How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings offer a beautiful natural backdrop, a unique sense of freedom and romantic atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Whether on a sandy beach abroad or a floral garden in the UK, there is something magical about saying “I do” beneath open skies.

But while nature can be your greatest wedding asset, it also brings a lot of anxiety for many. Unpredictable factors, including the weather, along with the usual wedding challenges of social pressure and financial stress, can cause this.

Luckily, our experts here at Queensmith have joined forces to provide the ultimate guide to planning an outdoor wedding. From practical considerations such as permits, weather plans and seating logistics, to clever tips and hacks on keeping guests comfortable – we’ve got you covered!

You'll find inspiration for decor that works beautifully with the great outdoors, plus expert-approved tricks for wind-proof makeup, humidity-friendly hairstyles and keeping everything picture-perfect – even when the weather doesn’t play fair.

So, whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back boho affair or an elegant alfresco celebration, this guide will help you plan an outdoor wedding that’s as seamless as it is stunning.

Let’s get planning!

First up, you’ll need to decide on the location and venue for your outdoor wedding. Choosing the right outdoor wedding venue is one of the most important (and exciting) decisions you’ll make.

Before falling down the rabbit hole of venue websites and embarking on venue tour after venue tour, take a moment to picture your dream day and how you want it to look.

Knowing your vibe, whether that be boho, beachy, elegant, rustic or romantic, will help narrow your search and keep you focused.

When visiting venues, don’t forget to ask what would happen if it were to rain on the day. Look for venues that offer a built-in plan B, like a covered terrace, marquee or indoor option. Having peace of mind that if the weather isn’t perfect on your big day that there is a backup outdoor wedding rain plan, which will help ease your anxiety in the lead up.

When viewing venues, make sure there’s easy access to restrooms, power sources for lighting and music and a prep area for caterers.

Some wedding venues have rules around noise, alcohol or curfews. Always clarify the fine print, and know what you can and can’t do. There is nothing worse than lights going on and music being cut at 10pm just as the party is about to get started.

Again, when viewing your potential venue, consider things like whether the ground is level enough for tables and dancing. Think about whether guests, some who may be elderly, will be able to get to their seats easily. Also consider things like paths, accessibility and footwear-friendly surfaces. You don’t want to be tripping up as you walk down the aisle!

Try to visit the venues at the same time of day as your planned ceremony. That way, you can check the light, shadows, noise levels and general ambience.

There are a lot more considerations that go into planning an outdoor wedding, which means they can be a lot more time-consuming and complicated than an indoor wedding.

When deciding on whether to have an outdoor wedding, think about how much time and effort you are realistically able to put into planning everything.

If you want to take some of the pressure off, you can always hire a wedding planner or someone who specialises in outdoor weddings.

The weather, especially in the UK, can be very unpredictable, so it's super important to consider the seasons when choosing a date for your outdoor wedding before booking a venue.

Although summer is often the best choice for an outdoor wedding, the months of June, July and August are peak times and will consequently mean higher prices and less availability when it comes to booking your dream venue. To avoid this, you could also try months in spring or early autumn.

If you're looking for the perfect sunset or golden hour photos on your big day, then you'll have to factor this into your wedding planning and location choice too.

If you and your wedding guests are avid sports fans, then you might want to do some research on the dates of major sporting events to avoid any clashes. Common major summer sporting events include Wimbledon, Golf US Open, the F1 British Grand Prix and the Tour de France.

If you're choosing a venue that already hosts outdoor weddings, they may be able to provide the catering for you. If you're choosing a unique wedding venue, you will have to find your own caterer with experience in outdoor events.

Outdoor weddings often mean more relaxed catering options. You could opt for a BBQ, street food vans, pizza ovens or picnic vibes. Make sure you have lots of refreshments for your guests, especially if the weather is warm.

You could even hire an ice cream van to provide cooling snacks for your guests. When picking a wedding caterer, you’ll also have to consider the power facilities in your venue, such as electricity and running water.

If your wedding reception is staying outdoors and is going on till beyond sunset, then you’ll need to think about lighting. Your venue might already have lighting facilities in place, but if not, you’ll need to provide some.

To elevate your outdoor wedding reception into an ultimate cosy party atmosphere, you can hang long strings of light from trees, fences or even a pergola if your venue has one.

This also helps lift darker areas, ensuring the party continues long into the night. Consider solar-powered LED tea lights to mark paths and borders to help guide your guests in the dark.

It's vital to mention your outdoor setting in the invitations so your friends and family can prepare their attire and layers in advance. Venues with grass, gravel, sand or pavement might need different types of dresses, shoes and high heels. A heel stopper would be a great thing to have on hand for guests as well.

You often need to manage many vendors for your wedding: floral designers, photographers, catering companies, music performers, rental teams, technicians etc. Hiring a wedding planner and coordinator is often one of the most popular ways to take some of the weight off your shoulders.

However, just keep in mind that there are still things that you will need to coordinate:

• Carefully select vendors who have experience with outdoor events.

• Provide detailed information about your expectations, visions and needs to each vendor.

• Site visits with vendors to make sure all important information is discussed.

• Regular check-ins to maintain open communication and receive regular updates on changes or important details.

Summer in the UK and abroad can be extremely unpredictable. One minute, there could be bright blue skies, and the next, dark grey storms. Avoid being caught out by having wet, windy or heatwave alternatives for your wedding day.

Whatever the forecast, we’ve pulled together practical outdoor wedding rain plan tips to help you stay one step ahead. While there are plenty of ways to prepare, we’ve highlighted our four favourite and most important ones for each scenario to keep your day running smoothly.

1. Statement umbrellas
   If you think there is a chance of rain during your wedding day, you could provide matching clear or aesthetic umbrellas for guests to use between spaces. Not only are these practical in helping people stay dry, but they can also look beautiful in photos.
   
2. Have a flexible timeline
   Build a bit of extra buffer into the schedule so you can shift the ceremony start time slightly if needed, or give everyone enough time to move inside should you need to.
   
3. Photography plan
   Don’t let the rain stop you from getting those gorgeous wedding photos. Work with your photographer to identify beautiful covered or tree-shaded spots for moody, romantic rain shots. We think some of the best wedding photos happen in the rain!
   
4. Flooring & rugs
   Few things ruin the moment like heels sinking into mud. If rain is expected in the days before or on your wedding day, make sure your venue has suitable flooring in place – think wooden platforms or waterproof mats to keep feet dry and your walk down the aisle graceful.

1. Provide blankets for guests
   When the sun goes down, it can get a little chilly, so you should have things in place to prepare for this and ensure your guests are comfortable. One of those things could be cosy blanket baskets dotted around the venue as the day draws to a close, so you can continue to enjoy your evening.
   
2. Communicate with your guests
   Make sure you give guests a heads-up if your reception or parts of the evening will be outdoors. This means they will know in advance to bring a jacket for the evening and will encourage people to stay outside and soak up the atmosphere.
   
3. Liaise with your venue for heaters
   Many venues offer outdoor heating options like patio heat lamps or rustic fire pits. These not only keep guests warm, but also add to the ambience.
   
4. Bug-proof your party
   While the UK might not have tropical levels of bugs, insects like wasps and mosquitoes can still be unexpected party crashers, especially during outdoor celebrations. If your wedding is abroad, then this is something you should definitely consider.
   
   To keep the atmosphere relaxed and bite-free, consider incorporating natural repellents into your outdoor wedding decor. Citronella candles are a stylish and effective option, doubling as mood lighting while helping to deter insects. Place them strategically around seating areas, tables and walkways to create a subtle protective barrier.
   
   For an extra layer of comfort, you could also provide bug repellent sprays or wipes in guest restrooms or welcome baskets, and use lavender sachets or eucalyptus bundles as part of your floral arrangements – both known for their insect-repelling properties.

1. Providing shade is essential
   If the sun decides to shine on your special day, luck is on your side! But just like rain, a sunny forecast still calls for a bit of extra planning to keep everyone comfortable. If your venue lacks natural cover, consider renting a canopy or marquee to create shaded areas where guests can escape the sun.
   
2. Add pretty (and practical) touches
   Lightweight paper umbrellas or parasols double as charming decor and instant shade. Handheld fans, whether paper or electric, can be placed on ceremony seats or offered in baskets for guests to grab and use throughout the day.
   
3. Create a suncream station
   A fun, nice touch to your wedding could be setting up a small “sun protection bar” with essentials like mini bottles of SPF, cooling face mists and blotting papers. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows guests you’ve considered their comfort.
   
4. Consider the time and placement of your ceremony
   Avoid placing your ceremony directly in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Think about where the sun will be at the time of your vows, and angle your seating to prevent guests from squinting or, worse, overheating.

1. Secure your decor down
   Wind might not seem like a big concern until it’s sweeping through your ceremony, knocking over centrepieces and lifting veils into the air. Secure all lightweight items like tablecloths, runners and signage. Use clips, discreet weights or double-sided tape to hold fabrics in place and avoid last-minute flapping. For welcome signs or seating charts, opt for sturdy easels or heavy frames that won’t topple over.
   
2. Choose flower arrangements that will stay put
   Choose low, compact centrepieces instead of tall, top-heavy displays that are more likely to tip. You can also use weighted vases or floral foam secured in containers to keep arrangements grounded.
   
3. Weigh down place settings
   Imagine you’ve spent hours perfecting your tablescape, only for a single gust of wind to undo it all. Add practical yet elegant touches, like sturdy glassware, menu cards tucked beneath plates or weighted napkin rings to keep lighter items firmly in place on the dinner table.
   
4. Think about your decor placement
   Avoid placing delicate or lightweight decorations in exposed areas where they are more likely to get blown over. Save the windier areas for heavier decorations, such as installations with solid bases.

A growing trend we’re expecting to see more of is couples moving away from soft neutrals and pastel palettes, embracing a bolder, more expressive floral style for their outdoor summer weddings. Bright florals, such as vivid coral peonies, hot pink roses, zesty orange ranunculus and pops of electric blue delphiniums, are being used to bring energy, personality and a sense of celebration to wedding spaces.

This trend is particularly striking in natural, outdoor settings, where lush greens and open skies create the perfect backdrop for colour to pop. Whether it’s through overflowing table arrangements, cascading floral arches or sculptural wedding flowers, these vibrant blooms reflect modern wedding trends with a joyful, summery vibe that feels fresh and contemporary.

Including outdoor games at weddings has become an increasingly popular trend, with a 127% increase in Google searches and 69% of our Brides and Grooms stating they would incorporate them into their wedding day.

From lawn games like giant Jenga, mini golf and croquet to quirky personalised options like ring toss with the couple’s initials, these playful additions are a great way to entertain guests during the drinks reception or while the wedding party is off taking photos. Not only do they encourage mingling among guests of all ages, but they also contribute to a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere.

With a rise in couples leaning into more informal, guest-focused experiences, grazing tables have quickly become a must-have feature at outdoor weddings, offering a stylish and social alternative to traditional canapés or sit-down starters.

Overflowing with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, breads, dips and sweet treats, these delicious displays not only cater to a wide range of tastes but also double as a stunning centrepiece. Their relaxed, self-serve nature encourages mingling between guests and creates a laid-back, festival-style vibe that suits an outdoor reception.

Another way we’re seeing couples incorporate a more informal, relaxed atmosphere for their big days is through casual seating, which is becoming an increasingly popular choice for outdoor weddings. From sofas and deck chairs, to picnic-style set-ups with blankets and floor cushions, casual seating encourages guests to chill out, mingle and enjoy the day at their own pace. It’s a trend that creates comfort and also some great candid photo moments, perfect for cocktail hours or chill-out zones.

Parasols are making a comeback as one of the most charming outdoor wedding trends this summer. Not only do they offer much-needed shade for guests during sunny ceremonies, but they also add a whimsical, romantic touch to your outdoor wedding decor. Whether you opt for paper, lace or colourful styles, parasols are a beautiful blend of practicality and aesthetics, perfect for creating that dreamy, effortlessly elegant summer wedding vibe.

Take a look at our Outdoor Wedding Pinterest board for more decor & aesthetic inspiration.

When planning an outdoor wedding, it’s important to consider how your hairstyle will hold up throughout the day. From wind and rain to humidity, the natural elements can be unpredictable, so choosing the right style is key. We spoke with Sally Brooks, Creative Director at Brooks & Brooks, who shared her top tips and recommended the best outdoor wedding hairstyles for brides, whatever the weather.

“The secret to any long-lasting wedding hair lies in how it is prepared. Hair that's properly prepped will have grip, hold and won’t slip or fall flat halfway through the day. For both intricate or understated looks, the right foundation means you won’t have to touch it again – no need for constant fiddling or fixing throughout the day,” states Sally.

Braids are a brilliant choice for outdoor weddings. Not only do they look modern and soft, but they also help control the hair by giving shape and adding texture. From soft crown braids to incorporated braided details, they’re ideal for keeping your look polished without feeling too rigid.

Effortlessly elegant and timeless, loose buns or low chignons are perfect for outdoor settings, especially if you’re looking to achieve a classic bridal look. They keep your hair off your face, stay put all day and have that dreamy, natural look – simple but effective.

If you’d like to wear your hair down but worry about it getting tangled or blowing into your face, half-up styles are the best of both worlds. This look offers gentle structure while still feeling soft and romantic, making it the ideal hairstyle for an outdoor, whimsical wedding.

1. Set your style with the right products, humidity-resistant sprays, light texturising powders, and firm-but-flexible holds will be your best friends.
   
2. Consider a hair trial with outdoor conditions in mind – your stylist can help adjust the look based on wind or temperature.
   
3. Secure with invisible pins or grips so everything stays in place without looking overdone.
   
4. Don’t skip a trim in the weeks leading up to the wedding – fresh ends help styles hold shape better.
   

Sally adds: “Whatever your wedding vibe, the right hairstyle, backed by the right prep, will allow you to enjoy the day without worrying about what your hair is doing. Let it be an effortless part of your celebration.”