From weddings to graduations, company retreats, birthdays, networking sessions, and so on, many events work indoors and outdoors. But there is a special appeal that comes with holding an event outdoors. Open outdoor space can be relaxing and comfortable!
Outdoor events also allow you to take advantage of good weather. A banquet hall is great and all but comes short when it comes to the cool breeze and sunshine outdoors. Even in colder weather, outdoor events can still be as fun with the right preparation.
Scenic outdoor venues can take your event to a whole new level. Think of a country garden, a beach, a ranch, or a lakeside. Any of these scenes are bound to make an event more exciting. And even if you can hold an event in any of these places, you can create any vibe or appeal you want with the right decorations.
With outdoor events you have the freedom to achieve any atmosphere you want. It’s like a blank canvas that allows you to do anything you like.
Below, you’ll find tips on how to organize a successful outdoor event:
- Prioritize Comfort
It’s of utmost importance to ensure guests are comfortable at any event, regardless of where the event will be held. However, you may need to be more mindful of the comfort of your attendees if your celebration is to be outdoors.
Since Mother Nature can be fickle, you need to find a way to protect your guests from the elements. For many events, this means using clear span tents that come in different designs and sizes to create any mood you want while protecting guests from rain, sunshine, bugs, and snow if the event is held in the cooler months. There are several types of outdoor tents and chances are you’ll find one that meets your needs and preferences.
Ventilation is important and your guests are bound to have a miserable time if they are sweating profusely. So, you may need to get fans to cool your guests especially if your event is in the warmer months.
- Flooring and Lighting Matters
While there’s nothing wrong with using grass as flooring, the fact is you can up the ante at your event by installing temporary flooring solutions like sisal carpet, AstroTurf, composite mats, and so on. These flooring options make your event more aesthetically pleasing while creating a safer environment.
As a rule of thumb, your flooring should be in neutral hues to ensure it doesn’t clash with other decorations. You may already know about the timeliness of neutral colors, and you should completely take advantage of this.
Don’t forget lighting as it’s a fantastic way to make a big impact. Proper lighting can transform a space and set a particular mood. Low-intensity lights like candles and chandeliers are favored at weddings since they create a sense of intimacy. Corporate events will need bright lights to set a high-energy scene.
Lightning can also be used to highlight certain features in an event like a dramatic water feature or a stunning piece of art. Pathway lights can guide guests to different areas like a photo booth or charcuterie table. Oh, lighting can also determine how great your photos are.
- Fresh Flowers And Potted Plants Are Magical
Fresh flowers and potted are cheat codes for any outdoor event. And the best part? You don’t need professional help for this. Sure, you can always hire a professional florist if you have the budget. But if you can’t afford one or are a DIY person, all you need is a trip to a nursery or your local market.
Usually, two different types of flowers, preferably with different colors, are enough. Take things up a notch by getting creative with your choice of flower containers. You can pretty much use anything from a traditional glass vase to a champagne bucket, water pitcher, and so on.
If flowers aren’t your thing, potted plants and herbs are a great alternative. They provide a garden feel while adding fragrance and color to your event.
- Music, Music, Music
Background music is a great way to set the mood. If you are hiring a DJ, this may already have been taken care of. But if you aren’t hiring one, a small speaker can do the trick.
It’s important to remember that music can affect your emotions. So, you’ll need to be selective about the type of music you choose. Keep any background music low enough to ensure it doesn’t affect conversations. At the same time, the music should also be loud enough to achieve the desired vibe so it’s a matter of finding a balance between the two.