Weddings are a matter of precise organization. Every event throughout the day needs to be meticulously organized to ensure everything goes well without a hitch. However, some things can make your plans seem almost impossible. Such as avoiding anyone seeing the bride in her gown before the ceremony at an outdoor wedding. What can you do to conceal her?
So, how can you hide the bride at an outdoor wedding? You can hide the bride at an outdoor wedding by using lights, easy-to-move screens, or even through distraction. Portable changing rooms, tents, or tippees or getting the bride to remain in her arrival car are also options to keep her from being seen.
Contrastingly, you could also just roll with the idea that your guests will see you before the aisle walk, and you could organize an over-the-top, memorable wedding entrance.
Chances are you don’t want that.
But I thought I’d float the idea, anyway.
That being said, if you are planning an outdoor wedding and looking for some fun and practical ways to hide the bride from her guests before she walks down the aisle, keep reading.
Seven Ways You Can Hide The Bride At An Outdoor Wedding
You have spent months planning your wedding, and when the time comes for you to walk down the aisle and make that ultimate commitment to your partner official, you want it to be as perfect as possible.
Now, we all know perfection is impossible but there is no harm in trying.
If you want to create a wedding ceremony entrance that your guests will never forget and bring tears to your partner’s eyes, here are some fantastic ways to hide the bride at an outdoor wedding.
Get Another Dress
If you do not want to be seen before, you say I do because you want to keep your bridal gown a surprise, but you are not too fussed about seeing your guests in person.
Well, the easiest option would be to just purchase another dress, or pre-wedding outfit, that you do not mind being spotted in.
This is an excellent way to bust out that second-choice dress that you struggled to put back on the rack.
Who doesn’t love an opportunity to dress up even more on their wedding day?
Also, this way, you do not have to feel like you are playing a game of hide and seek before you walk down the aisle, and you can remove a little bit of pre-wedding stress.
Portable Changing Room
Renting out a portable changing room for you and your bridal party is one of the best options, especially if there is a distance between your traditional getting-ready venue and your ceremony space.
A portable changing room means you will have all of your getting-ready bits right at hand.
If you have a little outfit snafu, you will have everything you need to fix it without worrying about running back to your rooms.
However, a portable changing room can come with a bigger fee, especially if you want one with electricity or a generator.
Fabric Screen
A budget-friendly way to keep yourself hidden as you make your way to your wedding ceremony is by using a fabric screen.
It is really easy to construct a chic-looking screen using three to four bamboo or wooden poles and some strategically placed fabric.
Plus, these kinds of fabric screens are so light they can easily be carried as you move from one place to another.
You will be able to keep your dress a secret until the minute you reveal yourself at the head of the aisle.
Tent Or Teepee
If the idea of a boxy-looking portable changing room just does not fit your wedding day aesthetic, how about a trendy glamping tent or teepee for you and your bridal party to get ready in before you take your walk down the aisle?
Not only is it the perfect place to stay away from prying eyes, but there is more than enough room for you and your favorite people to start your wedding day celebrations with a few drinks and nibbles – because no one wants to be hungry during their wedding vows.
Standalone Doors
If the walk from your indoor venue to your outdoor ceremony space is not very long and most of the walk is fairly concealed, a pair of rustic, standalone doors might be just the thing you were looking for.
Pinterest is awash with images of weddings that have used these barn door-styled entryways, so there is plenty of inspiration out there.
These kinds of door entrances allow you to have a big dress reveal just as you set foot down the aisle.
However, they will not keep you hidden anywhere else around your wedding venue.
Hang Out In Your Wedding Car
If your budget is tight and a tent or teepee is out of the question, your wedding car can be the perfect place to hang out for a short while before you walk into your wedding ceremony.
Your wedding transport can be the perfect solution to outdoor weddings that could be a long walk to get to or if you want to save a few dollars.
I definitely do not suggest this option if you are rocking up in a jam-packed mini, but if you have rented a limo, you will have plenty of room to relax before you meet all of your guests for the first time.
Plan A Unique Wedding Entrance
If none of those options sound like you, how about a unique wedding entrance that is a little bit out there?
Screw worrying about being seen from a distance. How about rocking up to your ceremony on horseback or whizz in on a golf cart?
Yes, your dress won’t be as much of a surprise as your guests will have spotted you a mile off, but it is definitely an entrance that won’t be forgotten quickly.
Things To Consider When Hiding The Bride At An Outdoor Wedding
Trying to maintain a little secrecy when it comes to the bride, her dress, and an outdoor wedding can be a little tricky to plan for.
There are so many things that can scupper your plans, but that should not stop you from having the outdoor wedding of your dreams.
However, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind when planning how to hide the bride at an outdoor wedding.
The Weather
Weather is always a risky one when it comes to outdoor weddings.
Some areas are going to be much more predictable than others when it comes to the risk of rain, but there is no harm in being prepared.
If there is not much shelter at your outdoor wedding, keep lots of brollies at hand, and do not scrimp on the undercover areas for you and your guests.
You do not want your entrance to be ruined by an unexpected downpour of rain.
Layout Of The Venue
The layout of your venue can make or break when it comes to keeping your wedding gown a surprise.
Many venues that purposely cater for outdoor weddings or ceremonies will have a good idea of how to keep the bride away from the guests until she is ready to be seen.
However, if your venue is private land or just very open, you are going to have to plan for a lot more than a venue that caters to outdoor weddings.
Make use of any bushes, trees, or structures that can help conceal the bride as she makes her way to the ceremony and reception.
Where Is The Ceremony Space
If your ceremony space is a 3-mile hike away from your reception venue, then the idea of walking there probably does not appeal that much, and understandably.
You will want to account for where your ceremony space is, how long it will take to get there, and the risk of any unwanted weather – both hot and cold climates.
Don’t Go Over Your Budget
It can be easy to get swept away with the planning of your wedding and all the different ways you can hide a bride at an outdoor wedding but always be mindful of your budget.
Although a bell tent, teepee, or portable changing room is ideal for many, it may be much too far out of your budget.
Are You Ready For Your Outdoor Wedding?
There is nothing more dreamy than an outdoor wedding. Whether you are aiming for summer beach vibes or a soft and hazy midsummer night’s dream forest wedding. Nature is always a beautiful backdrop for anyone’s special day.
However, it can be a little tricky to keep the bride – and her gown – a surprise for both the guests and the groom until the ceremony takes place.
Luckily, there are loads of options to keep you hidden until you are ready to arrive.

Hey, I’m Allison – a recent bride, an expectant mother and the chief editor here at Everlasting Occasion. Here I document all the knowledge and experience I accumulated while researching and planning my dream wedding and ahead of our new baby. Here, I try to answer those many questions couples have when planning their dream wedding, while equally, helping expectant parents ahead of their new arrival!