Transforming Indoor Weddings To Look Like Outdoor Ceremonies

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you want to bring the outdoors inside. However, with a few simple tips, you can create a beautiful indoor wedding with the charm and relaxed feel of an outdoor celebration. Firstly, find a blank canvas venue such as an empty loft or open space, which allows you to get creative and transform the area into your desired theme. Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance, so consider using outdoor string lights to add a dramatic and whimsical touch. Bring the outdoors in by incorporating large trees, plants, and other natural elements to create an intimate and unique setting.

To make your indoor wedding feel like an outdoor celebration, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Utilise the natural scenery and decor already present in your venue, such as a garden or outdoor area with greenery, to create a simple yet elegant backdrop for your special day. Enhance the space with comfortable seating, rugs, and cosy chairs. If your venue has a rustic charm, incorporate furniture and decor to match, such as a campfire or rustic barn doors.

Remember to keep your guests' comfort in mind. Provide them with the necessary items to protect them from any outdoor elements, such as parasols, hand fans, chilled water, blankets, and shawls. Ensure there is ample seating for everyone, and consider renting additional items like tables, chairs, linens, and glassware to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. By combining creative decor, thoughtful touches, and attention to detail, your indoor wedding will undoubtedly be a remarkable and unforgettable event.

Use outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting is a key element in creating an indoor wedding with an outdoor feel. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Use of String Lights:

String lights can add a dramatic and romantic touch to your indoor wedding. Opt for outdoor string lights, such as fairy lights or bulb lights, and hang them across the ceiling or drape them around columns or archways. This will create a cozy atmosphere and mimic the feeling of being under the stars.

Bring in Natural Light:

If your indoor venue has large windows or skylights, take advantage of the natural light during the day. It will create a bright and airy ambiance, reminiscent of an outdoor setting. You can also consider using sheer curtains to soften the light and create a dreamy effect.

Chandeliers and Lanterns:

Hanging chandeliers or lanterns can add elegance and a touch of glamour to your indoor wedding. Look for chandeliers with intricate designs or rustic finishes to enhance the outdoor vibe. You can even consider hanging them from trees or creating a homemade arbor for a more natural setting.

Bistro Lighting and Uplighting:

Installing bistro lights or uplighting can create a whimsical and elegant atmosphere. Weave bistro lights across the ceiling or incorporate them into your decor. For uplighting, use coloured lights to enhance the ambiance and create a unique atmosphere. This will make your indoor space feel more like an outdoor garden party.

Recreate a Sunset:

Use lighting to recreate the golden hour or sunset hues indoors. Warm-toned lighting can transform your space and make it feel like you're celebrating under the setting sun. This technique will not only create beautiful lighting effects but also provide a romantic and intimate atmosphere for your wedding.

By incorporating these lighting ideas, you can easily transform your indoor wedding venue into a space that captures the essence of an outdoor celebration. Remember to work with a reputable lighting company or rental provider to ensure you have access to the necessary equipment and expertise.

Bring in natural elements

Bringing in natural elements is a great way to make your indoor wedding feel like it's taking place outdoors. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Choose a blank canvas venue

Select a venue that is a blank canvas, such as an empty loft or open space. This will allow you to create the look and feel you want with a bit of creativity and hard work. You can transform the space by bringing in large trees, plants, and other natural elements to make it feel like an intimate outdoor wedding venue.

Lighting is key

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right ambiance. Opt for outdoor string lights, which can add a dramatic and romantic feel to the space. You can also hang chandeliers from large tree branches or a homemade arbor decorated with floating blooms and greenery. If you want to create a whimsical effect, hang recycled lightbulb flower holders along the aisle or around the reception area.

Decorate with natural elements

Incorporate natural elements into your decor. If you're setting up in a garden or an outdoor area with lots of greenery, add comfortable seating and use the greenery as a backdrop for photos. Hang decorations from tree branches, or include clippings from wildflowers on your table settings. If you're looking for unique decor ideas, consider using tree stumps as centrepieces, candle holders, or cake stands.

Bring the outdoors in with scents

Scented candles can help create an outdoor atmosphere. Opt for candles with natural scents like lavender, peppermint, or marigold, which also have the added benefit of repelling insects.

Create an outdoor-inspired backdrop

If you're taking photos indoors, you can still create an outdoor-inspired backdrop. Set up a photo booth with a fun DIY backdrop made from old picture frames or tie burlap or an off-white canvas between trees or stands to create a natural, rustic feel.

Offer nature-inspired favours

For a unique touch, offer your guests DIY succulent wedding favours. Plant succulents in glass yogurt jars and tie twine around the rim for a rustic look. Your guests can take these home and enjoy a piece of nature from your special day.

Prepare for bugs

Bugs can be a major nuisance at an outdoor wedding, but there are several ways to prepare for them and minimise their impact. Here are some detailed tips to help you keep the bugs at bay:

Choose the Right Venue

When selecting a venue, it's essential to consider the bug situation. Visit the venue at the same time of year as your wedding to get an idea of the bug presence. Avoid venues with florals and water features, as these can attract insects. Ask the venue about their pest prevention methods, what types of repellents they use, and their spraying schedule. If necessary, ask if they can spray the area ahead of time to reduce the bug population.

Take Control at Home

If your wedding is in a private space, you have more control over prevention methods. Keep the area clean and tidy to avoid attracting bugs. Remove garbage regularly, and clean garbage cans, grills, and outdoor furniture. Ensure mulch beds and soil aren't too wet, as gnats are drawn to damp areas. Get rid of any standing water, as mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. Fill in puddles, empty objects that may hold water, and consider installing a water circulation system in ponds or pools.

Natural Repellents

Use natural scents and decorations that bugs hate. Citronella candles, for example, can be placed in lanterns or torches, adding ambiance while repelling insects. You can also create DIY candles by adding water, lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and citronella oil to Mason jars. Choose flowers that repel mosquitoes, such as lavender and marigolds, for your floral arrangements. Hide dryer sheets inside decorations or tape them to the bottom of chairs, as the chemical Linalool found in dryer sheets is said to repel gnats and mosquitoes.

Fans and Air Circulation

Bugs are less likely to bother you and your guests if there is air movement. Set up fans around the venue to create a breeze that will keep the bugs away from food and drinks. Industrial fans can be particularly effective, especially if placed in each corner of the venue. Handheld, battery-powered fans can also be useful for guests to keep bugs away from their faces.

Hire an Exterminator

Consider hiring a pest control company to treat the area before the wedding. Look for companies that use natural essential oil treatments with ingredients like lemongrass, citronella, and cedarwood oil. Avoid using pesticides yourself, as this can do more harm than good. A professional will know the correct amount to use to effectively repel bugs without harming the environment.

Offer Bug Spray and Wipes

Provide your guests with bug spray or wipes upon their arrival. This will help them keep bugs at bay and ensure they remain comfortable throughout the event. You can also offer small mosquito sprays as party favours or place a basket of sprays for guests to use as needed.

Create an indoor dance floor

If you're looking to create an indoor dance floor for an outdoor-themed wedding, there are a few things you can do to make it a success. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Planning and Layout:

• Consider the overall layout of your event space and make the dance floor a focal point. Place it in a highly visible area, with seating on one side and the DJ or speakers on the other. This will encourage guests to walk past the dance floor and hopefully join in!
• Determine the size of your dance floor based on the expected number of guests. As a rule of thumb, you can expect around 30% of guests to be dancing at any given time, so allocate about 3 sq ft (0.28 m2) per person.
• Choose a relatively flat area for your dance floor to avoid any tripping hazards. If necessary, inspect and prepare the ground to ensure it's safe and even.
• If possible, design the rest of your event space around the dance floor to ensure it stands out and is easily accessible.

Creating the Dance Floor:

• Use modular tiles to create a temporary dance floor. These tiles come in various materials, such as wood, vinyl, or foam, and can be easily assembled by pushing or snapping them together.
• Opt for a natural dance floor by choosing a grassy area and mowing it down to create a soft and comfortable surface for your guests to dance on.
• Lay down a large, thick carpet or area rug and secure it with tent pegs for a rustic or chic barn-style wedding. Jute and bamboo rugs are great, affordable options.
• Purchase anti-fatigue floor mats for a super comfy and safe dance floor. These mats are soft, reduce slipping, and are typically waterproof.
• For a sturdier option, use MDF or plywood sheets to create a raised dance floor. Build a frame with joists and support beams, then nail the sheets on top. You can paint the dance floor or add a custom decal for a personalised touch.

Decorations and Extras:

• Add decorations such as string lights, disco balls, neon signage, or paper lanterns to enhance the atmosphere and make your dance floor inviting.
• If your guests are dancing barefoot, consider providing cheap sandals or slippers in various sizes to protect their feet.
• Let your guests know it's a dance floor by adding a sign, stanchions, or rope to designate the area.
• If your dance floor is outdoors, ensure it's well-lit and consider providing fans or blankets to keep your guests comfortable, depending on the weather.

Use a blank canvas venue

Using a blank canvas venue is a great way to make your indoor wedding feel like an outdoor celebration. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose the Right Venue

Select a venue that offers a blank canvas, such as an empty loft or open space. This will allow you to create the desired atmosphere with some creativity and effort. An open and flexible space will give you the freedom to bring your vision to life, whether it's a rustic barn, a modern loft, or a spacious hall.

Lighting is Key

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance for your wedding. Opt for outdoor string lights or fairy lights to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere. Hang them from the ceiling or drape them across the room to add a touch of drama. You can also use chandeliers or colourful lanterns to enhance the lighting and create a cosy atmosphere.

Bring the Outdoors In

Incorporate natural elements such as large trees, plants, or flowers to transform your blank canvas venue into an intimate and charming space. Consider using potted trees or hanging greenery installations to create an indoor garden-like setting. You can also use natural materials like wood slices, branches, or dried flowers to decorate tables and create centrepieces.

Create a Comfortable Space

Make sure your guests feel comfortable and relaxed by providing lounge furniture, soft pillows, and cosy blankets. If your venue has the space, consider setting up different lounge areas to encourage guests to mingle and relax. You can also use smaller, more intimate tables for dining to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Decorate with a Natural Theme

Enhance the natural theme of your wedding by incorporating natural materials and colours into your decor. Use earthy tones, soft fabrics, and natural textures to create a stylish and elegant space. Drape fabric from the ceiling to add a touch of elegance and softness to the room. You can also hang decorative elements, such as pomanders or paper lanterns, to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere.

Enhance the Experience with Scents and Sounds

Engage your guests' senses by incorporating pleasant scents and soft music. Use scented candles, such as those with citrus or floral notes, to create a refreshing and romantic atmosphere. Soft, instrumental music playing in the background can also set the mood and create a relaxing ambiance for your guests.

By following these tips and adding your personal touches, you can transform a blank canvas venue into a stunning indoor wedding that captures the beauty and charm of an outdoor celebration.

Frequently asked questions