Outdoor Event Tips
Planning an outdoor event or wedding brings a unique sense of magic and freedom that indoor venues often can’t match. From lush gardens to scenic vineyards or that Instagrammable beach wedding, outdoor locations use nature as the picture-perfect backdrop. Even the simplest setup feels breathtaking with a sunset behind you.
However, successful outdoor planning requires more than just picking a pretty spot. You need to consider the season, weather patterns, terrain, and accessibility. While sunshine may bless your day, a sudden downpour or gusty wind could throw your plans off track. Because of this, creating a solid Plan B is not optional—it’s essential. You also need to think about logistics: power sources, guest comfort, sound systems, and even insect control.
Fortunately, with the right preparation and a clear vision, outdoor events can unfold seamlessly. From lawn games and food trucks to sunset lighting and alfresco dining, the options feel endless. Ultimately, planning an outdoor event involves a mix of creativity, strategy, and flexibility. By embracing the unexpected and staying grounded in the details, you’ll craft an experience that’s not only beautiful but truly memorable.
Power
Don’t get us wrong, candle light is gorgeous but it won’t run the catering equipment, music, lighting or the photo booth! We’ve put power first because it is THE most common issue we experience at events. Running an event uses a lot more power than your average household. Add heating and fancy lights into the mix and you’ll be blaming the pie warmer for all your troubles! Make a list of all items at your outdoor event that will draw power and get a professional opinion BEFORE guests are being served partially frozen sausage rolls.
Surface
Consider the surface your guests will be walking and sitting on. Heels sinking into the grass, muddy formal clothes and wet bottoms are just the beginning! All of those things can be worked around with a little outdoor event planning. Pre-warn your female guests about their footwear prior to the day. Provide high heel protectors on arrival as a gift. Leave some neatly folder towels around for drying off dewy chairs. A gift of flip flops means your guests can leave any muddy shoes outside and keep your reception space clean.
Space
How much space do you have to play with for your outdoor event? Create a floor plan just as you would if your event was being held indoors. Place furniture, back of house areas such as food prep or food trucks and guest tables. Now measure that out in the backyard and check things like there being enough space between chairs. If you’re hiring a marquee, it can be difficult to envision the end result until the marquee is there on the day. A can of chalk spray paint and your backyard can help you plot everything out in advance to ensure a perfect fit.
Bathrooms
Make sure you bathroom facilities are well signed and lit. You don’t want your guests stumbling around at night trying to locate the loo! Make sure they’re not too far from the main guest area, within reason. Most hired bathrooms come with supplies but not an attendant to manage it. A lot of people are going to be using your hired bathrooms in quick succession. It may be worth hiring someone to monitor the bathrooms and ensure they remain clean and stocked.
Wind
Wind is the sneaky guest no-one invited! Outdoor event planning tends to be focused on rain but wind can be just as problematic. Everything you include in your event should be able to be well secured in case of wind. Even large items needs to be safely secured for safety reasons. Fabric signage, arbours and flowers are no match for a windy day. If you’ve hired professionals you’ve got nothing to worry about. They have seen wind in all it’s power and will come prepared!
Plan B
Rain is the dreaded subject no outdoor event planner wants to deal with but has to face. Plan A is for your event to go ahead outdoors, absolutely! But if you wake to less than ideal weather on the day, your Plan B is going to be your best friend. Instead of panic, everyone will know what to do and where to be. A marquee on standby is the best way to remove stress from your outdoor event. If you’ve hired a venue, talk to them during your planning process and decide together on your preferred Plan B.
