One of the biggest decisions when it comes to sorting out your big day is deciding whether you'll have your post-ceremony celebration indoors or outdoors.
By: Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
Photo: Colton Simmons Photography
Before you decide where your reception will be held, our wedding experts are ready to share their thoughts so you can weigh your options.
"When deciding between indoor and outdoor receptions, a lot of the following logistics are overlooked. Cocktail hour — a lot of couples are prepared to move their reception inside due to the weather, but they don;t think about where to put their guests during cocktail hour. This is where it comes in handy to choose a venue that offers multiple indoor spaces, or this would be a great example of when to rent a tent for cocktail hour.
Another logistic that is often overlooked and not talked about nearly enough is the flip. A lot of times, a flip might be needed if the ceremony is inside the main reception hall. Typically, this is handled by the planner, catering staff, and venue staff — it truly takes a village to bring together the dream reception space in an hour or less. You need to ask your venue, florist, etc., if there are additional fees associated with this flip." —Sterling Boulet, Anthem House
"Getting married outside does have a few drawbacks, including the chance of uncomfortable weather conditions, bugs, and harsh sunlight. The advantage of an indoor wedding is that our couples don't have to consider a Plan B for their wedding, and all plans for logistics and design can be much more final before the wedding day. During the planning process, we walk our couples through the drawbacks of having their wedding outside so that we can have alternate plans should the weather not cooperate." —Khloe Jackson, W Events Co.
"From a photography and cinematography perspective, light and space are everything. Outdoor spaces with harsh midday sun or patchy shade can create uneven skin tones, so knowing where and when portraits will be taken is key. Indoors, dark walls/ceilings, colored uplighting, or limited natural light can require extra gear and time to get the look couples envision. A quick venue walkthrough with your photographer, either remotely or in person, can help uncover these details early and allow creative solutions before the day arrives." —Murtaza Siraj, MnM Photography
"A beautiful outdoor setting might also come with a drive for the guests to attend due to the remote nature, so you may have to spend money on transportation for guests; either buses to get people to the general location and/or golf carts to get them to the exact spot once on the property. And then there are some finer points to consider during planning and budgeting, such as the potential need to rent porta-potties, as well as the need to consider wind when it comes to decorations. For example, wind will blow out short tea light votives, and any paper stationery needs to be weighed or clipped down." —Lauren Tankersley, 828 Venue Management Company
"One of the biggest mistakes couples make is thinking any tent will do. It's not just about coverage, it’s about durability and proper planning. You need a high-quality structure and an experienced vendor who will help you think through critical additions like flooring, side walls, lighting towers, and heat or cooling elements. We also walk our couples through the guest experience. Will the entrance flow change? Where will the food be moved? How does the change affect decor setup or vendor load-in? Our bottom-line goal remains the same; if we pivot, it should still feel intentional and still beautiful." —Samiya Brasfield, SB Events Co.
"Honestly, I often feel bad for older guests who end up sitting in direct sunlight during summer receptions. It is easy to forget how draining the heat can be for them. If you are planning an outdoor celebration, think about comfort: provide white umbrellas for shade, hand-held fans, plenty of water, and blankets if it gets colder. Surprisingly, some indoor spaces don't have AC and heating, so make sure to ask your venue about that before booking." —Natalia Zuk, Lilac Studios
"For outdoor event areas that have never been used to host a wedding, couples will need to consider where guests will park, how far they will need to walk from the parking area to the event space, and other logistics from the guest perspective. Couples will also need to consider each of the vendors to ensure the outdoor event space will have what is needed for the vendors to easily complete deliveries and set up. Even local ordinances, such as noise curfews, are something to consider if the wedding will be outdoors. Indoor receptions, especially venues that specialize in weddings, will have far fewer logistics to think through, as often the wedding coordinators will have a specific set of procedures that have been tried and true." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"When planning an outdoor wedding, I always make it a priority to work with the venue and get it in writing that there's a backup space available in case of bad weather, and that it's a space the couple actually likes and can picture their wedding happening in. I’ve seen venues say they have a backup option, but then it turns out to be a random ballroom or conference room that totally clashes with the vibe of the day. It’s so important for couples to physically see the space and feel confident that, if it comes to that, they’d still be happy celebrating there." —Emily Reno, The Vegas Planners
Above all, having a backup plan lined up is the best way to go, regardless of what you may have in mind for your reception location. Indoors may seem like the safest route, but if you’re married to the idea of an outdoor party, communication with your vendors (and guests) will be key.
Meghan Ely is an award-winning wedding PR strategist and speaker, and the founder of OFD Consulting. She helps wedding professionals tell authentic love stories and secure top-tier media coverage — learn more about Meghan Ely at OFD Consulting.
