If you’re planning to build a log cabin, you’re probably already thinking about all the ways you’ll be able to use your home. Throwing birthday bashes and entertaining out-of-town guests is part of the allure of log cabin living.

Maybe you’re even thinking about hosting an outdoor wedding reception at your cabin someday under a canopy of graceful trees or overlooking a beautiful lake.

If wedding bells will soon be ringing, we’ve put together some practical advice on how to plan an outdoor wedding. These outdoor wedding tips will help you ensure your event goes off without a hitch—rain or shine.

Have a backup plan for bad weather.

Weather can be unpredictable, especially if your cabin is in the mountains. Rain, hail, or even snow can seemingly come out of nowhere, even on a beautiful day. Spring is the most unpredictable season for weather, so if you’re planning a verdant wedding in April or May, you’ll definitely want to have a backup plan.

Consider setting up a tent where your guests can quickly seek shelter if it starts to drizzle or get windy. Or have a plan in place to move the party indoors, if needed. Get the house ready in advance, rearranging furniture to accommodate a large group, if needed.

Think about parking.

Parking can be a tricky logistical issue, so don’t wait until the big day to think about it. There may be a huge grass or dirt lot on your property for parking, but will it be in optimal condition for your guests on the day of the event?

If your home is located on a hilltop or other area with limited or tricky parking, hire a professional parking attendant. Don’t make your guests hike up a steep hill in high heels and their Sunday best.

Protect guests from the sun.

You might love to bask in the sun, but that’s not true for everyone. Look for ways to provide shade for your guests. Think about how the day will unfold and observe the site to track how the sun moves across it at different times of the day.

Consider a shady area for the ceremony and reception, such as under a stand of trees. Or use canopies and market umbrellas to provide shade. Give guests their pick, with a mix of shady and sunny spots.

Prepare for wind.

A nice breeze can quickly turn into a gusty storm. Don’t let your wedding party become the next victim of a viral social media video for all the wrong reasons—be ready for wind.

Make sure table décor (especially tablecloths) and place settings are ultra-secure and won’t blow away. Consider low-profile centerpieces if you’re in a windy area. Large decorations and equipment, including portable canopies, should be well secured or staked into the ground.

Observe the spot where you will host the event on windy days, taking note of which areas are windiest, so you can plan ahead.

Consider restrooms.

A large party can put a major strain on a delicate septic system or old plumbing. If your future cabin will be on a septic system—or if you simply don’t want people traipsing in and out of your home—consider portable restrooms.

Forget portapotties. There are more upscale options today, such as restroom trailers. These full-service bathrooms on wheels feature running water, flush toilets, good lighting, and even climate-controlled interiors.

Use your surroundings for inspiration.

Odds are your new log cabin will be in a beautiful location, whether it’s high up in the mountains, near your favorite lake, or on a desert plain.

Keep things simple and let nature do the talking. Look for a special spot on your property with a striking backdrop for the ceremony and reception. Plan your layout around this special place.

Build Your Dream Cabin with eLoghomes

Before you can host a memorable cabin wedding, you need a cabin! eLoghomes is here to help you build your dream log home. Our log home kits streamline the home-building process, cutting out the time-consuming and costly step of hiring an architect.

Our energy-efficient log cabins have already been expertly engineered and designed by professional architects, yet each one is fully customizable. Search our portfolio to find your perfect floor plan—from tiny cabins to multi-story family homes—then contact us for log cabin pricing.