How to Organise an Outdoor Wedding Reception in France?

Once the civil and spiritual/religious ceremonies are out of the way, it's time to start your French wedding party! An outdoor wedding reception is a fantastic option for your big day. You get to enjoy the excellent weather and breathe in the fresh air – not to mention take in some of the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscapes France has to offer!

When organising an outdoor wedding reception in France, there are a few things you'll need to take into consideration. It's not quite as straightforward as hiring an indoor reception hall, but the results can be far more spectacular and rewarding.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your outdoor celebration.

Start With Your Event Tent

While there are no rules against simply hosting an open-air wedding reception, there are a few immediate downsides. The weather, of course, is a major concern – you can't always guarantee sunshine. Plus, you'll also want some shelter from rain and wind as well as protection from the sun should it be too hot on your big day.

The latter is perhaps the biggest concern for a wedding taking place in the South of France. Temperatures can get very hot in the summer, so you'll want to ensure you have a quality event tent designed to provide cooling relief. This is why it's best to seek the advice of a professional wedding planner and rental company – they'll be able to recommend the perfect tent for your needs.

Your choice of the specific design will depend on numerous factors, including the number of guests, the amount of space you have to work with, and the specific proposed location of your wedding reception.

Expandable stretch tents are an excellent option, as they are open-sided structures that can be set up quickly and provide shade, light, and more. They also look fantastic in a rustic French countryside setting like the Dordogne or Provence regions.

Choose the Right Lighting for Your Wedding

Of course, when celebrating outdoors, you will rely more on natural light. After sunset, you'll need to create your own lighting solutions for the wedding reception. Creating that romantic and magical atmosphere is essential, so you'll want to ensure you have the proper lighting.

String and fairy lights are excellent options for an outdoor wedding reception in France. They look beautiful with their soft glow and can be used to create stunning patterns or even just as subtle background illumination. You can hang them around trees, wrap them around pillars or posts, or hang them from the tent – whatever looks best for your occasion.

If you are looking for a more modern and sophisticated look, then LED lighting fixtures can be used to create an array of stunning effects. From backlighting a dance floor area to creating beautiful patterns on walls and ceilings, lighting is an excellent way to make sure your wedding reception tent looks both beautiful and unique.

Finally, don’t forget to consider ambient or mood lighting. LED uplighters are perfect for washing event tents in a variety of different colours and can also be used to light up backdrops and outdoor features.

You can always incorporate natural lighting elements, too, such as lanterns, candles, and even fire pits, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will be sure to make your guests feel extra special.

Don't Forget the Wedding Reception Furniture

Of course, you'll need furniture to ensure your wedding reception runs smoothly. You'll want to find a selection of tables and chairs that fit in with the style you are going for.

This is why it's so important to have a professional wedding planner on hand – they can provide detailed advice and help you choose pieces that match your chosen colour scheme, as well as any outdoor wedding décor you have in mind.

Whatever furniture you choose, it should be strong, durable and weatherproof so that your guests can enjoy the wedding reception even if there is a sudden summer thunderstorm (if you have an outdoor seating area, for example) or the odd gust of wind.

From statement tables for dining during the repas de noces to a mobile bar next to your dance floor area – whatever pieces you select, make sure you get the perfect fit for your wedding celebrations. At the end of the day, it's all about selecting pieces that look beautiful yet are comfortable and practical so that your guests can enjoy themselves in comfort.

Make Sure You Have All the Necessary Supplies and Equipment

Finally, don't forget to organise the necessary supplies and equipment for your wedding reception. This includes items like plastic glasses and plates, cutlery and dinnerware, tablecloths and napkins, as well as serviettes, serving platters and dishes. These will usually come as part of your catering package, so ensure you have everything you need to provide your guests with an enjoyable meal.

Given that you're organising an outdoor event, you'll also need to consider the power supply. Depending on your chosen venue, it might not be easy to access an electricity source, so you'll need to consider hiring generators or battery-powered wedding lighting.

Lastly, you should also consider hiring items such as a sound system, DJ equipment, microphones and speakers, heating (if necessary), and any other special equipment or décor you may need for your reception. Having all the necessary supplies and equipment organised before your special day will ensure that your wedding reception goes off without a hitch.

Planning Ahead Can Make All the Difference to Your Outdoor Wedding Reception

Planning a wedding in the French countryside (or any outdoor venue) doesn't have to be complicated. With the right decorations, lighting, furniture, and all of the necessary supplies and equipment, you can create a beautiful and unique celebration that everyone will remember for years to come.

If you need any of the wedding equipment mentioned above, including an event tent, don't hesitate to contact us – we have a wide selection of products and services available and can provide you with expert advice on how to make the most of your outdoor wedding reception.

Good luck and bonne chance with your wedding preparations!