By guest writer: Natalie Greenberg
The great outdoors is nature’s way of telling us how lucky we are to have fresh air, fragrant flowers, and beautiful scenery in our lives. Creating an outdoor event space lets you enjoy it while celebrating life’s biggest moments. Food, dance, music, decorations … they’re all part of the package. Outdoor events are common in North Carolina’s temperate climate. Having the perfect place for celebrations lets you enjoy these precious moments, all the more.
Floral Inspiration
When creating an outdoor event space, let nature be your guide. Landscaping your property is the key. The upkeep will be easy if you plant native flowers and trees. Consider wood anemone, Carolina lupine, dwarf-crested iris, swamp milkweed, and maidenhair fern to add greenery and color to your yard.
Decor
Waterscapes and hardscapes entwined together are a beautiful sight. Ponds (complete with koi), waterfalls, and well-sculpted landscaping add to the natural aesthetics of outdoor venues. Birdbaths, feeders, and hanging glass ornaments are just a few of the decorations available. They’ll attract butterflies and hummingbirds. A swimming pool, complete with outdoor showers and cabanas, allows you to throw quite the party, without the expense of renting a venue.
Pergolas, arbors, gazebos, stone patios, and high privacy walls add privacy to your outdoor event space. Surround them with greenery to dress up your events. An outdoor kitchen, bar, and dining area lets you serve guests, without having to constantly run back inside.
Outdoor furniture comes in all shapes and sizes. You can buy or rent the right kind of styles for each party. A portable or permanent fire pit will add some ambiance to the event space…and allows you to use the area on chilly nights.
Rentals
Have a large piece of property? One benefit of creating an outdoor event space is that you can rent it out. You’ll help others create memories, and you can recoup the cost of your improvements and deduct those costs on your taxes. You will have to tend to the legalities of renting your property, such as extra insurance and security.
Whether you’re hosting your own party or leasing a piece of land for someone else’s event, be sure you know the rules.
Permits specific to the event
Check with city hall! Especially if you’re renting your land. Don’t leave the permit process up to the party hosts because they have other details to deal with. Not having the proper permits leaves you and them vulnerable. If law enforcement pulls the plug on the party, it’ll be memorable, but for the wrong reasons.
Plan it out
- Vendors, musicians, caterers, and guests will need access to restrooms and parking.
- Musicians may need a stage. Make sure you can accommodate everything.
- You may want to hire an exterminator before every event to make sure guests aren’t dealing with mosquitoes and other pests.
- Notify neighbors that there will be a party taking place. Chances are, if you tell neighbors in advance, they won’t be upset about the noise.
- Plan for parking. If your property isn’t big enough to handle parking, you may have to hire a valet service.
- Assign people to clean throughout the event so that trash cans don’t overflow and there’s less debris to pick up at the end of the day.
Weather backup plan
Inclement weather is bound to happen, especially when you haven’t planned for it. You can’t control Mother Nature, but you should have tents, awnings, and other structures to keep people cool and dry. If the event takes place in cold weather, set out heating units and a couple of outdoor fireplaces.
Celebrating life’s big moments outdoors will cost less than renting a fancy reception hall. Invest the money into your outdoor oasis to have a space to cherish for all festive occasions.
Natalie Greenberg is a gardening and landscaping writer, and outdoorswoman extraordinaire. She’s hosted everything from weddings to proms on her 5-acre farm. She also hosts her annual family reunion, firing up the grill and cooking for 60 plus people every year.
