If you’re planning an alfresco wedding celebration, you have an abundance of options to choose from. Will you choose a tranquil meadow for your venue, or the grounds of a stately home? Do you dream of tying the knot in lush botanical gardens, or on a secluded beach?
A Fun Atmosphere
An outdoor wedding creates an informal, relaxed atmosphere. The sun is (hopefully) shining, birds are singing and you and your loved ones are in a fabulous location. Not being limited by four walls means there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy yourselves. Younger guests will love being able to run around and play. Why not include some outdoor games for your day, such as boules, croquet, or giant Jenga?
Make The Most Of Your Surroundings
If the venue has an attractive water feature, a stunning view, or glorious plants in bloom, take advantage of this natural backdrop. Take inspiration from your setting, and weave this into your theme – e.g. if you’re in a coastal location, use shells and driftwood in your decorations.
Transform trees or a pergola into a beautiful rustic arch for your ceremony. Use curtains tied back with pretty foliage. If your chosen venue has a gazebo or bandstand, drape it with flowers to make an attractive focal point. This would also be the ideal location for your wedding party band to perform from!
Have A Bad Weather Plan
It always makes sense to plan for unpredictable weather. An open-sided marquee or tented area guarantees that, rain or shine, you and your guests will stay comfortable and dry. And if it’s a glorious day, guests can use this area for shade if they want to escape the sun.
Pretty parasols, umbrellas and fans will come in handy on sunny or wet days. As day heads into evening and the temperature cools, have a selection of cosy shawls or blankets ready to hand out to your invitees.
Get Creative
Make your setting as traditional or as unique as you like. Perhaps create a lounge area with day beds, and oversize cushions. Bring carpets or rugs outdoors for a splash of colour. Use mix and match furniture and vintage crockery for an informal theme. Get creative with accessories and detail.
Organise an alfresco bar cart with bottles in baths of ice, scattered with flower petals, or set up attractive glass drink dispensers ready for your guests to help themselves.
Cover bales of hay with vibrant patterned blankets to make charming and rustic seating. Decorate picnic tables with bunches of freshly cut blooms in antique vases. Mini lemon and orange trees or scented lavender make attractive centrepieces. Use traditional wooden chalkboards for signage and as a menu board for your reception.
Use flower petals for confetti. It will look beautiful and it’s eco-friendly!
Atmospheric Lighting
Festoons of pretty twinkling lights strung above your seating areas or dancefloor create a festive atmosphere, and light the way for you and your guests to strut your stuff once the sun goes down. String lights and lanterns in trees, or across pergola or gazebo beams.
Getting hitched in the great outdoors means you’ll have gorgeous wedding photos flooded with natural light. Have a photoshoot during ‘golden hour’ just before sunset and make sure your photographer gets fabulous evening shots of you and your loved ones dancing under the stars.
