By Mara Severin

If your idea of a wedding veil is a mosquito net, if you bought your wedding shoes at REI, and if the only cosmetic you own is a bottle of Skin So Soft, then you're the perfect candidate for that great Alaskan institution - The Outdoor Wedding.

But what about the rest of us? What if you want purple mountain's majesty and purple satin shoes? The sweet smells of summer breezes and the sweet smell of Christian Dior? The blazing white of the midnight sun and a white Vera Wang gown? Well, don't despair. You too can have a fabulous outdoor wedding.

Let 'optimism' meet 'realism'

First of all, define the word "outdoors." For some, the outdoors is what you find after a two-hour hike. For others, it's what you find out on your deck. If you fall into the latter category, consider a location like the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn in Wasilla. "You can be married outdoors by the lake and then head your guests indoors for a prime rib or lobster dinner," says Lisa Sadler, the hotel's catering director. The hotel offers elegance and convenience, and the lake provides rustic beauty and a dash of adventure. "You can arrive or depart on a float plane on the lake," says Sadler. All this and modern plumbing too! Plus, industrial mosquito traps ensure that while you're eating shrimp cocktail, nothing's eating you.

Other options abound for those who are optimistic about good weather, but realistic about Alaskan summers. DeDe Idsinger, a wedding consultant at Partycraft and a bride-to-be herself, chose the chalet at Hilltop Ski Resort for her upcoming summer wedding. She wanted the security of knowing that her party could move indoors in case of rain. "The chalet is spacious," she says, "and it's beautiful inside and out."

Indeed, having a Plan B in case the weather gets uncooperative is always smart in Alaska. Consider investing in a good tent. Take no shortcuts here, since a stiff wind can blow your wedding site away like a tumbleweed. Learn all you can about the best models, colors and styles of tents and rent the best choice possible.

Consider those inconsiderate bugs

If Alaska is famous for its beauty, it's also famous for its bugs. No matter how beautiful a location is, unless you're careful, the mosquitoes will steal the show every time. Idsinger suggests consulting with the site's manager for solutions such as fogging, or strategically placed mosquito traps. If these aren't an option, than a location away from water might be your best bet. And while wind might play havoc with your veil, a breezy site is often free of biters. So buy some extra strong hairspray, but rest easy knowing that your guests aren't taking home mosquito bites as party favors.

It's a bird... it's a plane... it's a jet-ski!

You've taken care of the insects, so what's that buzzing noise? A float plane, perhaps. Or a motor boat, or a jet-ski, or a four-wheeler, perhaps. Some popular sites might provide more than just the chirping of birds. And depending on your vision, the noise of summer sports might add to the fun or might shatter the mood - an important consideration when choosing a site.

Summertime and the decorating is easy!

Alaska's unparalleled beauty will keep your decorating blues at bay. Use your location's natural décor. Many sites come complete with greenery, floral gardens, lakes, mountains, and a gorgeous view of the setting sun. (Check out our Reception Guide for ideas.) When searching for your ideal location, look for natural or built-in points of beauty for great backdrops and photo opportunities.

Lori Ellis, owner of Picadilly Flowers in Anchorage, suggests keeping the decor simple. Choose a single type of flower tied loosely for your bouquet, and don't fight the beauty of the great outdoors. "Potted arrangements do exceptionally well at an outdoor wedding," she says. For a cheerful, natural look, "use geraniums and brightly colored pots." Bear in mind, though, that it takes a lot of planning to get cultivated arrangements safely to an outdoor site. Many plants will do their best, she says, if they wait in the shade before making their grand entrance.

Letting go of 'perfection' (and her wedding veil)

Michelle and Jason Gastrock never even considered an indoor wedding. Their love for each other seemed connected to their love for Alaska and its beauty. They said their vows above the tree line at the Hatcher Pass Lodge. Michelle has very simple advice to the outward bound: Keep your sense of humor. After all, though the microphone didn't work, the wedding party all ended up with a good case of sunburn, and the breeze blew her veil off right as they were pronounced man and wife, they had a beautiful and joyous wedding with an unforgettable backdrop.

So relax, smile and don't forget to pack the sunscreen.

Read more about planning the ultimate Alaskan wedding. Pick up a copy of Alaska Bride & Groom magazine, on newsstands now. Alaska Bride & Groom is your complete Alaska wedding guide.