Pro Tips on outdoor event planning.

Sri Lanka, with its many beaches, is fast becoming an ideal location for destination weddings and outdoor event getaways. We’ve got views, sunsets, sandy beaches and all the social media ready destinations for you to choose from. 

Kalutara, in particular, with its commercial hub and many beaches close by is an ideal location for your destination wedding or outdoor event. But hold on – there’s a few things to consider while you dream of the perfect event on a sandy beach somewhere. As you look around for Kalutara hotels for weddings and events, here’s just a few things you may want to consider so that you can have the perfect event, on the perfect beach, on the perfect day.

Finding an ideal venue

Obviously, this one takes the cake. You want your event to be at the ideal venue. A great view, great service is ideal, sure, but there’re few other things to consider. You’ll want to shop around for the best location and make sure you’re getting the best deal you can. Ask around and take your time scoping out the beaches and outdoor spaces. If the setting doesn’t feel right, don’t settle for it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the venue management, be it about services, access or even facilities. It’s your event and it’s you who needs the perfect venue. 

Logistics

With an outdoor event comes a few additional things you may want to think about. Suddenly, there can be very real concerns about music and lighting equipment on the sand, as well as transporting large quantities of food and drink outside. It’s very likely that the venue you choose will be quite willing to work with you to solve any problems that may arise but just in case, make sure you have questions prepared and a list of answers you want to hear. Nothing quite drags an event down like music mishaps.

Weather

Believe it or not, concerns about weather at an outdoor event go beyond just checking whether it will rain on the day or not. Obviously, you want to avoid a tropical downpour but what about lighting conditions for photographers? Or how about the attire you want to wear? If it’s going to be too sunny, you may want to consider looking into some canopies for shade. High winds aren’t a joke either. The last thing you need at your event is all your décor flying away because of the wind you didn’t check up on.

Proper amenities for guests

Yes, this is your event, but you also want your guests to have an amazing time. The best way to do that is to make sure that your guests have everything they need to be comfortable at your outdoor event. From things such as ease of access and bathroom accessibility, to other smaller but just as important factors such as sunscreen, towels, fans and water too, help your guests have the best time they possibly can and your event is going to be perfect.

Rentals

For outdoor events, you’ll want to take a longer look at some of the rental options for equipment and services. If a venue comes with furniture for the event, that’s great but you’ll want to make sure that it fits both your theme for the event and the outdoor conditions. Simple and sturdy furniture is the way to go and wind-proof décor is the name of the game. Make sure your furniture and equipment will hold up on sandy surfaces and waterproofing is generally a great idea.

Sanitization and clean up

Lastly, you’ll want to leave your outdoor venue the same way you found it: clean and free of trash and litter. Outdoor events are great only if you commit to making sure that the space is left clean and tidy once everything is finished. Whether this means asking your guests to clean up after themselves or hiring a clean-up crew, it’s more than just a common courtesy. It’s about pollution and the environment and ensuring the safety and sanitation of the space you’ve taken up.