Say "I Do," Not "Achoo!"

Have you thought about allergy-proofing your outdoor wedding? This article from the Bridal News Network, carried by Virginia's Times Community Newspapers, advises that brides and grooms who suffer from allergies should avoid outdoor weddings during the spring and fall--peak allergy seasons. There are also specific flowers that allergy sufferers should avoid. Even if you and your spouse-to-be are allergy-free, you may want to think about other potential allergy triggers that might bother wedding party members and guests. When you play back your wedding video, you want to hear words of love, not Uncle Larry's hacking cough and loud sneezes.

Romantic Garden Weddings in St. Louis

Not all garden weddings in St. Louis, Missouri, take place in the spring and summer months. Surprised? In this article, St. Louis Post-Dispatch garden editor Becky Homan takes a look at some of the most romantic garden wedding settings in and near the city. While outdoor gardens top the list, Homan also describes two conservatories where garden weddings can be held indoors year-round.

Cancun Outdoor Weddings

Contemplating an outdoor wedding in Cancun? You'll find this recent press release from the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau extremely helpful. It includes details on the legalities of marrying in Cancun, Mexico, some suggested outdoor wedding sites and a list of current all-inclusive wedding packages that can make it easy to plan your elopement or destination wedding. For example, the Moon Palace's Superior Wedding Package, which includes use of the resort's wedding gazebo, documentation and legal fees, a justice of the peace, flower arrangements, spa treatments and a candlelit dinner, is priced at just $1,400.

Outdoor Weddings Overlooking Niagara Falls

Yesterday, the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort celebrated the opening of its new wedding chapel, the first casino chapel in Canada. The big news for couples who prefer an outdoor wedding, though, as reported by Maclean's, is that the casino intends to build three gazebos so that couples can be married outdoors overlooking Niagara Falls. The gazebos are expected to be available for weddings by this July. For more information, call toll free, 866 789-VOWS (8697).

Tie the Knot Aboard a Maine Windjammer

There are more than a dozen historic sailing ships in the Maine Windjammer fleet, and most of their captains are licensed to perform weddings at sea or on shore. If you're interested in an adventurous start to your married life, consider a wedding aboard a tall ship. You can charter an entire vessel for up to a week and invite family and friends to join you, or opt for a simple island ceremony for two along Maine's majestic coast.

Iowa Outdoor Wedding Venue is in Demand

According to an article in yesterday's Des Moines Register, one of Iowa's newest and hottest outdoor wedding venues is already booked for weekends in 2005. If you're planning to marry outdoors in Iowa in 2006, now is the time to check out the PIPAC Centre on the Lake, which can host outdoor weddings for up to 400 people. The PIPAC Centre only opened last June, but according to the Register, it has rapidly grown into a multi-faceted event facility with its own restaurant, floral department, 14-passenger Hummer limo and video production company. A lodging facility will open next door later this year.

A Clear Day... Guaranteed

To tent or not to tent? That's a question asked by many couples planning a wedding reception outside. A tent, of course, provides protection in the event of inclement weather. In many cases, however, it can obscure the views and sunny skies that enticed you to hold your wedding outdoors in the first place. One possible solution: a clear tent. Ask your rental company about the availability of a clear tent for your celebration. Event design firm RKG in Birmingham has a nice collection of images online of weddings inside clear tents that will give you a sense of the look and provide you with decorating ideas.

There's No Place Like Home

If you've searched near and far for the perfect outdoor wedding venue but not yet found a setting that speaks to you, perhaps it is time to look even closer to home. Backyard weddings can be very personal, but a wedding at home can also be very stressful. In an article about Backyard Weddings published in the February issue of "Chronogram" magazine, writer Susan Piperato offers insight into the unique benefits and potential pitfalls of marrying on your own turf.

Choose August for Outdoor Weddings in Minnesota

What month is best for an outdoor wedding in Minnesota? Karen Youso, "Fixit" column editor for the "Minneapolis Star Tribune," did some research and answered this question for a bride-to-be. Read her complete answer for details on why August is the best choice and exactly when during August you'll have the best chance for sunny skies.