Indoor Reception with an Outdoor Theme

AmberG453

I had always wanted to have an outdoor reception, but when it came down to choosing a location I didn't feel comfortable with the unpredictability of weather. So, I decided on a traditional ballroom in a hotel, and I'm really happy with that choice.

Right now we're working on making the hall look more outdoorsy. Me and my fiance both really love the outdoors and we have a harvest/fall theme, with the main colors being orange and navy blue.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to make an indoor reception with no windows seem like it is outside? Or at least give it that outdoorsy feel? Thanks!

eas2730

Hi. We're doing some elements which our outdoorsy.
Outdoors would be less formal. Try to have greenery and branches, maybe topiary trees or potted plants.
We are doing a slide show of primarily outdoor pictures.
Perhaps you could hang up some sky blue sail cloths from the ceiling or experiment with lighting, if it's in your budget and you find a lighting vendor, perhaps you could go from dawn to dusk/sunset with lighting.
I am wrapping the votive candles with bark.
My cake stand is a log with a crosscut piece where the cake will rest.
Good luck and have fun.

aerinpegadrak

I think a few trees inside would be fantastic.  I've seen beautiful centerpieces that were nothing more than a large vase filled with fall leaves.  You could use leaves, pinecones, or any other favorite outdoorsy element as a motif in your monogram, decor, and stationery.

cukimerrydoll

lantern centerpeices.  They are less expensive than floral, and they are really cute!  You can get some decent black or tin lanterns at Ikea.  And - if you're into the DIY thing - you can spray them navy.

Catwoman708

For "outdoorsy", I immediately think plants, flowers, water features, and lots of twinkly lights.

Lighting is important.  If you don't have windows in the venue, then create a starry night with twinkly patio or Christmas lights against a dark "sky", and lots of lanterns and candles.

Water features can have a very dramatic "wow"  factor.  Have you ever been to the garden department of Lowe's or Home Depot, or a plant nursery where they had a pond or fountain display set up?  Going full scale like that could get kind of expensive, but you could do something on a smaller scale. 

You can take a self contained water feature/fountain, or even a bird bath, and surround it with plants and potted flowers, then add some lanterns or floating candles.  If you can put a park bench by it, it would make a lovely backdrop for photos too.

The water fountain and birdbath might could be rented, but if you plan on reusing them in  your home later, they are then dual purpose items. 

Centerpieces can be potted seasonal flowering plants, like mums.  Very practical and affordable, because you can buy them in advance, and reuse or plant them after.  Or give them away as favors. 

Or you can arrange some leaves and greenery on the tables, and use inexpensive battery operated tabletop water fountains as centerpieces.  add a few blooms in with the greenery and/or some candles or lanterns.  Or a bowl of water with floating blooms and candles.