6 Ways to Bring the Outdoors into Your Wedding
A beautiful outdoor wedding is a wonderful dream, but one that’s not always realistic. This is Wisconsin, after all.
Incorporating Outdoor Wedding Ideas into Your Event
A beautiful outdoor wedding is a wonderful dream, but one that’s not always realistic. This is Wisconsin, after all. It’s muddy with beautiful weather, freezing cold (but no mud!), or blistering hot. It seems there’s no in between—and even if you do plan an outdoor wedding, you still need to put together a plan B for those just in case situations (thunderstorms, spring snow storms, extreme temperatures, etc.) That’s why we’ve put together a list of ideas that can help you make your indoors feel like the outdoor wedding of your dreams.
Fresh Trays
An outdoor wedding atmosphere is more than just wedding décor; it’s a coordination of all the details that elicit the feeling of the outdoors. Set the stage with fresh trays of seasonal fruits and vegetables. For a feeling that’s as wide open as an outdoor field or a fresh garden, plan a dinner served from food stations. Food stations are an ideal way to serve your guests their favorite fresh dishes throughout your venue, allowing them to mingle while enjoying your unique wedding atmosphere. Consult with your caterer to find out your options, and select the best food stations that fit with your outdoor theme and formality.
Greenery
Green is the color of the outdoors. Greenery is the way to elicit the feeling of the outdoors. Potted plants, garland, topiaries…the exact kind of greenery depends on whether you are trying to plan a rustic or elegant affair. Strategically plan the location of your greenery to make the guests feel the continual energy of the outdoors—regardless of the weather.
Delectable Salads
Salads bring out the feeling of a wonderful outdoor day; the toppings bring out the best of the season. For an autumn wedding, serve a Pumpkin Salad with cubed pumpkin, pearl onions, minced garlic, seasonings. bacon and toasted pumpkin seeds. For a summer taste, choose a salad with sweet touches of strawberries and mandarin oranges or papaya and watermelon. You can practically taste winter with a fresh salad topped with cranberries, goat cheese, and pine nuts. Talk to a caterer to customize the exact toppings to your seasonal tastes.
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are a full sensory experience. With a fresh scent and look, flowers can elicit senses of romance or whimsy, or reinforce a vintage or rustic theme. Incorporate the right flowers into table centerpieces, arches, entryways, bouquets, and walkways.
Classic Outdoor Desserts
Fresh desserts and desserts associated with a day outside reinforce the atmosphere. For an elegant outdoor affair, think of a dessert with fresh ingredients and a superior presentation. Cheesecake topped with the freshest ingredients or a Baked Orange Alaska (made with an orange, delicious ice cream, and a fantastic brandy) can take your outdoor wedding to another level. For a rustic wedding, choose a Mason Station with cherry and peach pie (and s’mores!) to make your guests feel like they are part of an enjoyable evening outdoors. Consult with your caterer for your options, and enjoy the sweet tastes of the outdoors.
Vertical Touches
To make your wedding feel encompassed in the outdoors, choose vertical touches that immerse your guests in the outdoors. Drapes, vertical hangs of garland, light strands, uplighting, trees…every décor touch is another way to make your guests feel like a special day spent at a garden.
