Outdoor events are a great way to enjoy the day’s sunshine or warm summer evenings and make use of the natural décor that Mother Earth so generously provides. It is appropriate for practically any kind of event; from weddings and birthday parties to gala dinners and product launches. However, due to the lack of an established, equipped event venue, you (as the event planner) will need to make some allowances for your unique setting. By using your resources in innovative ways, you can be assured of a very successful celebration.
Here are some tips and ideas for a charming outdoor event:
- Your guests must be comfortable, so ensure that there are plenty of seats available (some with backs and cushions for older guests or those with back and neck problems). If you have chairs and tables at your event, the comfy chairs will encourage guests to sit and chat for longer.
- Instead of table cloths (which may get blown by a breeze or marked by pollen etc…), opt for brown paper table covers. This looks rustic and is easy to clean up afterwards.
- Use a collection of different styles of crockery and cutlery rather than trying to get large numbers of the same design. This makes for an interesting, relaxed look and feel.
- Use natural elements in your décor so that they complement the natural surrounds. These include wild flowers in glass jars or milk bottles, dried grasses and fresh fruits.
- Be innovative when it comes to your outdoor furniture. Convert a child’s bed into a two-seater couch with extra pillows, for example, or use your coffee table as a kiddies’ dining table.
- Separate the tables of drinks, desserts, snacks etc… so that guests have to roam the outdoor area to get from one to the other. This will encourage movement and communication.
- Instead of forcing guests to go to an indoor kitchen or bar for their drinks, stock a cart with the essentials, and wheel it outside. Simply top it up when the supplies are running low.
- Insects may become a factor, so burn citronella candles around the food and cover smaller dishes with classy wire domes.
- If your event is a less formal one, get tree stumps and hay bales to provide extra seating, particularly for the younger guests.
- Be innovative with your décor, since you don’t have drapery and expensive lighting to create the effect. Fill brown paper bags with sand and place a candle in them for quaint lanterns, string garlands of paper flowers up in the trees and tie napkins closed with shells or starfish.
- Make extensive use of fairy-lights and home-made lanterns (a tin can with punched holes and a candle inside is perfect).
- Set up fires in various locations around your outdoor event area if your function is going to run into the night. This is cosy and inviting, sure to lure guests to stay longer as they chat and laugh around the fire.
Photo Credit: Sheek Shindigs
