Outdoor Wedding Tips You’ll Actually Use

There’s something magical about saying “I do” surrounded by nature — sunlight filtering through the trees, soft breezes, and the scent of fresh blooms in the air. Outdoor weddings are effortlessly romantic, but they also come with a few unique details to consider. Here are our favorite real-life tips to help your outdoor celebration go smoothly (and beautifully).

1. Plan for Comfort — Yours and Your Guests’

Outdoor weddings can be warm, breezy, or somewhere in between. Offer shaded seating, provide water stations, and consider small touches like fans or parasols for summer ceremonies. Comfort keeps everyone happy and focused on the moment.

At Windsor Manor, our garden ceremony space offers beautiful open-air views leading up to a golden sunset behind the arbor. We help couples plan ceremony times and thoughtful touches — like water stations or hand fans — to keep guests comfortable no matter the weather.

2. Think About the Flow of the Day

Outdoor spaces are stunning, but transitions matter. Consider where guests will mingle after the ceremony, how they’ll move to cocktail hour, and how your reception setup will feel once the sun sets.

Windsor Manor couples often host cocktails in the Green Space, followed by a seamless transition to the covered reception pavilion — all connected by manicured lawns and garden paths for effortless flow and plenty of photo opportunities

3. Have a Weather Plan (and Love It Just as Much)

Even the best-planned day can meet a little rain. Choose a venue that offers an equally beautiful backup plan so you won’t have to stress if the weather has other ideas.

At Windsor, our covered pavilion provides a romantic Plan B without sacrificing the outdoor aesthetic — complete with chandeliers, draped greenery, and open-air views that still feel connected to the gardens.

4. Light It Right

Sunset ceremonies and evening receptions create a dreamy glow, but be sure your photographer has the light they need. String lights, lanterns, or candles (if allowed) can elevate the mood and keep the space functional after dark.

Windsor’s bistro lights, uplighting, and twinkle-lit trees bring a soft, inviting ambiance once the sun dips behind the arbor, turning the property into a romantic garden under the stars.

5. Choose Décor That Complements the Outdoors

When your setting is naturally beautiful, less is often more. Lean into soft textures, organic colors, and floral accents that highlight your surroundings rather than compete with them.

Our couples love pairing Windsor’s English-inspired gardens with elegant décor like draped arbors, floral aisles, and our champagne wall — enhancements that elevate the space while letting nature shine.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor weddings are all about connection — to nature, to your guests, and to each other. With thoughtful planning (and the right venue team behind you), your day can feel effortless, joyful, and uniquely yours.

At Windsor Manor, we specialize in elegant outdoor celebrations that blend garden beauty with refined comfort. Whether you envision a golden-hour ceremony or a twinkle-lit reception, our team ensures every detail blooms in harmony.