Do you need to host an event in the not too distant future? Are you currently toying with the idea of changing what would ordinarily be an indoor event to the great outdoors?
Many event planners opt to have events outdoors for various beneficial reasons. Yes, you need to plan carefully and consider aspects like the unique public liability insurance for events you’ll need and what you’ll use as restroom facilities. But there’s no reason NOT to try out the outdoors as your ‘venue’.
Benefits of outdoor events
Whether you’re hosting a personal event such as a wedding or something larger like a musical festival, having your event outdoors is always worth considering. Aside from a potential weather crisis, there are several benefits to switching your indoor event to outside. Keep reading for a closer look at the reasons why.
A lot more space
Hosting an indoor event always limits you regarding the amount of space you have available. This is where an outdoor area is excellent if you’re expecting a huge crowd. A bigger distance will make it possible to invite and cater to more people without specific safety concerns inside a building.
If your event is a music festival or craft market, an outdoor venue makes it easy for people to move around without feeling cramped or crowded. A smaller function like a wedding, engagement party, or milestone birthday allows you to invite many more people, so friends and family can hang out together.
Outdoor spaces are family-friendly
Events in banquet halls often have restrictions on the number of guests they can host. In these instances, children are often not invited, which could mean guests decline the invite or don’t stay very long because they need to relieve the babysitter.
An outdoor event allows you to create a designated area for children to play and hang out with other kids. You could even hire a jumping castle or set up games to keep them entertained while their parents enjoy your gathering.
Also, since outdoor events are more spacious, children can often move between tables without interrupting other guests.
More comfortable
Indoor events have disadvantages, including people feeling hot and uncomfortable in halls with little ventilation. Outdoor events make it easy for people to feel comfortable, and creating shade using a few marquee tents with open sides makes it easy for guests to stay calm and enjoy the outdoors.
Spending time in the outdoors generally puts people in a better mood. This is as a result of being exposed to more natural light, and vitamin D. Guests who are in a better mood will potentially have a much better time!
Lighting and scenery
A big advantage of an outdoor event is that there’s already lighting during the day, and depending on your location, you could already have picturesque, photo-ready scenery!
A wedding, birthday celebration, or other milestone events will benefit from greenery, flowers, trees, and natural water features. This type of scenery could make for memorable photos! Whether it’s a family function or corporate event, it’ll be easier to take pictures of your guests or patrons without having to move them to a separate location.
If your event carries on into the night, it’s easy to add fairy lights, outdoor lights, or lanterns all around the venue.
Venue might be easier to locate
Have you ever been invited to an event in a strange town and wasted time driving around looking for a building that’s not marked? A larger outdoor venue such as a park will be easier for your guests to find.
Generally, it’s easier for guests to find a well-known park than finding a small banquet hall or conference center. To be safe, simply paint or print a massive banner near the venue to give guests an idea of where the function is.
Remember: be sure to obtain the proper permissions and adhere to relevant regulations for each area
More creative freedom
Many indoor venues require you to use their vendors for events on their premises, and this would include entertainers and caterers. Deciding to host your event outdoors gives you the freedom to use your vendors at prices you’ve personally negotiated.
Depending on the type of function you’re having, this could create a wide variety of opportunities to ensure your event is both unique and memorable. Image a customized menu! Additionally, you can arrange your event to coincide with the sunset for more spectacular photos and know that everyone is outside to enjoy it.
Final thought
Outdoor events are generally more prevalent than functions where people need to spend time in a formal setting for hours on end. As long as you make provision for bathroom facilities, food, shade, and areas for children to play with and tired people to sit comfortably, you should be well on your way to a stunning get-together.
Take advantage of the many benefits of an outdoor venue, and you’ll be creating an unforgettable event for your guests. Essentially, an outdoor event is a blank canvas for creating the perfect event!