Tips for Planning an Outdoor Event

Published on:
April 5, 2024
table with desserts and people in the background

When planning an outdoor event, you need to consider the size and qualities of your space, the number of guests who will be attending, and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Let’s look at some of the top considerations as well as some outdoor party rentals to make your event successful.

Set Your Budget

Your event budget influences the type of venue you will rent, the amenities you’ll provide, and every other consideration. If you plan to charge for the event, you’ll have to come up with a formula to set the appropriate admission. You also have to factor in your financial goals. Do you want to make a profit, raise money for a cause, or simply cover your expenses? When planning your outdoor event, make a list of all your expenses, which may include the following: 

You may be able to cut back on the cost of your outdoor event if you network and look into possible resources. For example, someone might donate the use of their property. If it’s a charitable event, you may find volunteers who can staff it. You can also get creative in finding sources of funding, such as sponsorships or partnerships. 

Choose the Right Venue

Many factors come into play when selecting your venue, such as:

Research Permits and Ordinances

Depending on where your event is taking place, you may need to obtain a permit. There may also be local codes and ordinances you need to follow. For example, there may be noise restrictions after a certain hour. Activities such as bonfires or fireworks may be prohibited. Be sure to read the fine print on the contract for the outdoor event and check beforehand about any activities that might be prohibited or restricted.

Create the Right Theme 

When planning your event, it’s helpful to have a theme in mind. Decide what kind of environment you want to create. The style and location of the venue goes a long way in establishing the atmosphere. However, you can also transform any space to your preferences. Decorations, lighting, floral arrangements, furniture, and other outdoor party rentals all help to set the mood. The style and arrangement of tables, chairs, china, and linens all contribute to the ambiance. Make sure everything contributes to the theme. 

table set with dinnerware and flowers

Food and Beverage Considerations

Food and beverages are an important aspect of any event. Here are some factors to keep in mind. 

Entertainment

Keeping your guests entertained makes the event more fun. Even for an outdoor event that has a serious purpose, it’s a good idea to mix in some entertainment. Possibilities include:

Plan For Bad Weather

People outside and under a tent at an event

You can’t predict how the weather will be on the day of your outdoor event. It’s best to have an alternative in case of bad weather. Many venues have both indoor and outdoor spaces and can accommodate backup plans. Another option is to rent a tent to keep your guests dry in the case of rain. You can look into heating and cooling outdoor party rentals to make sure people are comfortable if it gets chilly or hot. 

Bring Any Necessary Equipment and Accessories

When you rent a venue, certain equipment may be available to use. However, in many cases you’ll have to arrange to bring any items you need. For example, if your event is at night (or will run into the night), you may need to rent lighting. If you’re having entertainment, you may need a sound system or even a stage

Keep Your Guests Comfortable

Whether your outdoor event has a theme (e.g. business, fundraiser, holiday or birthday, etc.) or it’s simply a party, put yourself in the shoes of your guests and think of ways to make their experience more fun and pleasant. For example:

Marketing Your Event

There are many ways to get the word out about your outdoor event. These may include:

A dedicated landing page for the outdoor event is helpful. This should have all the information about the event as well as a registration form. 

Enhance Your Event With Outdoor Party Rentals   

A successful outdoor event requires a great deal of planning. One way to make the process easier is to find a reliable source of party rental products. Ultimate Party Tents & Events is the premier Nashville party rental company with a wide selection of items to help you make your event a success. We can accommodate all types of events, from casual to professional. For an additional fee, we can even deliver, set up, and pick up your rentals after the event. To learn more about our party rentals anywhere in the Nashville area, contact us

When planning an outdoor event, you need to consider the size and qualities of your space, the number of guests who will be attending, and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Let’s look at some of the top considerations as well as some outdoor party rentals to make your event successful.

Set Your Budget

Your event budget influences the type of venue you will rent, the amenities you’ll provide, and every other consideration. If you plan to charge for the event, you’ll have to come up with a formula to set the appropriate admission. You also have to factor in your financial goals. Do you want to make a profit, raise money for a cause, or simply cover your expenses? When planning your outdoor event, make a list of all your expenses, which may include the following: 

You may be able to cut back on the cost of your outdoor event if you network and look into possible resources. For example, someone might donate the use of their property. If it’s a charitable event, you may find volunteers who can staff it. You can also get creative in finding sources of funding, such as sponsorships or partnerships. 

Choose the Right Venue

Many factors come into play when selecting your venue, such as:

Research Permits and Ordinances

Depending on where your event is taking place, you may need to obtain a permit. There may also be local codes and ordinances you need to follow. For example, there may be noise restrictions after a certain hour. Activities such as bonfires or fireworks may be prohibited. Be sure to read the fine print on the contract for the outdoor event and check beforehand about any activities that might be prohibited or restricted.

Create the Right Theme 

When planning your event, it’s helpful to have a theme in mind. Decide what kind of environment you want to create. The style and location of the venue goes a long way in establishing the atmosphere. However, you can also transform any space to your preferences. Decorations, lighting, floral arrangements, furniture, and other outdoor party rentals all help to set the mood. The style and arrangement of tables, chairs, china, and linens all contribute to the ambiance. Make sure everything contributes to the theme. 

table set with dinnerware and flowers

Food and Beverage Considerations

Food and beverages are an important aspect of any event. Here are some factors to keep in mind. 

Entertainment

Keeping your guests entertained makes the event more fun. Even for an outdoor event that has a serious purpose, it’s a good idea to mix in some entertainment. Possibilities include:

Plan For Bad Weather

People outside and under a tent at an event

You can’t predict how the weather will be on the day of your outdoor event. It’s best to have an alternative in case of bad weather. Many venues have both indoor and outdoor spaces and can accommodate backup plans. Another option is to rent a tent to keep your guests dry in the case of rain. You can look into heating and cooling outdoor party rentals to make sure people are comfortable if it gets chilly or hot. 

Bring Any Necessary Equipment and Accessories

When you rent a venue, certain equipment may be available to use. However, in many cases you’ll have to arrange to bring any items you need. For example, if your event is at night (or will run into the night), you may need to rent lighting. If you’re having entertainment, you may need a sound system or even a stage

Keep Your Guests Comfortable

Whether your outdoor event has a theme (e.g. business, fundraiser, holiday or birthday, etc.) or it’s simply a party, put yourself in the shoes of your guests and think of ways to make their experience more fun and pleasant. For example:

Marketing Your Event

There are many ways to get the word out about your outdoor event. These may include:

A dedicated landing page for the outdoor event is helpful. This should have all the information about the event as well as a registration form. 

Enhance Your Event With Outdoor Party Rentals   

A successful outdoor event requires a great deal of planning. One way to make the process easier is to find a reliable source of party rental products. Ultimate Party Tents & Events is the premier Nashville party rental company with a wide selection of items to help you make your event a success. We can accommodate all types of events, from casual to professional. For an additional fee, we can even deliver, set up, and pick up your rentals after the event. To learn more about our party rentals anywhere in the Nashville area, contact us


Michelle Fuqua

Michelle has been in the event rentals business since 2008 when she started The Ultimate Party Store to provide affordable and high-quality party decorations for any event. After dabbling in providing table and chair rentals, Michelle opened Ultimate Party Tents and Events, fully committing to providing everything anyone would need for an event in the Nashville-Hendersonville area. As a local business owner, she gives back to her community by volunteering her time to local organizations and events.