new tab)
  • Paper Parasols (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Aodaer 33 Inch Paper Parasols, 12 Pack

    Where the ceremony site has no tree cover.

    ~$70 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Paper Parasols (opens in a new tab)
  • Classic Sunglasses, Bulk (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Super Z Outlet Classic Black Sunglasses, 24 Pairs

    A basket of plain black sunglasses by the aisle is the favor guests still wear a year later.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Classic Sunglasses, Bulk (opens in a new tab)
  • Glass Drink Dispenser (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: 2 Gallon Glass Beverage Dispenser with Stand

    Ice water with sliced citrus at the ceremony entrance is the first thing every hot-weather guide recommends.

    ~$40 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Glass Drink Dispenser (opens in a new tab)
  • Galvanized Drink Tubs (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: BARsics Galvanized Beverage Tubs, Set of 2

    The simplest way to serve cold drinks outdoors without a bar.

    ~$60 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Galvanized Drink Tubs (opens in a new tab)
  • Sweat-Proof Undershirt (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Thompson Tee Sweatproof Undershirt, V-Neck

    Nerves, a wool suit and an August ceremony show as pit marks by the first dance on a normal undershirt.

    ~$40 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Sweat-Proof Undershirt (opens in a new tab)
  • Rechargeable Handheld Fan (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: PlayHot Portable Handheld Fan

    Pocket-sized relief for summer ceremonies and airless getting-ready rooms.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Rechargeable Handheld Fan (opens in a new tab)
  • Hand Fans for Guests (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Sepwedd White Paper Fans, 50 Pack

    For a summer ceremony.

    ~$35 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Hand Fans for Guests (opens in a new tab)
  • Silk Folding Fans (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Sepwedd White Fabric Folding Fans, 50 Pack

    Sturdier than paper, so they survive the ceremony and go home as the favor.

    ~$45 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Silk Folding Fans (opens in a new tab)
  • Sunscreen Lotion (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Sun Bum SPF 50 Lotion, 8 oz

    Set two or three bottles at the ceremony entrance for the guests who forgot their own.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Sunscreen Lotion (opens in a new tab)
  • 120 Quart Ice Chest (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Igloo Polar Hard Cooler, 120 Quart

    Ice is the thing that runs out at 7 p.m.

    ~$130 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: 120 Quart Ice Chest (opens in a new tab)
  • Ice Scoop (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Stainless Steel Ice Scoop, 6 oz

    Without one, guests scoop ice with a cup or their hands.

    ~$5 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Ice Scoop (opens in a new tab)
  • Sunscreen (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Neutrogena Beach Defense Stick SPF 50

    A stick applies without streaking makeup and fits in a pocket.

    ~$15 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Sunscreen (opens in a new tab)

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Don't forget, nothing to buy

  • Move a summer ceremony to within 90 minutes of sunset, and order 50 to 100 percent more ice than the indoor estimate.
  • Buttercream melts and fondant sweats; keep the cake inside until the cutting.
  • Print the program on the fan; it is the most repeated planner tip for hot ceremonies.
  • Venues rent heaters and misting fans; buying only makes sense for a backyard wedding you will use them at again.
  • A power station will not run a DJ rig or a heater; ask the DJ what they need before the day.
  • Buy firewood for the fire pit locally; many states restrict moving it.
  • Renting portable restrooms? Name one person to restock toilet paper, sanitizer and the trash halfway through the reception.

Cold evenings7

  • Guest Pashminas (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Wedding Pashmina Wraps, 12 Pack

    The favor guests reach for at an outdoor or evening wedding, and the one they take home.

    ~$50 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Guest Pashminas (opens in a new tab)
  • Blankets for Guests (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Newwiee Fleece Throws, 15 Pack

    For evening outdoor receptions.

    ~$75 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Blankets for Guests (opens in a new tab)
  • Hand Warmers (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: HotHands Hand Warmers, 40 Pairs

    For winter and late fall outdoor moments.

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Hand Warmers (opens in a new tab)
  • Hot Drink Dispenser (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Vondior Insulated Airpot, 5 Litre

    A cocoa or cider station is the cold-weather idea every guide leads with, and this is the hardware.

    ~$60 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Hot Drink Dispenser (opens in a new tab)
  • Smokeless Fire Pit (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand, 19.5 Inch

    For barn, lake and backyard weddings the after-party is a fire.

    ~$350 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Smokeless Fire Pit (opens in a new tab)
  • Natural Fire Starters (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: All-Weather Natural Fire Starters

    Lighting a fire pit in the dark with a lighter and paper is the scene nobody plans for.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Natural Fire Starters (opens in a new tab)
  • Display Basket (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Megasket Cotton Rope Basket, 22 Inch, White

    Blankets in a plastic bin sit untouched; the same blankets in a big woven basket with a small sign are gone…

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Display Basket (opens in a new tab)

Bugs5

  • Bug Repellent Wipes (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Natrapel Picaridin Repellent Wipes, 36 Count

    A dusk reception by water needs a basket of individually wrapped wipes at the entrance and in each restroom.

    ~$30 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Bug Repellent Wipes (opens in a new tab)
  • Picaridin Repellent Lotion (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Sawyer 20% Picaridin Lotion, 3 oz

    Unscented, safe on fabric and watch faces, and as effective on mosquitoes as DEET.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Picaridin Repellent Lotion (opens in a new tab)
  • Area Mosquito Repeller (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Thermacell EX90 Rechargeable Repeller

    Scent-free and smoke-free, with nothing sprayed near a dress.

    ~$50 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Area Mosquito Repeller (opens in a new tab)
  • Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Perrigo Loratadine 10 mg, 30 Tablets

    Flowers, grass and a barn venue set off allergies at the worst moment.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief (opens in a new tab)
  • Yellowjacket Traps (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Rescue Disposable Yellowjacket Traps, 6 Pack

    The August problem nobody plans for is yellowjackets in the lemonade.

    ~$35 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Yellowjacket Traps (opens in a new tab)

Wind5

  • Tablecloth Clips (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: TriPole Stainless Tablecloth Clips, 32 Pack

    The first gust at an outdoor reception lifts every tablecloth into the centerpieces.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Tablecloth Clips (opens in a new tab)
  • Zip Ties (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Cable Matters Zip Ties, 200 Pack

    Greenery to an arch, drapes to a tent pole, a wobbly sign to its easel.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Zip Ties (opens in a new tab)
  • Weight Bags (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: ABCCANOPY Canopy Weight Bags, 4 Pack

    The welcome sign face-down in the grass is the first thing guests see at half of all outdoor weddings.

    ~$15 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Weight Bags (opens in a new tab)
  • Magnetic Veil Weights (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Pearl Magnetic Veil Weights, 12 Pairs

    A long veil in a breeze wraps itself around your face during the vows.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Magnetic Veil Weights (opens in a new tab)
  • White Pop-Up Canopy (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Crown Shades 10x10 Pop-Up Canopy, White

    Even with a reception tent, the bar, the DJ and the caterer's prep table usually stand in the open.

    ~$150 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: White Pop-Up Canopy (opens in a new tab)

Light and power10

  • Solar Path Lights (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Eyrosa Solar Pathway Lights, 12 Pack

    Guests walk back to the cars across dark grass.

    ~$35 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Solar Path Lights (opens in a new tab)
  • Gaffer Tape (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Gaffer Power Black Gaffer Tape, 2 in x 30 yd

    Holds cords flat across the dance floor, tacks up a drooping garland and comes off venue walls without…

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Gaffer Tape (opens in a new tab)
  • Outdoor Extension Cord (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: POWGRN 50 ft Outdoor Extension Cord, 12 Gauge

    The DJ, the string lights and the coffee urn are never near an outlet.

    ~$45 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Outdoor Extension Cord (opens in a new tab)
  • Portable Ceremony PA (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: 100W Portable PA with 2 Wireless Mics

    For a backyard, beach or park ceremony without a DJ.

    ~$200 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Portable Ceremony PA (opens in a new tab)
  • Luminary Bags (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Homemory White Luminary Bags, 50 Pack

    Paper luminaria lining the aisle or the walk to the reception cost pennies each and read as a design choice.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Luminary Bags (opens in a new tab)
  • LED Tealights (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Homemory Flameless Tealights with Remote, 24 Pack

    Most venues ban open flame, and real tealights burn out before the first dance.

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: LED Tealights (opens in a new tab)
  • Rechargeable Headlamps (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: LHKNL Rechargeable LED Headlamps, 2 Pack

    Breakdown in a barn or a field at 11 p.m.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Rechargeable Headlamps (opens in a new tab)
  • LED Pillar Candles (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Antizer Real Wax LED Pillars, Set of 9

    For the aisle, a mantel or the head table.

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: LED Pillar Candles (opens in a new tab)
  • Battery Fairy Lights (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: YJFWAL Battery Fairy Lights, 12 Pack

    A strand of warm micro-LEDs fixes a dark corner, a cake table or the card box with no outlet in reach.

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Battery Fairy Lights (opens in a new tab)
  • Patio String Lights (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Ambience Pro Weatherproof String Lights

    Whatever your outside actually is.

    ~$50 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Patio String Lights (opens in a new tab)

Trash2

  • Pop-Up Trash Can (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Coghlan's Deluxe Pop-Up Trash Can, 29.5 Gallon

    A backyard, park or farm wedding often has no bins.

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Pop-Up Trash Can (opens in a new tab)
  • Contractor Trash Bags (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Hefty Contractor Bags, 42 Gallon, 26 Count

    Breakdown produces a mountain of florals, packaging and cake plates, and venue bins are small.

    ~$30 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Contractor Trash Bags (opens in a new tab)
  • Heel Protectors (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Clear Heel Protectors for Grass, 21 Pairs

    Stilettos sink into a lawn with every step.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Heel Protectors (opens in a new tab)
  • Compact First-Aid Kit (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: First Aid Only Soft-Case First Aid Kit, 298 Pieces

    Someone will need a real bandage, an antiseptic wipe or an instant cold pack.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Compact First-Aid Kit (opens in a new tab)
  • Instant Cold Packs (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: General Medi Instant Cold Packs, 4 x 5.5 in, 8 Pack

    A rolled ankle on the dance floor, a bee sting at an outdoor ceremony, a guest overheating in August.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Instant Cold Packs (opens in a new tab)
  • Utility Wagon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Originsure Collapsible Wagon, 300L

    Forty centerpieces, three bins and a card box across a gravel lot, twice.

    ~$120 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Utility Wagon (opens in a new tab)
  • Plastic Champagne Flutes (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Prestee Plastic Champagne Flutes, 100 Count

    For the toast or the send-off when the venue does not supply glassware.

    ~$30 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Plastic Champagne Flutes (opens in a new tab)

Missing something?

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