Three Things That Will Make Your Outdoor Wedding Picture-Perfect
Nothing says celebration quite like an elegant outdoor wedding — complete with perfect weather, stunning surroundings, and a couple ready to take the plunge. Saying your “I dos” in a scenic, open-air location is the dream of many, and for good reason: it's romantic, memorable, and creates an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
However, planning an outdoor wedding comes with its own set of unique challenges. Unlike an indoor venue, you'll need to consider a range of additional factors to ensure the event runs smoothly — all while keeping your guests comfortable and engaged.
To help you pull off a flawless and picture-perfect outdoor wedding, here are three key elements to focus on:
1. Choosing the Right Event Planner and Vendors
Selecting your vendors for an outdoor wedding is similar to an indoor one, but with added emphasis on experience and adaptability. The most important step is hiring a reliable and experienced event planner who can manage outdoor-specific logistics — from setup and styling to weather contingencies.
It's also essential that your photographers, DJs, florists, rental companies, and caterers are experienced in working in outdoor environments. Wind, lighting changes, and uneven ground can all present challenges — and your team must be prepared to handle them gracefully.
For ease and efficiency, it's wise to source all rentals — such as Tiffany or crossback chairs, tables, lighting, marquees, and even generators — from a single, reputable supplier. This reduces coordination hassles and ensures consistency in setup. With rental costs on the rise, locking in your vendors early is not just smart — it's essential.
Having a trusted team behind the scenes allows you and your partner to relax and truly enjoy your big day, knowing every detail is being professionally handled.
2. Smart Outdoor Dining and Catering
Food and drink are key to any great celebration, and when hosting outdoors, you'll need a catering team that's fully equipped to work in non-traditional settings. They should be familiar with preparing and serving food in open-air environments and able to make recommendations on weather-appropriate and location-suited menus.
Your caterer should provide all necessary equipment — including plateware, cutlery, crockery, glassware, and service tools — and should have access to a dedicated prep area, tucked away from the main event, to operate without disrupting the flow of your wedding.
This is also your chance to get creative. Let the setting inspire your menu — think fresh seafood at a beachfront wedding, vibrant tropical salads in a garden setting, or warm, comforting dishes for a countryside celebration. A menu that complements the surroundings not only enhances the experience but also creates lasting memories for your guests.
3. Décor That Elevates the Natural Setting
One of the greatest advantages of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty of the venue itself. Whether you're tying the knot beside the ocean, under the trees, or beneath a canopy of stars, the backdrop is already breathtaking.
Still, thoughtful décor is what makes the setting truly yours. Whether you lean towards fresh flower arrangements, draped fabric, soft lighting, or thematic props, your décor should enhance the space — not overwhelm it.
Work with a florist or event stylist who has a strong portfolio of outdoor work and can interpret your vision creatively. It's important that there's alignment between your expectations and their style. Always review past work and have detailed conversations about how they plan to bring your concept to life.
Lighting, in particular, plays a major role in setting the tone as the day turns to evening. Fairy lights, lanterns, candles, and uplighting can create a warm, romantic atmosphere and ensure that every moment looks just as magical in photos as it feels in person.
Indoor or outdoor, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration — and your memories of it will last forever. By making thoughtful decisions when it comes to your planner, catering, and décor, you’re not only investing in a beautiful event — you're investing in peace of mind.
With the right planning and a dedicated team by your side, your outdoor wedding won't just be beautiful — it will be effortlessly unforgettable.