Planning an outdoor wedding reception opens the door to a world of endless possibilities and natural beauty. Whether you envision saying “I do” beneath towering trees, on a sun-kissed beach, or in a blooming garden, an outdoor setting offers a canvas for creating an enchanting and unforgettable celebration.
However, orchestrating an al fresco event requires thoughtful planning and consideration of unique elements that Mother Nature brings to the table. In this post, we’ll explore the essential steps to create a dreamy outdoor wedding reception that seamlessly blends the elegance of your love story with the allure of the great outdoors.
Your Outdoor Wedding Reception
From selecting the perfect venue to choosing décor that harmonizes with the surroundings, join us on this journey to turn your outdoor wedding vision into a reality.
Embrace the Natural Décor
Creating a magical ambiance for your outdoor wedding reception is all about embracing the beauty of the natural surroundings found at the site. Natural décor not only adds an enchanting touch to the surroundings but also allows you to connect with the organic elements of the environment.
It all starts with choosing an outdoor venue that complements your vision. Do you envision your nuptials in more of a garden, a beach, or a forest setting? Embrace the existing landscape, work with what’s already there. Incorporate local florals into your décor. Opt for natural accents like greenery, wood, or stone. Rustic tables and chairs will enhance a natural aesthetic. Consider soft, flowing fabrics like linen or lace for table clothes and runners.
Don’t forget string lights or lanterns to illuminate the space once the sun sets. Encourage guests to immerse themselves in the surroundings by providing comfortable seating areas with cushions and blankets.
By embracing the natural décor, you not only celebrate the beauty of the outdoors but are also creating unforgettable memories that resonate with the harmony of nature and love.
Are you crafty? Then creating some special DIY wedding projects may be for you.
• For a more boho feel, make macramé table runners.
• For a beach setting, use nets and seashells.
• Create a charming backdrop from wooden palettes, and florals to place behind the head table or cake table. (Or even a fun selfie station/photo booth).
• Grapevine wreathes to grace the entry doors, backs of chairs, or for you flower girls to carry instead of a basket of petals.
Weather-Proof Your Outdoor Wedding
What’s the one thing that you will get with an outdoor wedding, but not indoors? Weather! Sun or clouds. Wind or rain. Heat or cold. Unpleasant or inclement weather will certainly put a damper on your outside wedding. So what can you do about it?
Remember the Boy Scout motto? Be Prepared! Weather-proof your outdoor wedding reception by preparing for the possibility of poor weather. Rent portable heaters in case the temperatures drop, or portable fans or A/C units to combat heat. Have umbrellas or parasols on hand in case of rain. While celebrating al fresco may seem ideal and magical, be sure to inject some practicality by renting a tent to celebrate under. Tents aren’t just to get out of the rain, but for shade and protection from the hot sun, and tent sides will help subdue any issues caused by the wind.
Real Wedding Story:
Tents will also help if there will be rain the day before your wedding, even if the forecast is for sunny skies on the wedding day itself. Since tents are typically set up a day or two in advance, they can help keep the ground dry if it does rain. True story – The couple were getting married in her parents’ back yard. The bride wanted an open-air celebration, and while I always strove to help the couple have what they wanted, I had to stress the importance of having a tent, to which the couple agreed.
While the wedding day was amazingly sunny and charming, there was a downpour the night before. Because everything was set up beneath the tent, the only things that got a bit wet were 3 seat covers (which I was able to toss into her mom’s clothes dryer). On the wedding day, the bride told me that she was so glad that she agreed to getting the tent.
Weather Note: It doesn’t take much wind to adversely affect your event. Even a light breeze will cause table linens to flip up, napkins to get blown off tables, and displays to be knocked over. Even a secured aisle runner for the ceremony won’t stay in place, causing a big potential for tripping.
The #1 way to weather proof your outdoor wedding is to have a “Plan B” in place. Be sure to have a contingency plan, such as a tent (with sides) or covered area, or a secondary location if there isn’t an indoor option available on the premises.
Weather-proofing your outdoor wedding reception is a crucial step to ensure that your celebration remains magical, come rain or shine.
Attire Tips for Outdoor Receptions
Selecting the perfect attire for your wedding party adds an extra layer of charm to your celebration. Selecting weather appropriate attire adds an extra layer of comfort.
For the bride and bridesmaids, consider lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon, organza, or lace to stay comfortable in the open air.
The groom and groomsmen can opt for breathable such as a lightweight wool, cotton, seersucker, or linen suits. For a more laid-back, casual vibe, forgo suit jackets altogether.
And remember to also to choose footwear that’s suitable for outdoor terrain. Ever try walking around your backyard in high heels? Nope, didn’t work then and it won’t work here either. Instead, choose footwear suitable for outdoor terrain – think block heels, mules, wedges, or flats for bridesmaids and comfortable shoes such as Oxfords, loafers, cowboy boot, and even sneakers for the groomsmen.
Don’t forget to provide accessories like stylish shawls or jackets for cooler evenings, or sunglasses for sunny affairs.
Paying attention to your wedding party’s attire, not only enhances the overall aesthetic of your outdoor wedding reception but also ensures that your loved ones are comfortable as they celebrate your special day amidst the beauty of nature.
Outdoor Reception Lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in creating ambiance, and since having an outdoor wedding takes away the option to just flip on a light switch when the sun goes down, be sure to think about incorporating fairy lights, lanterns, or candles to add a magical touch.
Sunset and the layout/floor plan of your outdoor wedding
There’s nothing quite so breathtaking as a beautiful sunset, unless, of course that sun is setting and shining in everyone’s eyes, blinding them from being able to see. You may be thinking that those trees in the distance will make a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony, but if the sun will be setting behind those trees, your guests won’t even be able to see you say your “I dos.” So it is crucial that when you are determining the layout of your wedding, for both the ceremony and reception, to keep in mind where and when the sun will be setting.
Guest Comfort and Logistics
Ensuring guest comfort is essential for hosting an outdoor wedding reception that is memorable for all the right reasons. Start by providing clear communication about the outdoor setting, suggesting appropriate attire and footwear to prepare guests for the elements. An enclosure with your wedding invitation or section on your wedding website are the perfect places to share this type of information.
Provide practical amenities like sunscreen, insect repellent, and fans, especially in warmer seasons. If the reception extends into the evening, consider providing warm shawls or blankets to keep guests cozy. Clearly mark pathways with signage to help guide guests around the venue, preventing any confusion.
Adequate lighting is crucial, so incorporate well-placed lights to ensure safe navigation after sunset – particularly along pathways that lead to/from the parking area and restrooms. Path lights or luminaries (inexpensively made with paper bags, sand, and tea lights [led/battery operated instead of real flames for safety purposes]) work well.
Additionally, make arrangements for restroom facilities and communicate their locations to avoid any inconvenience.
Conclusion
From selecting the perfect venue and weather-proofing your celebration to selecting the attire for your wedding party and ensuring guest comfort, each element plays a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable outdoor wedding experience.
Planning your dream outdoor wedding reception? Need more guidance or personalized advice to bring your vision to life? Explore our digital products for step-by-step planning tools, or schedule a 1:1 online consultation for expert support. Let’s make your outdoor celebration unforgettable!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”