If you want to experience a lifetime picture-perfect event, hosting an outdoor wedding is the ultimate option for you! Imagine the perfect outdoor setting with picturesque venues and décor, jaw-dropping sunsets, and amazing weather. Sounds dreamy, right?
I have been organizing destination weddings for several years now and I must say that the traditional wedding style has been evolving. Nowadays fashion-conscious brides are looking for more outdoor wedding ideas, particularly because of the incredible sceneries and all the wedding design possibilities.
Today I want to share some amazing tips with you to help you envision your outdoor wedding so you can make your special day even more spectacular!
1. Choose the right season & venue
Every outdoor location has its beauty and charm. If you want to get creative with the design of your outdoor reception, I would definitely suggest that you host it during late spring or summer. The best part about choosing this season is the pleasant and warm weather, gorgeous flowers, and bright colors.
And brides, always make sure that the venue has a backup plan for any weather conditions. You don’t want any surprise downpour to spoil your celebration, makeup and hairstyle!
2. Which dress is the most appropriate for an outdoor wedding?
I usually say that choosing the right dress sets the tone for the whole wedding! As you know, outdoor weddings usually happen in the hottest months. This way you should invest in a dress that is very comfortable and with very light fabrics. You can always opt for a more glamorous look and I love the way some bridal brands are investing in glam dresses without compromising with the comfort. I particularly love the Israeli brand Galia Lahav. Chic and perfect for a summer wedding day!
One of our brides wearing a glam Galia Lahav dress – Laertes Soares photography
3. Serve refreshments right from the beginning of your reception
Outdoor weddings mean hot days ahead! And that is why planning your summer wedding is simply amazing for getting creative with refreshments. The best way to cope with heat during the ceremony is to serve refreshments for your guests on their arrival. If you want to give them an enjoyable experience, I would definitely recommend fruits, gelato, chilled drinks with herbs and flavored water.
Stylish drinking stations – Via InsideWeddings
4. Wedding cocktail hour
I have to say that the wedding cocktail is my favorite. It is usually the best time to get to know the other guests and also the best time for taking pictures, enjoying light appetizers, and sipping refreshing drinks! If you want to take advantage of the hours before sunset for the pictures I would invest in creating a cocktail experience as unique as possible. Signature cocktails are always great fun for your guests and everybody will use them for selfies as well. And do not forget the music, jazz bands are usually perfect for those occasions.
Colorful signature cocktails – Mia Yakel photography
5. Start dinner at the right time
After spending the day under the clear blue sky with your friends and family, the best way to end it is by enjoying dinner together. And in my opinion, the most appropriate time for the outdoor wedding dinner is just before the sunset. The lighting is amazing at this hour and you will get the opportunity to capture beautiful images too! I always invest in lanterns and candles for the outdoor weddings I organize as well as the lighting of the trees and the exterior parts of the venue. It is simply magical to see all these lights slowly taking the scene.
The magic of the lights for this destination wedding by Wedding Luxe at Belmond Caruso on the Amalfi Coast – Laertes Soares photography
6. Choose the right dress code
When it comes to wedding receptions the comfort of the guests matters the most. By mentioning “outdoor wedding” in your invitations will help the guests to decide the attire according to the occasion. I always suggest sending the guests a dress code as well and also some information about the local weather on the wedding month. It’s a token of appreciation but it saves a lot of time answering your guests what they should pack!
7. Choose the menu wisely
Choosing the right menu plays a key role when it comes to hosting an outdoor wedding. As most outdoor weddings are in the summer you should opt for a lighter meal. Include light vegetables, savory fish, and other seasonal items on the menu. And of course, don’t forget the refreshing chilled drinks!
Delicious light appetizers – Via eatwell101.com
8. Invest in your outdoor wedding décor
Isn’t it a dream to have a wedding reception exactly like your mood board? Outdoor weddings are perfect for using floral arrangements in contrast with the venue, the garden or even the sea. I particularly love investing on the table setting with colorful linens, elegant porcelain, vibrant flowers, personal menus and lots of character. I think there is nothing more unique than dining under the stars!
That’s me checking the last details of our outdoor wedding tables – Retrato atelie photography
9. What about the old pashmina?
When it comes to hosting an outdoor wedding, some things are unpredictable. Yes, I am talking about the weather! And even the hottest days can get chiller at night. If you do not want to ask your guests to bring a pashmina you can always offer them one. I know this has been an old tradition on weddings – and you probably have a different pashmina for every wedding you have been to! But the old pashmina gift has been proving to be very useful in any outdoor wedding.
The pashminas for the guests with a special tag for one of our weddings in Tuscany – Retrato Atelie photography
10. Follow your dream
What is your ideal outdoor wedding ceremony? Does it involve sophisticated tents, or a historical and authentic venue? Would you like to tie the knot facing the sea or in a private garden of a villa or palace? Whatever your dream is I would suggest that you embrace it with all your heart and make it come true!
I hope my wedding tips have inspired you. If you wish to know more about the chic international bride and the world of luxury destination weddings check out the other posts on Wedding Luxe blog. Also, do not forget to follow my instagram and pinterest. And if you would like to have me as your wedding planner I will be very honored to assist you. Click here if you wish to know more about Wedding Luxe specialized services for destination weddings worldwide.
Featured image by Dri Bachi & Mel Audi