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12 Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding in Montana

Wondering how to plan the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony and reception? There are plenty of opportunities to create luxurious outdoor weddings in Montana and enjoy the biggest celebration of your life. Continue reading to learn more about how to make outstanding outdoor arrangements for your special day. 

RMF DJs offers the best wedding music and entertainment options in Montana and brings over 13 years of experience setting the perfect tone for both your ceremony and reception. Whether you’re looking for a DJ or a live jazz band, RMF can help. Book your wedding entertainment in Montana with confidence.  

Select a Spot With Rustic Elegance

Montana’s beautiful scenery and open vistas set the stage for the perfect outdoor wedding experience. There are many spots throughout the state where you’ll find venues with a classic, rustic appeal that offers you and your guests a charming and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to assemble your guest list before selecting the spot to ensure the venue matches your capacity requirements. From pleasant BandBs to spacious vineyards and wineries, Montana has it all.

Talk With Your Wedding Photographer About Your Venue

Your wedding photos capture a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which means it’s important to arrange optimal lighting and select your backdrops carefully. When you’re planning an outdoor wedding,  professional photographers can help you find the locations and positions that make the most of your venue’s locale. You may also want to create a backup plan for your photography session in case there’s a shift in the weather. 

Organize Your Wedding Entertainment and Music

When you’re planning your wedding, you’ll have to make a few choices about your wedding entertainment  in advance. One of the key decisions is choosing between a wedding DJ and a live band. Wedding DJs are often significantly more affordable, don’t need to take breaks, and don’t use as much space. However, there’s nothing quite like live music. 

RMF DJs is here to help you find the best entertainment options for your Montana wedding, no matter what kind of music you’re after for your big day. Our experience and professionalism ensure that you’ll have the perfect tunes on hand for both the ceremony and the reception. 

Don’t Overdo the Décor

Organizing the décor for your outdoor wedding can quickly become a hassle if you add too many small visual elements. Stick to designs and decorations that won’t be affected by the wind, and pay close attention to the lighting, particularly if you’re getting a tent for hosting the reception. While the look and feel of an indoor venue might depend more on the décor elements to set the stage, outdoor spots keep everything simple. After all, the Montana vistas and natural scenery already provide a stunning setting.

Research Nearby Activities

Montana makes for the perfect wedding destination, especially if you’re from out of state. There are no restrictions when applying for a wedding license beyond a minor fee. Don’t forget to take advantage of the local recreational activities and outdoor sites no matter where you are within the state. There’s plenty of hiking, boating, and mountain biking available during the summer, along with skiing and snowboarding in the winter. There’s something for everyone in Montana, year-round.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Poor weather conditions can derail your ceremony and reception plans if you aren’t prepared. While you can’t control the weather, you can make a contingency plan. First, you can select a venue with covered or indoor areas to escape the elements. Make sure your decorations, seating arrangements, and wedding tent can outlast any inclement weather, as well. Regardless of the season and expected weather forecast, it’s always good to have a backup plan.

Check Alcohol Rules and Open Bar Availability

Depending on your venue and its municipality, there may be rules or restrictions for serving alcohol at your wedding. In some cases, these regulations may restrict what kinds of alcohol you can serve. In other situations, you may have to apply for a permit to ensure you have optimal beverage options. An open bar can be expensive- make sure you have space within your budget before looking for a bartender. 

Consider How You’ll Get Electricity

Review your electrical access  for everything from your overhead lights to your heaters, especially if your reception is in a space without a readily-available power supply. Microphones, drink coolers, and wedding DJ supplies all need electricity, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. In certain situations, you may want to consider a generator. To discuss your options, give your venue manager a call.

Bug-Proof Your Venue

Insects and other pests can sometimes be a concern depending on how your venue maintains its outdoor spaces. In some cases, you may need to seek the professional assistance of an exterminator. At the very least, you’ll probably want citronella candles and a choice selection of flowers that won’t attract bugs. 

Make Sure There Are Accessible Restrooms

In some cases, outdoor wedding may require to rent restrooms. Just as with any complications surrounding electricity for your venue, the first stop for discussing this concern should be your venue’s manager. When you’re planning your outdoor wedding, it’s important to think about everything that could potentially hamper the comfort of your guests. 

Create a Transportation Plan

Some of Montana’s most charming venues are hidden gems buried in the countryside. While the beautiful scenery and stunning vistas of these spots make for the perfect backdrop on your big day, they can sometimes be a hassle in terms of transportation. Depending on your bookings and other arrangements, you may need to organize a shuttle service that can get your guests from their accommodations to the venue. 

Enjoy Your Wedding Planning Experience

Wedding planning doesn’t always have to be stressful or challenging. Give yourself plenty of time and breathing room for choosing the perfect venue, organizing a budget, and making arrangements with vendors. When it comes to assembling the details, decorations, and outfits that make your wedding day unforgettable, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Planning the Perfect Outdoor Wedding in Montana

RMF DJs offers couples a range of music and entertainment options for both the ceremony and the reception. Our highly-trained DJs and musicians have the experience and dedication to make your special day all the more memorable and romantic. To contact our team and arrange a booking for your Montana wedding, call (406) 531-2321 or email us at hello@rmfdjs.com.

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