As we’ve learnt through every moment of The Alfresco Issue, there is something about being outside that softens a wedding. The light settles differently, moments feel looser, and people naturally wander and mingle. The day moves at its own pace. Outdoor weddings rarely need a lot of fuss, but the right details can make the whole experience feel beautifully connected to the setting.

Here are some of our favourite ideas from real alfresco celebrations, the ones that make an outdoor wedding feel easy, comfortable and full of warmth.

1. Long tables beneath the trees

There is something magical about long tables tucked under branches. The shade softens the light, the breeze feels gentle, and the whole space feels like it has been waiting for your celebration. Laynie and Nate’s relaxed summer wedding showed just how beautiful this simple setup can be.

Header & above photo by Hayley Sefo Weddings via Laynie & Nate’s Relaxed Outdoor Summer Garden Wedding

2. Festoons as your evening ceiling

As daylight fades, festoons help anchor the reception and give the whole space a warm glow. They feel relaxed and celebratory without trying too hard. Briony and Zach used them at their at-home wedding and the result was cosy, intimate and perfectly alfresco.

Photo by Red Eclectic via Briony & Zach’s Mid-Century Retro Wedding At Home

3. Ceremony arches that look like they grew there

Arches built with foliage and loose, natural shapes blend seamlessly into the garden. They frame the ceremony without overwhelming it. Raych and Bobby’s outdoor country wedding in New Zealand is a beautiful example of an arch that felt like part of the landscape.

Photo by Jessica Rose Photography via Raych & Bobby’s Outdoor Country New Zealand Wedding

4. Drinks served in the open air

A drinks station outside sets a relaxed tone instantly. Guests settle in, wander, chat and ease into the day. Hannah and Matthew’s garden wedding at Bungaree Station included the sweetest outdoor drinks setup with with a tower of coupes filled with Aperol spritzes.

Photo by Dusk Till Dawn Films via  Hannah & Matthew’s Summer Garden Wedding at Bungaree Station

5. A clear marquee to keep the outdoors close

If you love the idea of dining under the stars but want weather insurance, a clear marquee is the ideal middle ground. Natural light pours in during the day and the evening sky becomes your backdrop later on. Nicole and Jayden’s Acacia Ridge wedding showed how elegant this can look.

Photo by Chamore Creations via Nicole & Jayden’s Elegant Spring Wedding at Acacia Ridge Winery

6. Lounge spaces layered onto the grass

Set up a small lounge nook with rugs, cushions and soft textures and suddenly the whole reception feels more inviting. Jay and Daisy’s celebration at Solitaire Homestead used a relaxed lounge corner that gave guests the perfect little retreat.

Photo by Place Of Love via Jay & Daisy’s Dreamy Joy-Filled Wedding at Solitaire Homestead

7. A planned moment for sunset portraits

Outdoor weddings change with every shift of light. Setting aside ten quiet minutes at golden hour gives you soft, glowing portraits you will treasure. Hayley and Mitch’s Byron Bay elopement shows how stunning this light can be.

Photo by Jasmin Sleeman via Hayley & Mitch’s Sunset Beach Elopement In Byron Bay

8. Dancing under the night sky

An outdoor dance floor always feels like a treat. The mix of fresh air, festoons, trees and laughter makes this part of the night feel extra joyful. Christina and Ambrose’s winery wedding captured exactly that feeling.

Photo by Odd Socks Society via Christina & Ambrose’s Delightful Outdoor Winery Wedding

9. Aisles softened with petals, flowers or plants

Petals, foliage or potted greenery bring shape and warmth to an open garden aisle. Lucy and Andrew’s ceremony at Eleven Eighty is a perfect example of how simple styling can transform a space.

Photo by  Jeremy Becker via Lucy & Andrew’s Enchanting Wonderland Wedding at Eleven Eighty

10. Veils and fabrics that love the breeze

You cannot control the wind, but you can choose pieces that move beautifully with it. Lightweight veils and soft fabrics catch the light and create gentle, romantic moments. Emma and Kevin’s Freshwater wedding shows how lovely this can be outdoors.

Photo by CJ Picture via Emma & Kevin’s Beachside Wedding at Pilu at Freshwater

11. Bars that become gathering points

Caravan bars, pop-up carts and garden bars add personality and help guide the flow of the day. Ashley and Grace’s celebration at Old Broadwater Farm included a bar setup (and even a separate outdoor gin bar!) that felt perfectly placed in the landscape.

Photo by Merge Photography via Ashley & Grace’s Classic Alfresco Wedding at Old Broadwater Farm

12. Guests mingling across the lawns

One of the gifts of an outdoor wedding is how easily people move and mingle. Give them shade, places to perch and chilled drinks and the whole afternoon will unfold naturally. Georgia and Patrick’s Bawley Vale Estate wedding showed this beautifully.

Photo by Somethings Wild via Georgia and Patrick’s Romantic Wedding at Bawley Vale Estate

13. Food moments designed for the outdoors

Wood-fired pizza, barbecues, grazing tables and outdoor dessert stations feel generous and inviting when set in the open air. Jack and Desiree’s wedding at Figtree Park is a gorgeous example of alfresco food styling.

Photo by Captured By Kate via Jack & Desiree’s Alfresco Wedding at Figtree Park

14. Animals in the ceremony

If your venue allows it, animals bring an incredible sense of joy and warmth to outdoor ceremonies. Melody and Dylan’s Swan Valley celebration included two alpacas who were very much part of the story.

Photo by Sunny Daze Lovers via Melody & Dylan’s Vibrant Country Wedding in Swan Valley

15. Fire pits, sparklers and soft candle clusters

When the air cools and the night sets in, pockets of warm light bring everyone together. Jacqui and Jake’s Daylesford wedding showed how beautiful a little evening glow can be.

Photo by Love Wilder via Jacqui & Jake’s Romantic Lake House Daylesford Wedding