Under The Stars A Wedding Primer for Couples Planning An Outdoor Wedding (NAPSA)—The popularity of hosting an outdoor or destination weddingis on the rise. With such high-profile outdoor nuptials as those of Trista Sutter (formerly Trista Rehn) andherreality television sweetie Ryan Sutter, who exchanged vows undera beautiful gazebo overlooking the Coachella Valley in a televised ceremony in Palm Springs, it is no wonder that today, more and more couples are planningto tie the knot outside. But, romantic outdoor weddings are not just reserved for celebrities. You, too, can make that dream a reality with proper planning. Trista offers the following advice to ensure you can shine like a star as you say “I do” under the stars. “When planning your wedding, keep in mind that even though it is the most exciting and personal celebration of yourlife, it is also meant to be fun,” remindsTrista. “With careful planning, you can minimizethe stress.” * Don’t surprise your guests! Outdoor weddings can bring soggy grounds, hot sun or cool nights. Let your guests know in advance what to bring so they are comfortable throughout your ceremony. * Don’t “bug” everyone! Consider using citronella candles or bug zappers so your guests won't be swatting the air during your ceremony. Say “I do,” not “A-Choo!” Some may weep for joy, but watery eyes and runny noses also can mean seasonalallergies. “If you suffer from seasonal allergies like me, you don’t want symptoms such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes to flare up as you walk down the aisle,” explains Trista. “Make sure you have an effective allergy medication with you, such as Benadryl Allergy, which is what I take to relieve my worst allergy symptoms.” Trista also suggests that couples consider planning their event before or after peak allergy season, or at least in the afternoon when pollen counts aren’t as high. For pollen counts in your area and tips on managing your allergy symptoms, visit www.benadrylusa.com. * Consider rain and shine. Before the event, visit the site at the same timeof day as your cere- mony to ensure your guests won’t be blinded by the sun or uncomfortable from the heat. But do have a backup planifit rains. * Beware of wind. Check out the weather forecast and work with the location’s event planner to prepare for the worst. Batten down the tablecloths to avoid flying debris. * Toast to taste. Stick to a menu that won’t melt or spoil in the sun. Make sure there are nonalcoholic beverages available to quench people’sthirst. Adorn with decorations. A plus to having your wedding outdoors is the beauty of nature. Check in advance to see if the grass is mowed, trees are pruned and flowers are blooming. Add your own personal touch with a beautiful wedding arc as the focal point for your ceremony. To receive a complete list of Trista’s outdoor weddingtips, call 1-800-524-2624.
