As you know, a humanist wedding can take place anywhere. Sky is the limit so it all comes down to your dreams and the power of imagination. Most humanist weddings are organised outdoors - we have had ceremonies in meadows, forests and mountains. What should you remember when preparing a venue?
Humanist wedding outdoors - make sure you have a plan B
The Polish climate is fickle so it's worth taking steps to ensure that bad weather (particularly rain) does not disrupt your plans. If a humanist wedding is to be held outdoors, next to a hotel or a palace, preparing an emergency place for the ceremony should not be a problem.
It's useful to consider if there is a space in the venue that could be used as a backup, in case of bad weather and how to move or arrange the decorations. Maybe a smaller room in the facility will be appropriate? Or part of the wedding hall? Some venues also have roofed terraces which would also do nicely.
Our tip: If, however, you're planning your wedding in a wilder location, away from the buildings, maybe it is worth considering umbrellas for Guests or a nice tent. If the site of the ceremony is in a forest, a space heavily sheltered by trees will be appropriate.
Let's assume that you have succeeded and your wedding can take place outdoors - of course, we keep our fingers crossed for that, all in all, last minute venue changes are extremely rare! What should you keep in mind in this case?
fot. Grzegorz Ciepiel
Humanist wedding outdoors - what should you keep in mind?
1. Well prepared sound system is key.
Even if you are planning a small ceremony, with just a few Guests and you think that the sound system is not necessary - trust us, it is.
No matter how quiet the place is and how small the ceremony is, the voice in the open air will disperse so the audibility of your celebrant and you during vows will be very weak. One microphone and a speaker can definitely help the ceremony and will guarantee that no one will have to strain their voices, making the ceremony more natural and harmonious.
Our tip: You can ask your DJ or band to provide the sound system for the ceremony. Moving the necessary devices outside should not be a problem for them, especially if your location is close to the venue.
fot. Justyna Gieleta
2. A small table.
If you intend to sign a humanist wedding certificate during the ceremony, a small table will be very useful. Remember that the master of ceremony does not have the same requirements as an official from the registry office. We don't need a large table that will separate us from you and your Guests. We like to stay close to all participants of the ceremony, therefore a small table on the side or behind the celebrant will be more than enough.
If you want to include blending of the sands ceremony or the unity candle, you will also need a table. Then it will be best to make it a little higher - it will be more comfortable for you. In this case, the table should be centrally located, for example behind the master of ceremony.
3. Chairs for the Guests.
Even if you know the ceremony will be short, it is better to prepare chairs for the Guests. It will bring order and make the ceremony location look nicer, more harmonious. Believe me, the last thing you want are Guests standing in one group in front of the central point of the events and the Bride trying to squeeze between them during her big entrance.
If there will be a lot of Guests, it's a good idea to prepare chairs for at least some of them - especially parents and elders. Then the rest of the Guests will line up behind the created rows.
fot. Agata Grządzielska
These are the basic matters that you should have in mind while organising your dream humanist wedding. Take care of them and the rest will go smoothly ???? If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
See also: Ślub humanistyczny a konserwatywna rodzina – jak do tego podejść?
