​​Planning An Outdoor Wedding

Planning on throwing an outdoor wedding under the stars?

Surely nothing could be more romantic than celebrating with your loved ones in the great outdoors.

Whilst they may take a little more planning, outdoor weddings offer a blank canvas for you to create a truly unique celebration.

Whether you're planning an intimate long lunch or a festival-style affair, here are our top tips to ensure the day runs smoothly.

Lock in your location

Determining your location is the first piece of the puzzle when planning an outdoor wedding. It's time to plan a road trip to scope out some options!

Whether you're going urban, coastal or country, you'll want to ensure your location has easy access for suppliers and guests, with plenty of flat and even ground to work with.

If you're choosing a public space, you'll also need to ensure you've applied for the correct permits and licences (boring but essential).

Secure your suppliers

If you're planning an outdoor celebration in Spring or Summer, keep in mind that suppliers are likely to book up well in advance. Make sure you get in early and lock in your fave vendors to avoid disappointment.

If you need help finding tried-and-tested wedding vendors, you can check out some of the best in the biz via our preferred supplier list.

Shelter + shade

The biggest consideration when planning an open-air wedding is going to be the weather, especially if you live in Melbourne. We recommend hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

During the warmer months, you'll want to make sure there's plenty of shade for guests to keep cool and avoid the harsh Aussie sun. You'll also need to keep your guests dry and warm during the cooler months, think overhead cover, umbrellas and toasty blankets.

Tipi tents are a great option if you’re worried about the weather. Each of our Nordic-inspired tipis are fully customisable, with sides that can be lifted or lowered as required.

Whether you're choosing a single, double or triple tipi, we can assist you in configuring the tents to work with specific conditions.

If there's little-to-no-chance of rain, a naked tipi is the ultimate statement feature for a balmy evening or daytime celebration.

Choose your catering

One of the major bonuses to planning an outdoor wedding is that your food options are endless! You can choose a service and style that suits you to a tee, from food trucks to grazing platters to formal sit-down dining.

When approaching caterers, come armed with all the information to ensure they can provide a seamless service. They'll need to know whether your location has access to power and running water, and whether there are any food preparation facilities on the property.  

Dreaming of pizza and gelato on your big day? Our beloved Pizza Wagon serves up traditional wood-fired pizza and antipasti, with our super-cute Gelati Cart providing the perfect post-dinner scoop.

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Access to amenities

It's super important that your guests have easy access to amenities on the day, especially when champagne is on the cards! Having access to bathrooms, running water, and power is essential, though often overlooked during initial planning.

Looking for amenities that are a little more luxe? Our Privy the Pretty is sure to impress your guest list with eco-friendly facilities and style that’s cute to boot.

Prepare your peeps

Let guests know what to expect on the day to avoid sinking stilettos and shivering bodies. Make sure your invitations state that it’s an outdoor event so guests can dress appropriately.

If you're planning a garden party in the peak of summer or dead of winter, consider hiring fans and heaters to keep guests comfortable.

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Hire help

If budget allows, hiring a professional wedding planner or stylist can ease stress and ensure your big day off without a hitch.

A wedding planner can help you find the perfect location, prepare for the unexpected and coordinate suppliers on the big day. It can be a small price to pay for peace of mind when planning a wedding al fresco.