Choose the right location for the event

Finding the right barn is the first step. Lisbon has a unique mix of old fashioned and modern places so it's important to choose a place that fits your style and the number of guests you have. There are a lot of barns in beautiful places like vineyards or rolling hills that make great backdrops.

First think about how things will work. Is there enough space in the barn for your guests to be comfortable? Quinta do Vale and Adega Machada are two places with big spaces and beautiful views that you should check out. If you're having a small private ceremony a smaller venue might be better and more comfortable.

It is also important to be able to get to. Make sure that guests can easily get to your venue by public transportation. International visitors will appreciate how close Lisbon is to the airport. Last but not least think about the extras. Does the venue have everything you need or will you need to rent things like bathrooms catering space or a generator for power?

Prepare for the heat

Lisbon can get very hot in the summer with temperatures often reaching the 30s Celsius. Plan ahead so that your guests can stay cool. Start with the time of the event. Pick a time in the late afternoon or early evening when the heat starts to drop.

For the reception you might want to put in air conditioning or a lot of fans in the barn. Some barns have vents that let in air naturally or they can be opened up to let in breezes. When you go to the venue be sure to check this out. You can keep your guests cool and stylish by giving them shaded seating wide brimmed hats handheld fans or umbrellas.

It is very important to drink enough water. There should be a lot of refreshing options like infused water stations fresh lemonades or signature cocktails with light summery flavors. If you want your food to taste better in warm weather make sure your catering has a lot of seasonal foods.

Follow the Rules of the Area

Lisbon has a lot of history and culture. Including local traditions in your wedding can make it more special and one of a kind. Start with the music. Fado is Portugal's traditional music and it can add a romantic and emotional touch to your event. Your guests will remember their time with a local Fado singer for a long time.

Food is another way to make things more local. Ask your caterer if you can add Portuguese foods like bacalhau (codfish) pasteis de nata (custard tarts) and wines from the area to your menu. This not only makes your guests happy but it also shows respect for the area's lively food culture.

You could say "I do" in Portuguese or have a traditional wine ceremony as part of your vows. These small but important things can make you feel like your wedding day is very connected to the world around you.

Get the Magic

There are many beautiful places to take pictures at a barn wedding in Lisbon both inside and outside. The view outside is beautiful and the old wooden doors and rustic interiors are too. It's important to hire a photographer who knows a lot about barn weddings and how beautiful Lisbon is.

Talk to photographers you might hire about what you want and ask to see examples of their work at similar events. Consider how the light will change the pictures you want. The "golden hour " which is the hour before sunset has a magical quality that makes photos taken outside look better.

Don't forget the video. A good videographer can capture the sounds movements and emotions of your day creating a keepsake that is just as real as your memories. Look for local experts who can mix modern techniques with the rustic charm of a barn setting.

Watch your money

Having a wedding in a barn is a great idea but you need to stay within your budget. Costs can go up very quickly if you don't pay attention to what you sign up for. Make a full budget and stick to it. Make a list of all the possible costs like renting the space decorating it getting there catering music and clothes.

To save money check out local vendors. They are usually less expensive than hiring people from far away and they know the area well which can be very helpful.

If you can try to do it yourself. Using eco friendly materials to make your own decorations can save you money and make your space feel more like home. You can get a lot of great ideas for easy DIY projects that don't take up too much of your time or skill from Pinterest and other sites.

It's okay to spend a little more money so keep that in mind. Put your money where it matters most to you and your partner. This could be on food clothes or the memories you make with photos and videos.

It's important to talk to the people who sell things. Be clear about your budget and what you want from the start to avoid problems later. Reading about other couples' real life experiences on wedding community forums and websites like The Knot can help you learn more about how to deal with the money side of planning a wedding.

It takes work to plan your big day but don't forget to have fun while you do it. You are one step closer to a beautiful and memorable barn wedding in Lisbon if you choose carefully plan for the weather embrace the local culture capture your special moments and keep an eye on your budget. Enjoy the trip and look forward to the happiness of celebrating your love in the middle of this beautiful city.