Wedding – al fresco
No matter how dreamy, an outdoor wedding might sound, the reality deals with larger issues, which help in making any event idealistic and picture perfect.
There are few locations that come to mind when we think of an outdoor wedding, the beach probably being the first. Where there is a beach, there is supposed to be water bodies nearby; the sound of gently lapping waves, warm rays of the sun and beautiful sea-creatures can make the occasion memorable for a lifetime.
In Bangladesh, we can do beach weddings at scenic locations of Cox's Bazaar or Kuakata. The indicators that need to be taken into account are cyclone season, weather viz the likelihood of a downpour and most importantly, precaution from bugs.
The second option that comes to mind are the rented reception venues like the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka lawn, Radisson Blu Water Garden pool side, Shenakunja in Dhaka Cantonment, etc. These may be really steep-priced, but hey we only get married once in a lifetime! Well, mostly.
Backyards are sometimes a very good option, given that your guest list is limited and that you own an independent house with a lush green backyard in times of pure concrete and high-rises.
An outdoor location will always inspire the creative in you to indulge in untamed ornamentation. The décor ideas can be anything and everything from multicoloured Turkish lanterns to Egyptian luxury tents, depending on the space provided. However, if you wanted a completely 'deshi' setting - a decorated rickshaw, tinted palanquin, eye-catching stage for ghazal/kawali singers or dhol players could be interesting.
Outdoor decorations definitely trump any kind of disappointment related to hosting a grand gathering; but it is always helpful to be alert of the possible negatives. While steep prices may deter many from taking the decision to hold an outdoor wedding, there are many other factors like noise from airplanes, birds, bugs and even car traffic that such gatherings are always susceptible to.
Be sure to inquire about 'the possible disruptions' in advance from those who have already had an outdoor reception at the same location.
Nature has its own course, but thanks heavens, we have the weather board to help us with the prediction! Always remember to work out a contingency plan, ensuring a suitable, back-up indoor space for guests, in case of rough weather.
Nevertheless, putting away the negatives; a lush botanical garden, landscaped areas, ancient palace grounds can always steal a breath. With settings like these, no one can ever go wrong!
By Mehrin Mubdi Chowdhury
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Comments