Bridal tip number one: carry your bouquet in a backpack
so your hands are free to grasp the rocks.
This is not what they taught me in wedding planner school. I have learned
this and many other tips from years of experience. Anyone who is planning
a wedding has read all the wedding etiquette books, the bridal magazines
and the countless books on "writing your own vows." But for someone
who is planning a non-traditional wedding, there is a noticeable absence
of help on the subject. As a certified wedding planner and a wedding officiant,
I have developed these useful guidelines on how to plan an "adventure
wedding."
By adventure weddings, I am referring to outdoor recreation events involving
the couples’ favorite sport such as bicycling, kayaking, horseback
riding, rock climbing, skiing or hiking, etc. If this concept causes you
to instantly have the alarming thought of Aunt Bessie having to paddle
through a rapid to hear you take your vows, relax – it doesn’t
have to be that way. I would like to point out to couples that it is possible
to incorporate some elements of your favorite sport into your wedding
without putting your guests at risk. It is just a matter of logistics,
good planning and a creative mind. Why not have just the wedding party
join you in paddling, then you pull up to a quiet shore, beach or dock
where the rest of your wedding guests are waiting?
The following planning tips are all based on true experiences of my years
officiating weddings and participating in outdoor recreation activities:
 If you are going to
be involved in a recreational activity while taking your vows, choose
a sport that you both are already experienced with and good at. The last
thing you want is to be learning a new sport on this most important day
of your life.
Be careful when and
where you exchange the rings. This is obvious – you do not want
to take a chance on losing the rings in a rapid or the snow. Your ring-exchange
should be done on dry land with both feet firmly on the ground.
And speaking of feet.
Wear appropriate footwear for the activity, and be sure that your guests
do too. This should go without saying. But you would be surprised at the
inappropriate footwear I've seen - dainty white heels skipping over moss-covered
rocks and shiny black wing tips on a sandy beach. Having the wrong shoes
for the occasion is not only uncomfortable, but unsafe.
Have your adventure
wedding in a location where that particular recreational activity is already
done. In other words, don’t go kayaking on a river where no one
has ever gone before and don’t sky dive in a place where it has
never been done before. Have a ski wedding at a ski resort, so you have
the advantage of chairlifts, etc.
When you call the
recreation outfitter to inquire about using their facilities for your
ceremony, don’t use the word “wedding.” This word will
cause them to instantly envision a string quartet, catering trucks, tents
and a big cake. Just say “can a group participate in this activity
together and then be joined by others who are not participating? Can we
stop and talk a while and then take pictures?” If the answer to
this is “yes” then you’ve got yourself an adventure
wedding site.
Don’t expect
the outfitter or facility personnel to change what they normally do. For
example, if you want to get married on a whitewater rafting trip, don’t
expect the outfitter to raft in a different place or stop for you. And
at a ski resort, don’t expect the chairlift operators to stop the
lifts from running while you decide which groomsman is supposed to go
with which bridesmaid. Figure all that out ahead of time and line yourselves
up in the lift line accordingly.
To get some cooperation
from outfitters, choose a date and time when that facility is at a low
point in visitation. For a ski resort, that would be midweek towards the
beginning or end of ski season. At times like this they are more likely
to let the bride have a chairlift to herself if that is what you want.
If at all possible,
you should have a “rehearsal” by participating in the activity
as a group in advance, so you are fully aware of all the logistical concerns.
A good way to locate
outfitters, parks and recreational facilities is through the local chamber
of commerce, local recreation department or tourism bureau in the area
you are interested in. If there is no local office that can help you,
try the state department of tourism or parks.
Resorts are usually
a good choice for an adventure wedding because they will have not only
the recreational amenities, but also lodging, food service, parking, etc.
Have a sense of humor.
If you want to get married on horseback, the horses might not be cooperative
enough to stand still, and they might choose the wrong moment for normal
biological functions. You have to remember that this is an adventure wedding
and adventure sometimes translates “unpredictable.” You must
be ready to accept whatever happens with grace and humor.
Decorate, dress up
and have fun. This is where real creativity comes in. You can attach a
veil to a helmet, put a bouquet on the bow of a boat, line your bicycle
handlebars with flowers and lace or decorate your ski poles. Just remember
to not wear white if you are getting married on a ski slope because your
outfit will "disappear" in pictures against the white background.
The same materials that would be used for any wedding can be adapted for
your adventure wedding: flowers, tule, ribbon, or lace. In addition, you
might need duct tape or bungee cords to hold things in place. And yes,
you might have to carry your bouquet in a backpack.
Whatever you do, remember that this is your chance to reflect your individuality
as a couple. It is a chance to mark this pivotal step in your lives while
being true to yourselves. What a perfect way to start the greatest adventure
of all – a married life.
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