Outdoor weddings conjure up images of romantic, intimate ceremonies surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Often, outdoor weddings have a much more personal feel and allow couples far more space and flexibility when it comes to planning their big day – often a godsend to the engaged couple!
Choosing to hold your wedding outdoors can also be extremely cost-effective and allows you to maximise your wedding budget while also keeping your celebration as eco-friendly as possible. To inspire you, here are eight beautiful outdoor wedding ideas to show you why an outdoor wedding could be the perfect way to celebrate your special day.
1. Create a gorgeous lighting backdrop
Outdoor weddings give you less control over lighting, which means you need to think carefully about how to create light at your celebration. Fortunately, a lighting backdrop can be used to create a romantic ambiance and ensure the correct lighting levels during your ceremony. There is a huge variety of SPECTACULAR LIGHTING BACKDROPS to choose from. Whether you’re looking to create elegance or grandeur, there is sure to be a lighting backdrop to suit any wedding theme.
2. Decorate with balloons
Many couples choose to decorate their outdoor weddings with balloons. Large balloons are extremely popular and should be inflated with helium to get to the right height. Many balloons can also be customised with your initials or wedding date to create a personal touch – another fun memory for the special occasion! As well as providing stunning decorations, balloons can also be used as photo props during your wedding photo shoot.
3. Choose a romantic forest theme
Forest themed weddings have become extremely popular over the years and this trend is perfect for nature-loving couples. An enchanting forest theme wedding works particularly well with outdoor ceremonies, especially if you’re holding your celebration in an area with lots of trees and greenery. Take advantage of the natural scenery in the area and incorporate rustic decor to complete your romantic forest themed wedding.
4. Use flower garlands
Flower garlands look perfect at outdoor weddings – an, in our opinion, are almost essential! They are extremely versatile and can be used to decorate fences and trees trunks, hung from branches, or used to create elegant flower arches. They can even be worn by the bride or bridal party as beautiful natural accessories. When it comes to flower garlands, you have the option to make them from real flowers or opt for artificial blooms. The latter is often cheaper, plus you’ll be able to reuse them or sell them after your wedding.
5. Make the space personal
Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your partner and an outdoor wedding allows you to create a truly unique celebration. You should start by choosing a location that is meaningful to you and your partner. This could be the place where you met or had your first date. Many venues offer beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces that can be used for outdoor weddings. For instance, our award-winning wedding venue offers seven acres of glorious grounds that are perfect for outdoor celebrations. Make your wedding extra special by adding lots of personal touches such as photographs of you and your partner or personalised handmade decorations.
6. Take advantage of the natural scenery
One of the main benefits of outdoor weddings is that you have plenty of natural scenery at your disposal. This means you can spend less money on decorations and other accessories needed to create ambiance. Chances are you’ve chosen a location with breathtaking landscapes and scenery, so make sure you take advantage of the natural beauty.
7. Provide casual seating
Outdoor weddings give you the chance to choose less formal seating than would be expected at a traditional indoor wedding. Some popular ALTERNATIVE OUTDOOR SEATING includes hay bales, swings, or benches – you could even opt to have your guests sitting on large cushions or rugs. Charity shops often have a great selection of quirky mismatched furniture that could be used to create unique seating at an outdoor wedding. If you’re looking for hay bales, then ask local farms if you can borrow or purchase some for the day.
8. Offer your guests blankets
You should always plan for chilly weather if you are getting married outdoors in the UK, especially if you’re tying the knot during the cooler months. Providing your guests with blankets is a thoughtful touch that will ensure everyone is warm and comfortable on the day. The last thing you want is for your guests to be shivering and wishing your ceremony to be over so they can go inside! If you’re planning a winter wedding, then it may be a good idea to organise additional extras like outdoor heaters and fur jackets.
Use the above tips to help you plan the perfect, romantic outdoor wedding!
