Before you write off an outdoor wedding as an overly casual affair that welcomes a rustic vibe only, know that there are endless outdoor wedding ideas to transform it into anything you want it to be. Here are 5 of our favorite trends in 2023 to create an elevated experience at your outdoor wedding.

#1. Create a Soft-seated Lounge Area  -

According to wedding-pro expert Alicia Fritz, founder of A Day In May - a luxury event planning company with over a decade of experience planning, designing, and producing weddings:

“Pair airy, wicker accents with light furniture and tons of lush greenery for an elegant, summer vibe. Bringing the indoors out in the form of a luxe lounge area will elevate any cocktail hour or reception, and it can easily be achieved with outdoor furniture you already own or by creatively repurposing indoor furniture. You can even cluster mismatched furniture in various textures or tones for a more eclectic take.”

#2. Focus your Entrance Decor -

Make a grand entrance for your tented reception with details like elegantly draped curtains pulled back with foliage, and accented with florals. This is a good space for a custom wedding welcome sign.

#3. Design a Layout that Co-exists with the Natural Decor Around You -

Take full advantage of the natural decor of your surroundings. Marry it with your event design, don’t compete with it. Remember you chose an outdoor wedding venue for a reason, so allow it shine through. Do this by adding uplighting and lanterns to surrounding foliage, or forage existing greenery from the property to use for accents.

4. Utilize Greenery and Romantic Lighting to Bring the WOW Factor to Your Tented Reception

Tents have the perfect structure for soaring decor. Take advantage by creating a whimsical canopy of draped fabrics and lush, interwoven greenery for added softness and intimacy.  Keep the rest of the color palette neutral to allow the exquisite ceiling decor to shine. A variety of lighting fixtures will also up your tent game.

“One of our favorite elements of a tent is that it allows us to do really beautiful overhead installations,” says Kelly Clark Leonard, owner and lead producer at Event of the Season. The designs will help light up your celebration and elevate the feel of your tent.”

5. Keep Your Guests Comfortable

It sounds like it should go without saying, but pre-planning simple and thoughtful considerations for your guests go a long way. In general, people love being outdoors. If you don’t believe us, believe the research. However there are certain aspects of being outside that is not for everyone. High and low temperatures, bugs, and uneven terrain can be a deterrent to some of your guests. However, thoughtful considerations like access to shade, commercial grade fans, heaters and shawls, self-serving water stations, providing bug repellent or sunscreen, and easy access to a bathroom will outshine the more unsavory aspects that come with being outdoors.