More Summer Weddings Held Outdoors, Says BirdBrain
More Summer Weddings Held Outdoors, Says BirdBrain

YPSILANTI, MI, August 04, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Summer brides are choosing outdoor venues like parks, gardens or even backyards for the big day, often to save money but mainly to make their weddings intimate and unique.

Alfresco decorating styles for ceremonies and receptions can be formal with portable chandeliers strung from the ceiling of oversized tents or casual and breezy with firepot gel burners that illuminate, repel pests and set a romantic mood. And as the day of love winds down, fire pits are often enlisted to anchor an outdoor room or heat up a cool evening.

"Any kind of decorative flame--such as firepot gel burners --at a wedding requires preparation to ensure safety, especially since brides want to use them as decoration," said Christine King, chief executive of Ypsilanti, Mich.-based BirdBrain LLC, makers of hand-crafted outdoor accessories. "Not only are they beautiful additions to the day, they also are safe when used as directed."

Outdoor design specialists, like King, agree that all aspects of the space plan have to take into consideration the presence of open flames to minimize hazards.

When it comes to other outdoor accessories, such as torches, the following are a few safety tips from a leading torch manufacturer:

• Create an outdoor room. Place torches several feet apart and stake them securely in the ground, ensuring the surrounding dirt is firm, to keep them from falling over when the wind blows. Arrange the torches to encircle the party area, a few feet away from all furniture, trees, shrubbery, railing, fencing, tents, window awnings and people. Make sure the ground has been raked or swept clean of loose grass or mulch.
• Get the right fuel. Use only the fuel provided by the torch manufacturer. Fill the reservoir to the level recommended on the instructions to avoid spills and cut the wick low for a stable flame.
• Check the flame. Place your hand over the torch at the same height as other overhead objects in the backyard. If your hand gets warm, the hanging object is at risk of catching fire. Move the torch to a new spot, but never uproot a burning torch. Always extinguish it before moving.

And these fire pit safety tips are from a leading outdoor furniture maker:

• Set the stage. Place the fire pit on a stable, level and flame-retardant surface that's at least 10 feet away from flammable material or objects. The far end of the outdoor room, opposite the main entrance, is a good location to add drama as guests arrive.
• Use the right fuel. Seasoned hardwoods such as oak and hickory offer a better flame with less smoke. Use a fire starter recommended or sold by the pit manufacturer and never burn other flammable fluids or substances in the fire pit.
• Start small. Light a small test fire for the first use to figure out fuel levels and air effects.
• Cover it up. Place the mesh screen sold with the fire pit over it to prevent flying sparks. Keep children and pets away from the fire pit at all times.
• Douse the flame when the party's over. Put out the fire with an extinguisher or water. Always allow the ashes to cool before disposing of them in an ash bucket.

Press Release Contact Information:

Sarah Rachfal
BirdBrain
BirdBrain
52 E. Cross St.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
USA 48198
Voice: 7344834536
Fax: 7344839677
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