Outdoor Wedding Reception Decor

If you're having an outdoor wedding, you'll want to make it a magical one that ties in the theme of the beautiful nature all around you. Most likely, your outdoor wedding will be taking place in Spring or Summer since those are the warmer months. Keep the theme fresh, natural and inspiring.

Centerpieces:

Since the season of the year will probably be summer or spring, that means the flowers are blooming, the butterflies are dancing and people are frequenting the beaches. If your wedding is in the spring, you'll want to concentrate on flowers and new life. Buy a bunch of bouquets from Wal-mart (usually $5/bouquet) and spread throughout clear vases on all the tables. Tie a ribbon around the vase. For a more natural touch, arrange flowers in a bunch, tie with a ribbon, and place in a basket on each table. The theme is beautiful and fragrant, so you'll guests love it.

If your wedding takes place in summer, you can still do the flower arrangement listed above. However, a unique and fun touch would be incorporating the beach and ocean to the table. Take a small fish bowl, add water and a drop of blue food coloring. Drop a daisy in the middle to float. If the reception takes place at night, use a floating flower candle instead. Place the fish bowl in a tray with side ridges. Spread a thin layer of sand on the tray and top off with seashells. It's a lovely touch that brings in the elements of earth and water.

Favors:

One thing guests expect to see on their tables is food! Keep in mind to place food that won't get ruined by the sun and won't attract outdoor bugs. You can have glass bowls of wedding mints on the table for sweets. However, it would be a better idea to have small finger foods served by staff by going around table to table offering refreshments. This way the food is out of the way of bugs and can not get destroyed by the wind.

Material:

For your tablecloth or seat covers, you'll want to choose material that won't blow away with the wind and has a little weight to it. So, you'll want to choose a thicker material such as cotton or light canvas. However, if you're on the budgeted side, you can use the plastic covers, just be sure that they are securely in fashion with either heavy duty tape or stapling, depending on who owns the tables.

Wait staff:

A fun idea would to have your wait staff wear clothing that is related to your theme. If your theme is the beach, your wait staff can have on cabana boy clothing, that are light, airy and fresh for the workers as well. This clothing usually comes in white. If you are having a spring wedding, still make sure the staff can wear clothing that allows their skin to breathe as they have a lot of work to do, serving the food and drinks.

Music:

There doesn't need to be any kind of special music for an outdoor reception. Just go with whatever feels good to you, go with a dj or a live band to fit your needs. A live Caribbean playing band might tie in well with a beach theme, but you are not limited to just that. The point of the music is to be fun and invite people to the dance floor. Be sure you provide a safe and stable dance floor for your guests.

Lighting:

If your reception is at night, a lovely touch would be to add tall torches with citronella around the area. You could also go with the Japanese lanterns if you have somewhere to hang it. White Christmas lights are always an inexpensive, incredibly romantic and also beautiful addition one can add to the aura of the wedding.

The biggest tip I can give you is to go shopping. You'll find items that fit your budget and your theme quite well. Some suggestions to look are craft stores and looking in wedding magazines for ideas you'd like to copy. Enjoy your beautiful day outdoors!