Visit your venue at the same time of night. If you'll be exchanging vows indoors, make sure the electricity is powerful enough for guests to see the action from the back rows. If you're marrying outdoors, see if there is enough lighting already in place or if you'll need to bring in some extra illuminations.
Walk where your guests will walk. Even if the main ceremony site is well lit, the area the guests will need to pass through may not be. Check them out and if the space is too dark, see what the venue manager can do to light things up.
Asses the insect situation. With the exception of lightning bugs which would be cool to have floating about during a wedding ceremony, insects can be real pains in the neck (arms or legs). Guests shouldn't be subjected to bug bites during your ceremony. If mosquitoes or other pesky pets are a problem, at least have spray on hand for guests to douse themselves.
Give your photographer and videographer a heads up. They should figure it out from the time of year and the time of night of your wedding, but remind them that it will be dark when you say "I do". That way, if they need to bring extra equipment to light up the scene, they'll be prepared.
Plan for a temperature drop. There can be a 20- or 30- degree difference between daytime and evening temps. If guests will be sitting outside at night, wraps would make a great favor for the ladies. Consider bringing in heaters to keep your friends and family warm.
Use candle's carefully. I would've just loved to have had an outdoor evening ceremony where candles are the only light sources (so dreamy, right?). Some tips: Plop your candles in hurricane vases (where the glass is higher than the candle) so the flame won't have to fight breezes. If you'd like to line the aisles with candles, make the path extra-wide. Formal wear can be flammable, so you want plenty of space to saunter to the alter.
Take advantage of the darkness. Having guests toss petals as you make your way up the aisle works nicely for a daytime wedding. You won't see those petals against a pitch-black sky, though. Sparklers, on the other hand will stand out nicely.
Article by Meredith Bodgas, Glamour Contributor (2010)
