How to organise an outdoor wedding?

Our tips for organising a private outdoor reception

Organising an outdoor wedding is the assurance of a unique event. An outdoor wedding at home, on a terrace, in a courtyard or in a garden is a good option to respect the wishes of the bride and groom and their budget. However, organising it can sometimes be a source of stress and questions concerning the weather, the infrastructure and the decoration. Here are some tips for a successful outdoor wedding.

Organising an outdoor wedding in an event tent

To surprise friends and family, forget about renting a classic and impersonal reception venue. You can take on a new challenge: reinvent your large terrace, your inner courtyard or your garden to transform them into a reception venue that reflects your image. Regardless of the number of guests, the season and the budget, private outdoor spaces are a lot of fun to design and decorate.
In order to anticipate the vagaries of the weather that could spoil an outdoor wedding, we opt for event tents. Both chic and unusual, they can be adapted to most outdoor areas, whether they are small or large. They are very pleasant to decorate and are the ideal refuge from the hot sun, bad weather or cold outside temperatures.

How to choose the right event tent for your outdoor wedding?

Choosing the right event tent is essential to ensure the success of your event. Depending on your needs, your desires and the constraints of the site, you will opt for different models. For a bohemian wedding in the open air, the bamboo marquee will offer a natural, country atmosphere. For a chic and refined wedding, a Velum reception tent with a brushed cotton canvas will look great.
Although the model of the event tent should be chosen according to the theme of your outdoor wedding, this is not the only criterion. It is essential to choose a tent model that adapts to the constraints of your outdoor wedding venue.
Here are some ideas of event tents to choose from depending on the theme and location of your wedding:

For a wedding on a terrace or small courtyard

The decked structure, entirely glazed, allows your guests to enjoy the beauty of the outdoor landscape and its facilities. Made to measure and modular, it adapts to any type of environment, whatever the height or surface area.

An outdoor wedding in a large garden

There are several styles of event tents available for this type of venue.
The classic reception tent, which can be customised in terms of size and choice of fabric, transforms your wedding venue into a truly exceptional place. The poles or entire walls can be covered and white or crystal canopy can be used to enhance the outdoor environment. This tent is ideal for outdoor weddings on a budget.
The bamboo marquee, on the other hand, is perfect for bohemian outdoor weddings with its champagne canvas and bamboo poles. The many guests are sure to be amazed!
The open-air event tents are ideal for summer weddings in the open air. The nomadic Stretch tent gives an elegant and cosy atmosphere to your outdoor wedding. The Cristal tent is distinguished by its refinement and its ability to let in light. 
These models offer different assembly possibilities depending on the space available to form an original U, L or cross-shaped complex.
The event tent is easy to install at most private homes, but in order for it to fit in perfectly with the exterior, it must be personalised by hiring furniture and lighting.

Choosing the right lighting for your outdoor wedding

When night falls, it is important not to skimp on the lighting that will allow the party to continue in the best possible conditions.

The choice of lighting according to the theme of the wedding

In order to create a magical and romantic atmosphere for your outdoor wedding, opt for the lighting of vegetation and architecture. If you are holding your outdoor wedding in the garden of a castle or a beautiful mansion, in a park with many trees or near a large fountain, consider creating a play of light to highlight your unique venue. The façade of a castle can be decorated with lights in the favourite colours of the bride and groom. A fountain can be dressed in a variety of colours to create an enchanting spectacle! 

Light and shadow effects can also be created in the tent to create a magical atmosphere.
The choice of lighting can be made according to the theme of your wedding. Wrought iron or crystal chandeliers are the perfect decoration for a chic and refined wedding. This type of lighting can be used to decorate a tent or an outdoor area with the help of a bracket.
A brazier or high torches will bring warmth and light to your outdoor wedding with a medieval or bohemian theme. A starry sky made of small LEDs will provide a magical atmosphere for your romantic wedding under the tent.

Create an outdoor reception area with lighting

If the weather is good, the lighting alone can enhance the outdoor reception area.
Instead of an event tent, opt for string lights to define the space. They provide a warm atmosphere while effectively defining the reception area.
To add a chic touch, surround the space with hanging lights made of rattan, bamboo or cotton. These can be hung from trees or tall poles. Cotton hanging lights have the particularity of offering a subdued atmosphere that is very appreciated at the end of the evening.

Choosing cocktail furniture for your outdoor wedding

The furniture plays an important role in the enhancement of outdoor spaces. It brings the final touch to the event and refines the style and atmosphere of the outdoor wedding.
For your cocktail area, choose furniture that matches the theme of your wedding.
To organise a bohemian outdoor wedding, choose wooden or pallet furniture in a country spirit. You can dress the furniture with some ivy garlands that will bring the final touch to your decoration.
For your vintage wedding cocktail party, opt for mismatched wooden chairs and tables. White squares and matching pedestal tables give your chic outdoor wedding an elegant and soothing atmosphere. This furniture can be decorated with fresh flowers and plant garlands.

To provide shade for guests when the sun is shining during the cocktail party, small stretch or pagoda tents can be installed. These tents can also be used to cover the buffet. For an even more stylish setting, consider wooden flooring, which gives your outdoor space a natural yet refined atmosphere.
Your cocktail party can be held in a garden or on a terrace. Embellish the space with rattan furniture that gives the place a cosy feel. Your guests will be delighted to gather in a space that is both retro-chic and comfortable.
For a travel-inspired outdoor cocktail party, opt for bamboo or teak furniture and stools or poufs with oriental motifs.
No detail should be left to chance for the most beautiful day of your life! Don't hesitate to call on event professionals such as the Atawa agency, which will give you the best ideas for organising your outdoor wedding.

Organising an outdoor wedding requires a lot of thought about the theme, the reception venue, the choice of infrastructure, furniture and lighting. The ideal solution is to call on professionals such as Atawa, who offer a rental service for event infrastructures throughout France thanks to a network of delocalized partners. With them, it's easy to let your imagination run wild!