Planning an outdoor celebration? As you’ve probably already guessed, we adore an alfresco wedding! The festoon lights, the open air, the magic of nature. However, as beautiful as the outdoors can be, it comes with its own little quirks. In this guide, the team of Melbourne Entertainment Company are sharing practical, entertainer-approved tips to help you navigate wind, space and sound so your celebration stays effortless, joyful and perfectly you.

There’s something magical about outdoor weddings, dancing under festoon lights, saying your vows surrounded by nature, that golden Melbourne sunset lighting everything up. As a team that’s been part of hundreds of outdoor celebrations, we’ve learned one thing, and that’s that Mother Nature has her own sense of humour.

A gust of wind, uneven ground or a lack of power points can quickly turn “dreamy alfresco” into “mild chaos.” But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are our tried-and-tested tips to help you handle wind, space and equipment challenges so your wedding day stays smooth, fun and full of music.

Photography by Colour Captured 

  1. Wind Happens, Be Ready for It

We’ve seen it all: microphones picking up gusts, singer’s sheet music flying off and perfectly styled hair getting a surprise remix.

Here’s what works:

  • Foam covers on microphones, simple but a total game changer.
  • Weighted mic stands and speaker bags, to stop equipment from swaying or tipping.
  • Positioning, avoid facing speakers directly into the wind and use natural barriers like trees, hedges or marquees to block gusts.

And if you’ve got live musicians? Ask them to bring iPads instead of paper sheets. The wind can’t turn a digital page.

Photography by Tom Russel Photography

  1. Power: Don’t Assume, Confirm

It’s one of the most common surprises we encounter, the venue has power, but the outlets are 40 metres away. Before the big day, confirm where your entertainment can safely plug in.

If you’re celebrating in a garden, vineyard or property without a stable power source, ask your entertainment provider about quiet portable generators. They’re reliable and most of the time, you won’t even notice they’re running.

A little pre-check saves a lot of stress (and ensures your first dance doesn’t go silent mid-song).

Photography by Nic Stephens Photography

  1. Plan Your Space for the Party

We love outdoor layouts, but sometimes couples place the dance floor too far from guests or the band too far from the crowd. For the best energy:

  • Keep your dance floor and entertainment close together, people are more likely to join when they feel part of the action.
  • Think about ground conditions, grass and gravel can be tricky for dancing (and heels!). Portable flooring makes it easier for everyone to move comfortably.
  • If you’re using festoon or fairy lights, make sure they’re centred around the dance space. Lighting draws people in.

When it looks inviting, it feels inviting and that’s half the battle.

Photography by Colour Captured 

  1. Always Have a “Plan B(reeze)”

We love Melbourne, but we all know she can be unpredictable. Having a weather backup isn’t just practical, it’s peace of mind.
We recommend:

  • A clear marquee or canopy, still gives that alfresco feel while keeping everyone (and everything) safe.
  • Sandbags or weights for speaker stands and decor.
  • A backup indoor or covered spot for musicians and DJs, just in case.

The key is flexibility. A quick pivot plan means no panic if the wind picks up right before your first dance.

Photography by Tom Russel Photography

  1. Understand Outdoor Sound

Sound moves differently outdoors. Without walls, it can dissipate faster or bounce unpredictably, especially near water or open fields.
That’s where professionals make a difference, we calibrate sound to match the space.
Your part?

  • Don’t spread areas too far apart. Keep the audience and entertainment close.
  • Trust your team to manage the levels, the goal is crystal clear vows, crisp speeches and great music that doesn’t blast the neighbours.

Photography by Theodore & Co 

  1. Keep It Functional and Beautiful

You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality. We always aim for setups that look seamless, tidy cables, compact speakers and stands that blend into your styling. If you’re working with a planner or stylist, we’ll coordinate so everything complements your overall look.

A smooth setup is one guests don’t even notice and that’s the goal.

Photography by Colour Captured 

  1. Communication Is Everything

Here’s the golden rule: the more your suppliers know, the better the night flows. Share your layout, schedule and power info with your entertainment team early. We’ll handle the tech, you just focus on enjoying the day.

Photography by Nic Stephens Photography

Outdoor weddings are beautiful, unpredictable and unforgettable and that’s why we love them. With a bit of preparation (and a team that’s ready for anything), you’ll have the best of both worlds: natural beauty and flawless entertainment.

After all, there’s nothing quite like celebrating under the stars with good music, good people and a dance floor full of joy, wind and all.

Photography by Nic Stephens Photography

About the Author: Nathan Op de Coul is the Managing Director and founder of Melbourne Entertainment Company (MEC). Starting as a DJ in 2011, he grew a small agency into a full-scale entertainment company, pioneering Melbourne’s DJ-Sax movement along the way. A seasoned performer with 1,500+ events, he also held a six-year national on-air residency with Nova FM. Today, Nathan leads MEC’s roster while remaining an in-demand DJ-Sax and MC, known for reading crowds, elevating dance floors, and delivering seamless event experiences for weddings and corporate functions.