Outdoor Wedding Reception Ideas

Simple ideas for outdoor wedding receptions

Looking for outdoor wedding reception ideas to inspire your special day and to make sure it's perfect in every way.

Having an outdoor wedding lends itself to creativity and fun in and of itself - and an outdoor reception is a place where guests should relax, have a good time and celebrate your union.

This page offers 3 really great outdoor wedding reception ideas. Maybe you've been thinking of a theme since you were 6 or maybe you just started after that big resounding "YES". And, chances are, right now you're either confused or conflicted - or maybe both? Either way, this page is for you - You beautiful, blushing bride-to-be's on a mission!

But choose wisely...the right choice can help save thousands on your overall wedding costs. (Find out how in Perfect Weddings Without the Debt).

These theme ideas are meant to help you decide on a theme or to add more umph to the outdoor wedding ideas you've already choosen.

Where to Host Outdoor Wedding Receptions

Your outdoor wedding reception ideas will be much easier to come up with once you have the venue selected. Depending on your future spouse and yourself, it can be as formal as a botanical garden, or as down to earth as an old barn. Be creative in where you host your reception - any wedding reception can be held in the local country club, but does that create memories to last your lifetime?

Wherever you decide on with your unique outdoor wedding ideas, a few simple steps will make sure your event goes without a hitch - at least at the reception. Make sure that you have a bad weather "Plan B" such as a tent or other area where guests can easily retreat if the weather drowns your plans.

> Check out our tips for choosing outdoor wedding venues

Outdoor Wedding Reception Decorations

Keep your outdoor theme outdoorsy - there's a huge range of ideas you can choose from to make your day perfect. Consider incorporating some of these outdoor wedding reception ideas to make your day a hit.

Greenery is always a good way to incorporate the outdoors in your unique outdoor wedding ideas. Don't stop with formal greenery - bring in branches, shells, stones - especially for the outdoorsy couple. Find things the represent you as a couple for your guests.

With the popularity of releasing doves or butterflies, consider having the birds visible when planning outdoor wedding reception. There may be a service that will allow you to rent the birds and cages during the wedding, being sure to create a conversation piece amount your guest. Whether you release them or not, they are a fun topic.

> Check out all of our outdoor wedding decoration ideas

Lighting for Your Outdoor Wedding Reception

Unique outdoor wedding ideas are fun to implement for the eclectic bride who likes nostalgia. Lighting for the outdoor reception can take on a new look with a few chandeliers, converted into candle holders. They can be rescued fixtures, that have been painted and decorated for the occasion with greenery and ribbon. The best part about having an eclectic design is that it's affordable. When things need to coordinate instead of match, you free up your budget for other things.

Paper lanterns are an inexpensive, yet simple outdoor reception idea for outdoor wedding tents

Have candles placed throughout the reception area in order to encourage guests to mingle. Think of unique outdoor wedding reception ideas for lighting, such as placing candles amount greenery or inside pieces of treated driftwood.

You can find unique outdoor wedding ideas that will create a reception that will provide memories for a lifetime. Don't be afraid to forget convention. Go out on a limb and make your reception a party that will leave your guests wanting more! Your reception should be warm, inviting and personal since it may one of the few opportunities you get to spend time with your guests for some time to come.

Why Theme Matters

I hope you have some new ideas. Now learn how to make your choices make good budget sense. In my wedding guide "Perfect Weddings Without the Debt" I talk a lot about outdoor wedding and explain how the right overall choices can save you thousands. I also talk about how you can save on everything else related to your wedding.

Wedding Math

Considering that 140 guests is the average wedding size, did you know you can spend $800 to $1800 on ceremony chairs alone?

"Perfect Weddings Without the Debt" advises on how save on just about everything to bring this superfluous cost down with wise theme choices, and focus it on those things that are more critical (your dress...or pocketing the savings for your new, debt-free life).

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