You’re engaged; congratulations! Now comes the exciting part, planning your dream wedding. If an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature sounds perfect, you’ve come to the right place. Outdoor weddings are stunning but also require meticulous planning to pull off flawlessly. Luckily, we tapped into the expertise of top Malaysian wedding planners who shared their best-kept secrets for planning an outdoor wedding that will leave your guests in awe.
From finding the perfect venue to decor that dazzles without distraction, these pros reveal their tried-and-true tips for crafting an outdoor wedding, your guests will remember for years. Get ready to roll up your sleeves because, with these expert tips at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to ‘I do’ in an outdoor paradise. Let the adventure begin!
Find the Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venue
Finding the perfect outdoor wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day! As Malaysian wedding planners, we’ve seen our share of stunning locations. Here are some of our top tips for choosing an outdoor venue that will make your wedding dreams come true:
Celebrate in nature! Gorgeous gardens, lush greenery and colourful blooms create an idyllic backdrop for your nuptials. Botanical gardens, national parks and private estates are all great options.
Think about the view. A dramatic seaside cliff, mountain vistas or a beach at sunset can elevate your wedding to the next level. Lakeside and riverside locations are also scenic and serene.
Consider the season. Hosting an outdoor wedding? Spring or fall often means pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Think about the average rainfall and temperature for your location and date.
Think practically. Make sure there is adequate parking, bathrooms, lighting, power outlets, shelter, and seating for all your guests. You’ll also want space for catering, a bar, DJ or band, and dancing!
Most of all, choose a place that is meaningful for you as a couple. An outdoor venue that holds special memories or perfectly captures your shared vision will result in a one-of-a-kind celebration you’ll cherish for years to come. With the right location and helpful planning tips from the pros, your outdoor wedding will be everything you’ve ever dreamed of!
8 Venues For Outdoor Weddings In M’sia That Are Lesser-Known So Your Big Day Will Be One-Of-A-Kind
Create a Rain Plan…Just in Case
Every bride’s dream is an outdoor wedding, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable! As professional wedding planners, we advise our couples to prepare for rain. After all, you don’t want a little drizzle to dampen your special day.
Create an emergency plan to ensure rain doesn’t ruin your outdoor wedding. Scout your venue and find suitable indoor locations for the ceremony and reception. That way, you have backup spots ready if the weather takes a turn. You should also rent a large tent as a precaution and consider flooring like wood panels or tiles to place under it.
Remember to check if your vendors and venue offer weather contingency plans in their packages or if additional fees may apply. The last thing you want is surprise charges on your wedding day! Inform your guests in advance about the possibility of moving the wedding indoors so they come prepared with umbrellas, raincoats or a change of shoes.
Most importantly, try not to stress! Have faith that your wedding will be magical no matter what. Appoint a friend or family member to monitor the weather and make the call to move everything inside if rain is approaching. Then take a deep breath and enjoy this special moment with your new spouse. A little rain certainly can’t dampen the joy of becoming newlyweds!
With some prudent planning, your dream of an outdoor wedding can still come true. And if rain does fall, smile, laugh and dance in it! These memorable moments will make your big day that much more special.
Choose Decor That Will Withstand the Elements
When planning an outdoor wedding in Malaysia, choosing decor that can withstand the elements is key. The weather can be hot and humid, and afternoon showers are common. You’ll want decor that is durable and weather-resistant.
Opt for natural, organic materials, like wood, bamboo, rattan, and greenery, that won’t get ruined if wet. These natural materials also help bring the outdoors in, creating a rustic, bohemian vibe. Consider using potted plants, leafy garlands, and floral arrangements with tropical blooms.
Metal elements like copper, gold, and rose gold are great for an outdoor wedding as they are waterproof and help create an elegant feel. Things like metal lanterns, geometric sculptures, and cutlery also photograph beautifully.
For fabrics, choose cotton, linen or burlap that will dry quickly if rain falls and won’t wrinkle in the heat and humidity. Avoid silk, chiffon or anything delicate that can stain or tear easily. Seating, like folding wood or metal chairs, is ideal as it can get wet without damage.
When it comes to lighting, string lights, paper lanterns and outdoor festoon lights are perfect. They help create an ambience and will continue working even if there’s light rain. Battery-powered candles in weather-resistant holders are another great option.
By choosing decor and details that are made to last through sun and rain, you’ll have an outdoor wedding in Malaysia that’s both beautiful and worry-free. Your guests will surely appreciate all the thought you put into planning an unforgettable outdoor celebration. Focusing on natural, durable elements will help ensure your decor is as radiant as you are on your wedding day!
Serve Food and Drinks Suited for the Setting
Pick Finger-Licking Good Food
For an outdoor wedding, choose foods meant to be eaten with your hands! Think tapas, street food, and picnic-style snacks. Some perfect options include:
- Satays: Grilled meat, seafood, or vegetable skewers are always a hit. Provide a delicious peanut sauce for dipping.
- Spring rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies and herbs are light and refreshing.
- Sliders: Mini hamburgers, chicken sandwiches or fish burgers are easy to eat and satisfy heartier appetites.
- Cheese platters: An assortment of artisanal cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruits is a classic choice.
- Fresh fruit: Slices of mango, papaya, pineapple, and watermelon add a bright, sweet touch.
Quench Their Thirst
With the hot Malaysian weather, your guests will appreciate cold drinks to cool them down. Some refreshing options include:
- Iced tea: Brew freshly brewed tea and chill before serving over ice. Flavoured teas like lemon or peach are extra special.
- Fruit-infused water: Fill dispensers with water infused with citrus, berries, mint or cucumber for a naturally flavoured thirst quencher.
- Coconut water: Provide chilled coconut water straight from the shell or bottle for an island vibe.
- Fresh juices: Offer a variety including watermelon, orange and mixed berries.
- Alcoholic options: Set up a bar to make mojitos, margaritas and other tropical cocktails. Also, provide beer, cider and champagne.
An outdoor wedding already provides a fun, relaxed vibe. Choosing the perfect finger foods and drinks suited to the natural setting will make your guests feel like they’ve been transported to an exotic island getaway. Most importantly, encourage your guests to relax, kick off their shoes, and just enjoy themselves! The beauty of an outdoor wedding is embracing the casual, carefree atmosphere.
Include Interactive Outdoor Activities for Guests
Outdoor weddings are the perfect opportunity to organize fun activities that will make your big day even more memorable for you and your guests. Here are some interactive ideas your guests will love:
Lawn Games
- Set up classics like croquet, bocce ball, ladder golf or cornhole. Your guests can play a casual game together between events.
- Giant versions of games like Jenga, Connect Four and Tic Tac Toe also make a fun, photo-worthy addition.
Photo Booths
- Provide quirky props like hats, glasses and signs for guests to pose with. The photos from a photo booth are an easy, DIY favour your guests will enjoy taking home.
Dancing
- If you have the space, consider an outdoor dance floor for guests to show off their moves under string lights or the stars.
- You could also organize a flash mob or teach guests a special wedding dance ahead of time for an unforgettable surprise.
Cultural Activities
For a Malaysian wedding, interactive cultural activities are a perfect way for guests to experience traditions. Some ideas include:
- Kris dancing – Guests can learn a traditional sword dance.
- Batik painting – Set up stations for guests to paint their batik handkerchiefs or cloth.
- Ronggeng dancing – Hire dancers to perform and teach guests the flirty moves of a traditional Malay dance.
Outdoor weddings present many opportunities to create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Interactive activities are a fantastic way to bring your closest friends and family together to celebrate your new marriage in a fun, meaningful way. Your guests are sure to be talking and laughing about these memories for years to come!
Focus on Lighting for an Evening Outdoor Wedding
Light Up the Night
An outdoor evening wedding calls for strategic lighting to create a magical ambience. Go big or go home, I say! String up strands of globe lights, Edison bulbs or lanterns for a whimsical feel. Outline walkways, accentuate foliage and wrap trees to make a statement. Fairy lights never fail to delight and enchant.
Spotlight Special Moments
Focus bright spotlights on important areas like the cake table, gift table or sweetheart table. This highlights key moments and photo ops, allowing your photographer to capture stunning images. Spotlights also draw guests’ attention, creating a dramatic focal point.
Luminarias or Candles Galore
Line pathways with luminarias or group candles together for a warm glow. The flicker of a flame creates an inviting atmosphere and a sense of intimacy. Place candles in lanterns or on pillars at varying heights for visual interest. Hurricane lamps, citronella candles or torch lights also work great outdoors.
Uplighting for Architecture
If you have interesting architecture like arches, columns or foliage, uplighting is a must. Strategically place uplights to beam onto focal points from below. This enhances textures and highlights shapes in a striking manner. Uplighting transforms spaces by creating depth and drama.
An outdoor evening wedding only happens once in a lifetime, so make sure yours is lit to perfection. Dazzling lighting and a sea of candles ensure your wedding sparkles and shines under a starry night sky and in cherished memories for years to come! By focusing on lighting, you’ll give your guests an unforgettable experience and set the scene for a magical celebration.
FAQ: Outdoor Wedding Questions Answered
Question: What should I consider for an outdoor wedding?
Planning an outdoor wedding is exciting but can also be challenging! Here are some tips to help make your special day a success:
- Choose a venue with shelter or a backup plan in case of rain. You don’t want your guests sitting in a downpour! You can move to scout locations with a pavilion, gazebo, or indoor area if needed.
- Check if permits or insurance are required for your location. Some public parks may require reservations and additional paperwork to host a wedding. It’s best to check with the venue in advance.
- Think about restrooms, parking and accessibility. Ensure your guests have easy access to facilities and designated parking areas. And ensure the location can accommodate guests with disabilities.
- Consider the season and weather. An outdoor summer wedding means preparing for heat and humidity. Fall weddings require preparations for cooler weather. Be ready for any temperature extremes!
- Provide creature comforts. Have extras like fans, sunscreen, bug spray, blankets, and umbrellas. Keep your guests comfortable so they can fully enjoy the celebration!
- Lighting and décor may require extra effort. Additional lighting, lanterns and greenery garlands can help transform an outdoor space into a magical wedding wonderland after dark!
Planning an outdoor wedding is rewarding work. With some extra organization and preparation, you’ll be on your way to hosting an open-air wedding your guests will never forget! Stay positive, focus on what’s important and don’t sweat the small details.
Conclusion
You’re now armed with insider knowledge to plan an unforgettable outdoor wedding in Malaysia. With the right mindset, practical tips, and professional support, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a magical celebration surrounded by nature. Remember that at the end of the day, the most important thing is you’re marrying the love of your life. So take a deep breath and enjoy this special moment in time. Many years from now, you’ll look back fondly on the beauty of your outdoor wedding and how all the details came together perfectly. Best of luck, and congratulations to you both! Now go forth and start creating wedding memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to plan a stress-free outdoor wedding? Let 50Gram Wedding be your partner in creating a memorable and seamless celebration. From venue selection to decor and logistics, our experienced team will handle all the details. Contact us now and let’s make your dream outdoor wedding a reality.
FAQ
Consider venues like botanical gardens, national parks, and private estates that offer beautiful surroundings. Consider the view, such as seaside cliffs, mountain vistas, or beach sunsets. Take the season into account for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Also, ensure practical necessities like parking, bathrooms, lighting, power outlets, and seating are available.
Create an emergency plan by scouting indoor locations for the ceremony and reception. Rent a large tent as a precaution and consider flooring options. Check if vendors and the venue have weather contingency plans in their packages. Inform guests in advance and provide umbrellas or raincoats if needed. Appoint someone to monitor the weather and make decisions accordingly.
Opt for decor made of durable, weather-resistant materials like wood, bamboo, and rattan. Use natural elements like potted plants, leafy garlands, and tropical blooms. Metal elements like copper and gold add elegance and are waterproof. Choose fabrics like cotton or linen that dry quickly and avoid delicate materials. Incorporate lighting with string lights, paper lanterns, or weather-resistant candles.
Choose foods that are easy to eat with hands, such as satays, spring rolls, sliders, cheese platters, and fresh fruit. Offer refreshing drinks like iced tea, fruit-infused water, coconut water, fresh juices, and a variety of alcoholic options. Focus on light and refreshing options suitable for the Malaysian weather.
Set up lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, or giant versions of Jenga and Connect Four. Provide a photo booth with props for guests to enjoy and take home memorable photos. Consider having an outdoor dance floor or organizing a flash mob or special wedding dance. For a Malaysian wedding, include cultural activities like Kris dancing, Batik painting, or Ronggeng dancing to engage guests in traditional experiences.
