Looking for ideas for an outdoor wedding? Quite normal! Because getting married outdoors, in a venue with beautiful views and surrounded by nature is an increasingly popular choice among couples, in fact, this trend will never go out of fashion.
Rural, rustic and country weddings are, without a doubt, the main themes of outdoor weddings, (wild flowers, flowing dresses, lights, wood, esparto grass…) They are the most popular because they create a romantic and cosy atmosphere.
So, if your dream is to celebrate an outdoor wedding and you need ideas about decoration, cake, themes, lighting, etc. This is your article! Because we have gathered 25 of the most original ideas for you to have the outdoor wedding of your dreams.
All you have to do is say… Yes!
1. Wedding under the stars, and under the lights
You can hold your dinner under the lights and create a very romantic atmosphere for a perfect evening. Whether you’re celebrating in the woods, in an open field or in your backyard, adding twinkling lights can make a big difference and will wow your guests. Plus, this is a modern and easy way to spice up your wedding decor. How about a ceiling full of fireflies?
2. Lay out blankets for the cold months
Outdoor weddings are all about creating a comforting environment for your guests. So, if your outdoor wedding takes place in the colder months, make sure you have some warm blankets for your guests so they can stay comfortable even in cold temperatures.
3. Serve food in food trucks
Having a food truck at your wedding is something that more and more couples are doing, even more than one! Yes, it’s a trend that is on the rise. It’s a differentiating, original and fun option, and all the guests will love it! It creates a very informal and great atmosphere for everyone to interact in a venue surrounded by nature and lights.
4. Drink stations around the venue
You can make guests feel at home with a dedicated coffee, lemonade or tea table. And if having a full bar isn’t your style, you can make your guests grab a “blonde” on their own by creating a beer station with buckets with ice cubes – it’s a perfect place to cool off!
5. Make the most of the nature of the venue
Make the most of the nature that surrounds you on your wedding day! Choose colours that complement the tones of the season to be in tune with the venue. You can even incorporate those same colours into your décor and flowers for a much more charming look.
6. Make a plan B
Although we’re all hoping for sunny weather on the big day, it’s important to prepare yourselves for unpredictable weather conditions. So don’t forget to have a tent area planned in advance just in case inclement weather plays a tricky trick.
7. Create a lantern walkway
There are many ways to use lanterns at your wedding, but we love the idea of having them along the path and walkways of the ceremony. It’s a wonderful way to create romance and make a statement that is both refined and rustic.
8. Decorate outdoors with indoor furniture
We love the idea of bringing indoor furniture into an outdoor wedding! It’s a way to get at the best of both worlds. You can decorate the ceremony and reception space with lots of rustic pieces, armchairs, sofas, large dining tables, cushioned chairs, luxury tableware… Every option is valid!
9. Thatched Chill Out
Get rid of the chairs and seat your nearest and dearest in a country-style outdoor setting. Cover each bale of hay with a patterned quilt to make it more comfortable for those guests who get tired dancing to sit back and relax.
10. Decorate tree trunks with photographs
For a touching decoration, you can use nature to your advantage as a unique photo display. Attach photos of you and your future husband or wife with string and small clothes pegs and then twirl them around on tree trunks around the space – very original and sentimental!
11. Picnic tables for the banquet
Picnic tables are perfect for the banquet, especially when they are placed under twinkling lights and covered with floral garlands. These fit like a glove if they are made of wooden materials and placed in an outdoor setting – they are sure to remind you of your childhood!
12. Add directional signs
Signs and signage will make your wedding a fairytale setting full of details to surprise your guests. The outdoor setting allows you to pin these signs indicating the location of the cocktail, banquet or ceremony, as well as signs with your names and the date of the wedding.
13. Umbrellas and fans for the heat
Spring weather can mean rain or shine. So, to be considerate of your guests, don’t forget to provide umbrellas, fans or pai-pais to keep your guests cool and protected from the sun’s rays.
14. Rustic altars are a must
A rustic outdoor wedding needs a matching ceremony arch. We love the ones made of wood, with forged elements, aged chains, wooden trunks, dried flowers, tin buckets, wooden pitchforks… Maybe it’s because of the rustic elements? The best thing is that they integrate perfectly into the venue!
15. Food Corners
Food is not only a delight for the palate, it can also be a decorative element. That is why it is important to make sure that food also attracts people’ attention. A cheese, pizza, Iberian cured meats, tacos corner… as well as being exquisite, it is ideal as part of the rest of the garden decoration for outdoor weddings.
16. Signs and plates on slices of tree trunk
Slices of wood are used to keep the table numbers, as well as the names of the guests, the minutes, etc. It is also very common to find them as under plates, trays, or to place centrepieces. They can also be used as candle holders… And for any decorative feature, you can think of!
17. Ice cream truck
Everyone loves ice cream, so why not make it the official dessert of the wedding? Summer desserts are always best eaten outdoors, so ice cream is perfect for an informal wedding, and having this option will make sure your guests enjoy it like kids!
18. Take your pet with you
Pets love spending time outdoors, so this wedding makes it much easier for your furry friend to take part in your special day. Pets now also become guests at their owners’ celebration, a joyful moment for the pet, the bride and groom and even for the small guests who can’t stop playing with them!
19. Photo booth in a van
A van with a photo booth inside is a fun and unique addition to outdoor weddings that guests of all ages will enjoy. Plus, if you choose to have a relaxed wedding, having a photo booth will allow your guests to take their own photos – we love photo booths inside the iconic Volkswagen van!
20. Jars for decoration
Mason style jars and jars are items that never go out of style and can be placed everywhere: on tables, as candelabras, next to chairs in the ceremony aisle, and even for cocktails – cocktails taste even better if you drink them from vintage jars!
21. Wear comfortable shoes
Give up your heels and wear hats, sandals or shiny trainers to dance the night away in the open air. You’ll get a lot more out of your day! You can also place a little note on the invitation advising guests to wear hats, as well as the famous heel covers for guests to walk in comfort.
22. Outdoor sweet table
Add a fantastic candy table for weddings, full of all kinds of irresistible temptations such as candyfloss, marshmallows, jelly beans, biscuits, cupcakes… It is, without a doubt, an excellent and delicious way to make your sweet-toothed guests happy. The candy bar is becoming a popular choice for all kinds of events, and the idea that sweets are only for children has been discarded, so don’t forget to light it up with candles, lanterns and a large crystal lamp on the table to capture all the attention!
23. A seating plan in harmony with the surroundings
Having a seating plan for your wedding is very important! You can get fancy and place it next to vintage furniture, wooden stairs, faded doors, dried flowers… All will find their place immediately! And we’re sure that many people will even want to take a picture with this plan.
24. Letting off flying lanterns
The release of flying lanterns has become a spectacle of light and is a beautiful, romantic and full of symbolism act in weddings that take place outdoors and at night. Legend has it that if you put your wishes in a lantern and let it fly, it will be granted. It is one of the most beautiful events that you can organise for your guests and that they will always remember it!
25. Vote for a rustic wedding cake
Forget about wedding cakes overflowing with cream, placed on impossible structures, and cut by the bride and groom with long swords. Wedding cakes in outdoor venues are integrated into the space in a much simpler, “naked” way. The idea is to present the cake without toppings using only natural flowers and fruits to give that organic feel.
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Do you love these ideas for an outdoor wedding? We do too! And at Perfect Venue we can’t wait to organise yours.
Contact us and we’ll get started!