Outdoor wedding reception in October?

Hmmm...not sure about this one. I think the luau part is whats throwing me off more though.

Yikes....that sounds chillllllly! We have a heat controlled tent for our reception ... I live in Colorado. But it's typically nice in Oct. We usually get our first snow on Halloween. PS...we're getting married the same day!! CONGRATS

It's not the cold I'd be worried about, but the wind. My bday is on Oct 12th and although the past couple years haven't been too bad, I can't count how many wind storms we've had... But I don't know.. like I said, the past couple of years haven't been too terrible.. could you maybe move it up to Sept? We've been having some REALLY good weather for Sept lately.. are you in the NW? (also in WA btw)

I agree about the luau. I think that is throwing me off. It seems kinda close to change your plans, though. How big are the tents? If they can hold everyone if it is too cold, I wouldn't worry about it too much because they'll all just stay in where it's warm. I would also make sure they know you're planning on something outside so they can be prepared to have a warmer layer (a shawl or nice jacket or cardigan?) and not show up in only strapless and knee length dresses, unless they can stand it.

I'm having my ceremony outside in ID on a covered patio with space heaters if I can help it. We have an emergency back-up plan if the elements absolutely refuse to cooperate. The weather usually doesn't get too cold until later in Nov. and for only half an hour...

Sounds cold. Having gone through three weeks of NJ weather in the 90's where brides had their weddings outside ANYWAY, I guess I'm thinking comfort at the moment.

If you have tents with tent sides and heaters, you'll be just fine.

I think you will be fine with the tents

I go to a Halloween party every year in the woods... the bonfire and alcohol does pretty well to keep us warm. I think you should stress to the guests that warm clothes/ shoes might be a good idea, 38-55 in heels is coooold. Maybe have a hot chocolate/ spiced apple cider bar with dessert?

If it's 55, that's one thing. But if it's 38, yikes! My best friend had an outdoor wedding in mid-March (in TN, generally warming than WA...) and the entire week before her wedding was 40-50. She TOTALLY lucked out on her big day because it was 70 and sunny. It was a miracle. But I wouldn't count on it. If you don't have a back-up indoor plan, I would be VARY wary of an outdoor wedding in almost November.

Especially for a reception. A ceremony (15-20 minutes) might be fine. But for several hours? You'll probably get lots of people who leave early.