Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Tips & Inspiration
Planning an outdoor wedding? Hosting your wedding outside can offer some great opportunities beyond the open air atmosphere of your venue. Utilizing nature no matter what type of venue location you choose can make your outdoor wedding a gorgeous event. There's something amazing about being able to mingle with guests outdoors in the fresh air. More and more weddings are moving outdoors and we are here for it and ready to help!
Stick around with us in today's wedding planning advice post, because we are talking all things outdoor weddings with helpful tips and advice you can't find elsewhere. Plus, you'll find the ultimate outdoor wedding shopping guide to save you time and money on your wedding - you're welcome!
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Outdoor weddings can range in size and theme. Depending on your venue location, outdoor weddings can truly be unique. Mountain weddings, beach weddings, desert weddings, backyard weddings, and outdoor garden weddings are some popular outdoor wedding destinations that can instantly spark your wedding theme based on their location.
Tips for Planning An Outdoor Wedding
What about planning your outdoor nuptials? Don't look at outdoor weddings as a challenge. With an experienced wedding planner and some top wedding planning tips for your outdoor venue, you'll have a beautiful wedding day with ah-maz-ing wedding photos! (Yes, we said, wedding planner! A planner is a must for any wedding, but especially an outdoor wedding!)
For everything you need to know about planning an outdoor wedding, don't miss our wedding planning advice. You'll love these top tips...
#1 - Find Your Venue, Embrace It & Use Nature To Your Advantage
You've likely chosen your outdoor venue because of the space, the beauty and the potential. So let it live up to that potential! Accentuate it by using outdoor wedding decor that compliments your space and incorporates the natural beauty of your outdoor wedding location. Add in some beautiful wedding flowers, create a beautiful backdrop for exchanging your vows, and even hang lanterns from the trees!
When you're outdoors, you really need to go for it and embrace your surroundings! The best part of outdoor weddings is that you will likely have multiple views or backdrop options, so simply by turning around or turning the corner, you have whole set of new view options. And you know we love options!
#2 - Provide Your Guests With Little Luxuries
Make sure your guests are comfortable and enjoying your outdoor wedding day with those little touches that make all the difference. For the ladies, provide heel protectors so their heels don't sink into the grass, or flip flops for the beach. You could offer pashminas or blankets to keep them warms in the cooler, fall months, especially when the sun goes down. Umbrellas are nice for blocking the sun. For all your guests, provide bug spray, if there's a chance you'll have some insects joining your soiree. (Hello, noseeums at dusk!).
In addition the little extras, we also love offering water or lemonade or even a self-serve drink station off to the side will go a long way to ensuring your guests' comfort. Could you imagine a make-your-own hot chocolate bar for your guests to do while they are waiting for your ceremony or during cocktail hour?!
These little luxuries can be in the form of a wedding favor that they can take home with them or something you rent. Whatever you decide, just make sure to think of all the little scenarios that might come up so your guests will feel as comfortable as possible outside.
#3 - Tell Your Guests With Wedding Signage
Placing signs throughout your outdoor wedding venue and outside wedding space can be so helpful for your guests. Your guests will appreciate the guidance with signs saying "welcome to our wedding" and signs to show guests where to find drinks, seating, and restrooms. Outdoor weddings can be spread out amongst your venue so you'll want to let guests know exactly where to find what they're looking for and what you're offering at your wedding.
Opt for custom wedding signs that speak to your venue! There are sign options for mountain weddings, beach weddings, vineyard weddings, etc. or incorporate your wedding theme or color palette on your signs for a minimalist wedding style.
Signs can be fun to display your wedding hashtag. (If you want more, don't miss this post we did on creative wedding hashtags!) Signs can also be really helpful such as reminding your guests to wear their face mask and use hand sanitizer.
#4 - Light The Way For A Magical Evening Setting
When the sun goes down ensure your wedding still lights up the night! Use creative lighting for your outdoor wedding to keep things bright enough to see each other and create a magical setting.
Outdoor lights don't have to be expensive, a simple strand or two of cafe lights or twinkle lights can go a long way. You can also do candles, candles in bags, and spot lights. Be sure to properly light walk ways and paths to get to the bathroom or cars. (This is where a bucket of flashlights might come in handy too!)
Sparklers are a great wedding exit option for an end cap to your wedding night. Everyone loves a sparkler exit!
#5 - Make It Fun & Keep Guests Entertained
Outdoor weddings allow for your wedding to spread out and add lots of fun that you can't do inside. Make use of your outdoor space to include various areas for different activities for your wedding guests. There is something about being outside in nature that relaxes everyone and will loosen them up to have a good time and play games.
To keep your guests entertained, include some fun areas with wedding lawn games, bubbles for kids, s'mores or cigar bars, and so much more. I can see all of your guests gathered around the fire pit now!
Outdoor Wedding Shopping Guide, Inspiration & Ideas
You've chosen the venue for your outdoor wedding and started planning. Now is the time to be inspired with creative ideas for your outdoor wedding. Hosting your guests at an outside wedding allows you to offer a range of decor and activities for guests to enjoy.
Here are some of our favorite outdoor wedding ideas from Etsy to get you inspired, plus the ultimate outside wedding shopping guide so you'll know where to find all of these treasures for your special day.
Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Simply Unique UK
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Paper Case Studio
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Whimsical White Fox
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Vintage Babydoll
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Buddys Boards AZ
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Long Fairy Lights
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Electric Crowns
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Jessmy
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Shop this outdoor wedding idea:
Made by: Art and Soul Shoppe
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There you have it! Tips, ideas and inspiration for your outdoor wedding. Be it a backyard wedding, mountainside wedding, or beach wedding, take full advantage of your outdoor venue with these wedding planning ideas for outside spaces.
For more of my wedding ideas and inspirations, be sure to check out my Garter Girl Loves blog series and you can see all of my wedding garter designs right here.
With love,
The Garter Girl
P.S. Some of the above product links are affiliate-connected and purchasing through these links helps to support the blog.
