How to decide on an indoor or outdoor wedding reception

Shane and Lauren Photography

Once you and your spouse have exchanged your vows, it’s time for the party. You can get off in a controlled indoor space with air conditioning or go outside to enjoy under the night sky. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you have trouble deciding between an indoor or outdoor wedding, here are the opinions of industry professionals on the ups and downs of each option.

Time

Timing is everything here. If you’re having a summer wedding, consider the heat if you’re having an outdoor reception. Likewise, if your reception will be during the colder months, it’s probably a safer bet to do it indoors.

“I always instruct my girlfriends to decide based on the time of year and then I always make sure we keep the restrictions of the noise ordinance in the photo,” says Traci Mead Director of Catering at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia. “If you book outdoors, you may have more restrictions on the time of the reception and the size of the reception you want to organize.”

Budget

If the weather turns ugly, your outdoor wedding will have to move indoors. Not only can this dampen your reception plans, it can significantly increase your overall wedding expenses.

“We always make sure there is a plan B in case you find out it’s going to rain the day before you can call a tent and don’t go over budget. So keep the following in mind when planning: if the cost of the tent is over your budget, select a place where you don’t have to worry about it, ”says Krystel Tien, Owner, Founder, Creative Director and Lead Stylist for Couture Events.

Outdoor Reception Professionals

The Beautiful Views

The big advantage of an outdoor reception? Awesome visits.

“The views are the defining factor of an outdoor space, as it is not confined by the walls of the enclosure,” says Mead.

If you and your partner’s first date were on a field trip, an outdoor reception can also reflect your personality, says Lana Wescott, founder and principal planner of Kennebunkport, Maine-Based Lana Wescott Events.

If you fancy the view, but don’t necessarily want to host your reception outside, consider a covered venue with beautiful views.

“If it’s the view you’d rather have than actually being outdoors, look for a place that offers a picturesque spot for your vows and an outdoor cocktail party, but offers dinner and dancing indoors,” Wescott suggests. .

More Guests

An outdoor reception can give you room for more guests, an added bonus if you’re having a big wedding.

Outdoor reception password

Weather

This can be the most depressing if you decide to have an outdoor reception.

“A rainy and humid day can ruin your wedding, as well as a hot and sunny day. Uncomfortable guests are grumpy guests, ”says Wescott. Prepare for the elements by offering your guests blankets during the cold months. Or by giving them shady or foggy seasons during the hot months.

Bugs

A few mosquito or fly bites could spoil the fun reception you’ve planned.

Cost of a store

If it rains, you will have to buy a tent. And this can be a significant expense.

“Depending on the number of guests you have, a large tent will cost a couple thousand dollars, at the very least,” says Wescott.

Decor

Most enclosed spaces will have sets of tables and chairs for you to use. Most likely it is not an outdoor location.

“Typically, an outdoor reception requires rented items such as tables and chairs, bedding, and glassware. Often, sofas and additional decoration are rented to create the right atmosphere. An indoor facility will likely have all of this in place for you to use, although you may choose to rent additional items to suit your preferences, ”says Wescott.

The weather can also affect your décor. A chandelier or two could explode in the wind. Choose your décor wisely.

Surprise expenses

“One thing brides may not consider when planning an outdoor reception is electricity. A band or a DJ, lighting, kitchen utensils from the chef… they all need electricity, ”says Wescott. “It is worth hiring an electrician to be on site and make sure you have the correct electrical outlets and wiring to run your outdoor wedding properly and safely. An indoor facility that regularly hosts events should have exactly what you need without worry. ”

Sound / noise

If you’re partying outside, you may also have to worry about traffic or other sounds interfering with your music. Try to visit the reception site several times a day to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum.

Indoor reception professionals

No need to worry about time

Throwing your reception in and it’s raining? No problem. Your guests will stay dry all the time.

Electricity

Unless there is a power outage (fingers crossed this does not happen), you should be fine with regard to electricity. There is no need to power the electrical outlets.

No need to decorate (normally)

The interior space is usually full of tables and chairs. There is no need to worry about paying the rents. This way you can spend your money elsewhere, such as an amazing live band or amazing flowers.

Indoor reception contrast

Photography

Many interior spaces will not have adequate lighting. Your photographer will need to use the flash to capture night photos, which can be annoying for some guests.

No views

Many spaces just won’t have good views.

Decor

If you don’t like the style of the covered room, it can be expensive to transform the space into something you’re happy with.

Evaluate both options carefully before making your decision

“When considering the outdoor reception venue versus the indoor reception venue, you just want to make sure you know the difference in cost and the constraints associated with each space and make sure you are absolutely comfortable with it. both before booking, ”says Mead.