Outdoor Wedding Ideas (+ Tips for Your Outdoor Wedding Signage!)

Between an insanely busy wedding season and soaking up every bit of sun in between, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some outdoor wedding ideas that I’ve been seeing this season. And of course – what an outdoor wedding venue means for your signage!! When we are dealing with the weather, anything can happen but rain or shine, there is no doubt that outdoor weddings are so worth it.

Before we jump in, if you are recently engaged, let me be one of the first to wish you a huge congratulations! I have a list of my favorite outdoor wedding venues here. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Alane, the woman behind the pen here at Write Pretty for Me and I specialize in thoughtful handwritten details (from your welcome sign to your seating chart and so much more). You can browse my portfolio here for more inspiration, or head to this post where I talk about what to expect when budgeting for a wedding calligrapher! Already know you want to reach out? Click the button below!

If You Are Choosing an Acrylic Wedding Sign, Make Sure Your Wedding Signage Stand has Some Weight To It!

When you think about “bad weather”, you are likely only thinking about rain, but wind can affect your wedding day signage too! If you are opting for acrylic, you want to make sure the stand it’s standing on will be sturdy enough to withstand a little wind. If you are adding a floral arrangement, which I always love, consider choosing something symmetrical to balance the sign as well!

Mirrors are Great for Outdoor Welcome Signs and Seating Charts

As a wedding calligrapher, I often warn couples of the weight mirror signage brings (it makes it incredibly hard to ship!) but for local couples planning an outdoor wedding, it can be a great option! Although transportation can be trickier with mirror wedding signage, the weight works to your advantage if you are having an outdoor wedding! You can place the mirror on a stand (like the image below) or even just lean a larger mirror against one of the outdoor walls of your wedding venue. Not to mention – choosing a mirror backdrop you can reuse is a great way to throw a low-waste wedding. Just keep in mind that if it’s a windier day, you’ll want to make sure the mirror is secured on it’s easel or is safely leaning against something that will prevent it from blowing over!

I know I’m talking about wedding day signage here, but don’t forget that your other decor pieces need to be ready to hold their weight too! I love the mirror seating chart below, and the couple paired their seating chart display with larger pillar candles in glass vases and bunches of greenery.

Looking for Unique Outdoor Wedding Ideas? Why Not Consider Fabric!

For my best friend’s wedding, we had to get a little creative. Not only was she planning an outdoor wedding (on the gorgeous beaches of Costa Rica nonetheless!), we didn’t have the option to bring a large sign. We got creative and printed on fabric instead! If you are planning a destination wedding (whether tropical like Costa Rica or another destination like Montauk) and have shipping concerns. why not include some fabric elements?

Looking for “Station Signage”? Choose Something that “Lies Down” Or Has a Frame

When it comes to “smaller signs” – that are equally important – you have a few different options. The first option? Something like the signature cocktail sign below asking guests to grab a coconut. It laid down so we didn’t have to worry about finding a stand or having it fly away.

Whether you want to mix textures and add in some handmade paper or continue using acrylic, you need to find something to keep your wedding signage put. I always love glass frames (and offer it to my couples in my rental inventory!). Or if choose acrylic, don’t forget to choose something with a base!

Lastly, Don’t Forget a Bridal Jacket!

Because at the end of the day we don’t know what the weather will bring (especially if you are planning a spring or fall wedding!), consider customizing a bridal jacket for your wedding day. I always love the look of leather or denim (head here for a post dedicated to bridal jean jackets!) and this way, you’ll have a keepsake you can wear for years to come!

Feeling Inspired by these Outdoor Wedding Ideas?

Do you find an outdoor wedding as timeless and romantic as I do? I would love to hear from you! Get in touch by clicking the button below or head here to learn more about my “day of” wedding details packages here. I would love to hear from you and start finding creative and unique ways to add thoughtful personalized touches to your wedding day (it’s kind of my specialty over here!).