Outdoor events can be absolutely magical, but making them feel luxurious? Well, that usually takes some finesse. Indoors, venues bring elegance effortlessly; there’s the gleaming floors, sparkling chandeliers, and cozy climate control that do half the work for you.
But, outdoors? Well, if you really think about it, you’re at the mercy of the elements, uneven ground, and the occasional wayward leaf landing on a guest’s perfectly plated dish. You can have the perfect cocktails for guests, the best catering, and the best entertainment, but if Mother Nature wants to ruin your event, it will ruin it.
However, with a little creativity, outdoor events can feel even more luxurious than their indoor counterparts. Just go ahead and picture the iconic polo match scene in Pretty Woman – the sprawling lawn, the refined guests, and, of course, the perfect hats. People love outdoor events; just think of festivals, for example. But overall, it’s tough to create the perfect outdoor event.
So, whether your business is throwing an employee appreciation day, a press event, or even an exhibition, here’s how you can pull off that posh outdoor affair.
Go Ahead and Set the Scene With Intentional Design
Every luxurious outdoor event starts with a curated space. You want the environment to feel cohesive, stylish, and intentional like it belongs in the pages of a glossy magazine. Actually, take a cue from movies like Crazy Rich Asians, where the outdoor parties feel like a work of art. Sure, it’s Hollywood, but it doesn’t make it impossible to create either.
For example, high-quality seating is non-negotiable. You’re going to have to get plush, padded chairs, lounge-style arrangements, or even stylish sectional setups. Of course, those will need to be paired with beautiful linens and artfully designed centerpieces (which are usually flowers). Sometimes, the tough part is to outright avoid making the space look like a wedding since the decor tends to blur. So, just keep that in mind.
Keep Guests Comfortable So the Event Feels Effortless
For the most part, luxury isn’t just about what your event looks like; it’s about how your guests feel. While yes, an event can look like a million bucks, if people are sweltering in the sun or battling bugs, the magic is gone. Again, it goes back to what was said earlier.
Mother nature can and will get in the way, which is why you need to take precautions. You have to look into weatherproofing your event. Most events tend to have those big fancy tents, so you really can’t go wrong with that. But the weather is not the only thing when it comes to nature; you can’t forget about the restrooms either.
One thing that people utterly hate about outdoor events is that appropriate toilets can be hard to come by. Yes, basically everyone out there has dealt with this misfortune at least once, and it’s a fast way to get people mad, too.
However, standard portapotties just won’t cut it (and they’re so gross too). Ideally, you should look into luxury portable bathroom rentals; there’s running water, the toilets can flush, you can wash your hands, and of course, there’s air conditioning too.
Serve Food and Drinks That Guests Will Rave About
Seriously, no luxurious event is complete without standout food and drinks. For the most part, outdoor settings give you the chance to think outside the box with presentation, while still delivering gourmet quality. Ideally, you’re going to want to just go ahead and channel the elegance of the garden party in The Great Gatsby, meaning something extravagant yet tasteful.
Arranging food, designer food, is usually not too hard, as it tends to be things such as gourmet catering, plated dishes, creative food stations, or artfully presented hors d’oeuvres. Just make sure it’s luxury catering; that’s key here (rather than generic buffet style). Sometimes catering includes drinks, sometimes it doesn’t, but you could always hire a mixologist and even have a signature cocktail at the event.
It’s All About Entertainment That Turns Heads
No matter if it’s indoors or outdoors, you’re going to need some entertainment. The entertainment sets your event apart from your competitors. Now, it’s important to understand that it’s not just background noise; rather, it’s a chance to create moments your guests will remember. It’s really hard to say what will work because it depends on your event and the vibes that you’re going for.
Technically, even the time of day could have an impact. Ideally, skip the DJ unless this is a festival; usually, live entertainment is a lot better (a live band and/or singer). This could be something like a jazz trio, harpist, acoustic singer, etc, but again, it’s about the vibes you want to create. Look into live performances like fire dancers, a live painter, aerial performers, and so on. These aren’t little details; rather, they are pretty big details.
It’s the Little Details That Make It Luxe
Yes, by all means, luxury is in the details. It’s the small things that people don’t even realize they’re noticing, but they add up to create an unforgettable experience. You just need to remember that first impressions matter, so make your event’s entrance a showstopper.
For example, a floral archway, a red carpet, or even a chic welcome station with glasses of champagne immediately sets the tone. Again, just be careful not to make this feel like a wedding since the lines for the vibes and decor tend to be a bit blurred.
Master the Outdoor Challenges With Style
It has been mentioned plenty of times already, but outdoor events are inherently unpredictable. Luxury means being prepared for anything without losing the polished vibe. For the most part, noise is a common hurdle.
If your event is near a busy road or a noisy neighborhood, work with sound experts to ensure your audio is crisp and that distractions are minimized. You can’t take control of the weather, so that’s why it’s recommended to have most of the event inside a large fancy tent.
