Decorations for Outdoor Wedding

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Choose simple but effective decorations for outdoor weddings that enhance your site or wedding theme.

Use garden flowers as the basis for outdoor decorations.

Outdoor Ceremony Decorations

The amount of decorations you include during the ceremony depends on the location itself. Outdoor locations can vary widely, from beaches to botanical gardens to parks to backyards. Flowers, garlands and arches are all used in numerous outdoor ceremonies. However, the exact style and execution of décor you choose will depend on your location:

Beach: Set up white folding chairs. Have a simple wire arch for standing beneath. Simple is best, as the ocean provides a stunning background. Save décor for the reception area.
Botanical Garden: Use the garden’s flora as your guide. Tropical flowers, exotic plants or brightly colored large arrangements look lovely on pillars or columns next to the bride and groom.
Parks: Parks often have bandshells or gazebos that can be used as the focal point of the ceremony. Decorate with lights, tulle, ivy garlands and flowers that match the bridal party flowers.
Backyard: Depending on the backyard, you may need to rent backdrops to help create a more elegant look for the ceremony and photos. Country Creations and similar rental places offer plenty of background choices, from grecian columns to lattice fences.

Ceremonies held outdoors often means additional time for setting up the area unless the location offers services that include set-up. To help cut down on labor time, have everything ready to go when you are allowed into the site to prepare. Simple ideas include:

Tie chair bows on every other chair or only on the chairs next to the aisle.
Decorate a wedding trellis or arch with silk flowers before bringing it to the ceremony site.
Wrap light ropes around pillars or columns before transporting them to the site.
Have all of the floral displays ready to go; only fluff and touch up once they are in place.
Use a white or colored aisle runner to provide a more dressed look to your location.

If you are on a limited budget, keep decorations aimed at the front of the ceremony area and skip extras like chair bows and aisle markers. Guests will be looking forward, so spend the money in that area. Remember to plan the ceremony time so that the sun is behind guest seating.

Decorations for Outdoor Wedding Reception

The reception is where guests will eat, drink, socialize and dance the night away. Make your outdoor decorations fit the time of day and feel of the wedding (formal or informal).

Tent Rentals

Regardless of the time of day for your reception, it may be worth considering adding a tent rental to your budget. Midday receptions can be hot and sunny or even be subject to a light shower in humid areas. Evening wedding receptions may get buggy or chilly, and guests will have dressed themselves for the earlier ceremony. Tents will help provide wedding climate and weather relief, and can be decorated to fit any style.

Shade guests in tents.

Large tents may need to be constructed by the rental company. Decorations can include paper lanterns, vines and garlands, fresh flowers and lights on the tent itself, depending on the company. For smaller areas, like backyards, renting several small canopy tents to house the cake, food, drinks and dance floor may be more practical for the space you are working in.

Companies like Total Events Management and American Party Place offer tent and canopy rentals and advice on sizing.

Outdoor Table Decorations

Tables set up outdoors will need to be covered in heavy linens in order to keep from blowing in the wind. Add a rustic touch to a country themed wedding by using old quilts as tablecloths. For backyard weddings, pick up some table clips to keep lightweight cloths on.

Table decorating ideas can incorporate your colors, theme or the great outdoors. Single stemmed flowers in simple vases or mason jars tied with raffia are cheap and easy. Evening affairs will benefit from candle centerpieces that provide lighting, like filigree lanterns and table torches. Seaside centerpieces might even be nautical lighthouse votive holders.

Chairs can be covered or tied with bows. Outdoor receptions held near a pool or on a patio can use strings of white umbrella lights to dress up patio tables and provide lighting.

Lighting Issues

An outdoor reception in the evening will need to provide lighting as the sun sets. Incorporate the lighting into your decorations by using the following:

Lights rated for indoor/outdoor use are generally safe for placing on bushes or around trees. Check with your reception site to find out any restrictions on candles or open flames.

Tips for Finishing Touches

Decorations for outdoor weddings can be as simple or extravagant as you choose. The location, budget and vision will dictate your final decoration design. Follow these simple tips to provide the finishing touches that will make any decoration scheme a success:

Fix any loose stones in walkways.
Have the lawn mowed a day or two before the wedding and clippings picked up.
Check gardens for dying blooms and request they be attended to.
Ask that the lawns be chemically treated for insects.
Use citronella candles in lighting to help ward off mosquitoes and gnats.
Set up weatherproof items as soon as you are allowed.
Have as much décor prepared before you get to the site as possible.
Put a sign up directing people to an outdoor wedding that is hard to find in the countryside.

With just a little extra planning, an outdoor wedding can be a successful and gorgeous event that everyone will enjoy.

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