Many women have thought about the day they will get married since they were small girls. For some, these wedding dreams include lavish outdoor ceremonies surrounded by Mother Nature's most beautiful decor. Although outdoor weddings are popular, they do present some unique challenges for wedding planners.

Here are three all-important details that are often overlooked when it comes to planning an outdoor ceremony and reception. Taking the time to ensure you incorporate these details into your wedding planning will help your next outdoor ceremony go smoothly.

1. Know when the sun will set.

It's crucial that you take the time to consult your local weather to determine what time the sun is supposed to set on the day scheduled for your outdoor wedding. Lighting plays an important role when it comes to capturing the perfect photograph.

Since most couples can plan to spend an average of $2,814 on a wedding photographer, the last thing you want to do is miss out on valuable photo opportunities because of waning light. Knowing when the sun will set can help you plan out the day's activities more efficiently to allow for plenty of light when taking outdoor wedding photographs.

2. Know the historical temperature.

Although temperatures can fluctuate from one year to the next, consulting an almanac to find out the average historical temperature on the date your outdoor wedding is scheduled can be beneficial.

This information can serve as a starting point when it comes to making plans to ensure the comfort of your guests. If the historic temperature is high, you can add fans into your wedding budget. If the historical temperature is on the cooler side, you can add space heaters to the budget to help maintain a comfortable temperature for outdoor wedding guests.

3. Know the band's lighting needs.

If the ceremony or reception you are planning will feature live musical performers, it is essential that you talk to the band members about their lighting needs well in advance of the wedding date. Many bands rely on the wedding venue to provide lighting.

An outdoor reception or ceremony will not provide the same type of lighting as an indoor venue, so you may need to rent additional lighting units to ensure band members can see their music throughout the celebration.

Planning an outdoor wedding takes dedication and attention to detail. To reduce your stress levels on the big day, don't overlook seemingly minor details like the predicted time of the sunset and historic temperature for the date of the ceremony, and the unique lighting needs of a live band playing at an outdoor wedding.