Pros and Cons of A Split Indoor-Outdoor Venue For Any Event

You Can Definitely Have It All, Trust Us.

Photo Credit

Blog Cover Image Photo by Holly Croft Photography

Outdoor event venues offer a unique ambiance and connection to nature, providing a picturesque backdrop for various occasions. The natural surroundings often create a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere, enhancing guests' overall experience.

Additionally, outdoor venues typically offer more space, allowing for larger guest lists and creative event layouts. An incredible example of this would be Marcella Lenicks Events project at Cold Saturday Farm in September 2023. Furthermore, outdoor events can often be more cost-effective compared to indoor venues, as they require less decor and lighting.

However, unpredictable weather poses a significant challenge for outdoor events, potentially leading to discomfort for guests and logistical complications. Outdoor venues may lack certain amenities found in indoor spaces, such as climate control and built-in audiovisual equipment, and close proximity restrooms all necessitating additional rentals and setup. Outdoor events may face noise restrictions and permit requirements, adding complexity to the planning process.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and contingency measures, outdoor event venues can provide unforgettable experiences for attendees.

Pro #1 - NATURAL LIGHT

Natural light plays a pivotal role in event and wedding photography, offering photographers a palette of soft, flattering illumination that enhances the beauty of moments captured. Unlike artificial lighting, natural light is dynamic, creating depth, warmth, and authenticity in photographs.

Its gentle quality can highlight intricate details, textures, and emotions, lending an ethereal quality to images. Natural light often requires minimal manipulation, preserving the genuine atmosphere of the event or wedding. It adds a sense of intimacy and romance, particularly during outdoor ceremonies or receptions, where the sun's rays infuse scenes with a golden glow.

Natural light allows photographers to work more discreetly, avoiding the distraction of bulky equipment and harsh flashes, thereby enabling them to capture candid moments with ease. In essence, natural light serves as an invaluable tool for photographers, enriching their compositions and immortalizing cherished memories with timeless elegance.

Make sure to inquire with your venue manager or owner regarding the sun's positioning at specific times of the day. Also, take the time to research sunrise and sunset times as well as average temperatures for your chosen event dates.

Pro #2 - SPACE TO MINGLE

Having ample space to spread out and mingle at an event or wedding offers numerous perks that enhance the overall experience for guests. First off, a spacious venue fosters a sense of freedom and relaxation, allowing attendees to move around comfortably without feeling cramped or confined.

This freedom encourages socialization and interaction among guests, facilitating the formation of connections and the strengthening of relationships. With plenty of room to maneuver, guests can explore different areas of the venue, discover hidden gems like a creek, pond, or scenic overlook and enjoy various activities or entertainment options without overcrowding.

Additionally, a generous amount of space enables event planners to create diverse seating arrangements, lounge areas, and interactive stations, catering to different preferences and fostering a dynamic atmosphere. Ample space reduces the likelihood of congestion at food and beverage stations, ensuring smooth flow and minimizing wait times. Overall, the availability of space to spread out and mingle enhances the enjoyment and fluidity of the event or wedding, leaving guests with memorable experiences to cherish.

"I loved having so much space to work with at our venue. We brought in food trucks and a cute white bounce house." – Amanda P.

Pro #3 - GENEROUS RENTAL TIME FRAME

Opting for a venue with a longer rental timeframe offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable event or wedding experience.

The average venue rental time frame for a wedding is about 6-8 hours for everything from hair and makeup, tabelscape prep to last call and complete clean up. This is a very tight and congested timeframe. If your venue offers full weekend or Friday-Saturday packages, it is highly advised to take advantage of the offer.

As for showers, parties, and non-wedding events, most venues will rent their space at an hourly rate with a minimum amount of time around 2-3 hours.

A longer rental period allows for more flexibility in event planning, giving organizers ample time to set up and customize the space according to your vision. This extended timeframe alleviates the stress of rushed preparations and ensures that every detail is meticulously attended to, resulting in a seamlessly executed event.

This extra time provides a comfortable, relaxed way for wedding party members to arrive, mingle, and fully immerse themselves in the festivities without feeling rushed. It also allows for a more leisurely pace during key moments such as ceremonies, speeches, or performances, fostering a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Lastly, a longer rental period enables extended access for vendors and service providers, facilitating smoother coordination and setup processes. It allows for a more leisurely breakdown and cleanup after the event, ensuring that the venue is left in pristine condition to avoid additional fees. Overall, a longer venue rental timeframe offers greater convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind for both hosts and guests alike which you deserve on your big day.

Pro #4 - PET (AND KID) FRIENDLY

Having outdoor space at an event for kids to run and play offers a plethora of advantages, ensuring that both the youngest guests can fully enjoy the celebration and not be forced to sit in a chair quietly for hours on end.

Outdoor venues provide ample room for children to frolic and explore, especially farm land venues with unique landscape features such as a creek or large fields with livestock. This fostering a sense of freedom and adventure that complements the joyful atmosphere of the occasion.

This outdoor environment encourages kids to engage in active play, burn off energy, and partake in age-appropriate activities, keeping them entertained throughout the festivities.

Furthermore, for couples who consider their dogs as beloved family members, having outdoor space allows them to include their furry friends in their big day*. Overall, incorporating outdoor space into a wedding or event venue not only enhances the overall experience for children and the couples 4 legged friends but also adds a charming and inclusive touch to the celebration, making it truly unforgettable for everyone involved.

*Venues who are will require a handler and for pets to be on leash at all times. We have some great pet event day care service recommendations!

EXTRA: Pro #5 - PLENTY OF PARKING

Most indoor/outdoor split venues will have a good deal of space and land for ample parking. Having excess free parking is undeniably a convenience that enhances any event or outing. It eliminates the stress and hassle of searching for parking spaces, allowing guests to arrive at the venue with ease and without the worry of additional costs. Moreover, ample parking ensures that attendees can find parking close to the event location, reducing the need for long walks or shuttle services, especially in a city.

This accessibility accommodates guests of all ages and mobility levels, making the event more inclusive and welcoming. Additionally, free parking provides a sense of value and appreciation to attendees, contributing to a positive overall experience. Overall, ample free parking simplifies logistics, saves time, and adds a layer of convenience that enhances the enjoyment of any occasion.

Bonus points if the venue has a golf cart!

Photo By Fancyfarmfling

Con #1 - WEATHER

Having a rain plan that you genuinely like the look of for an outdoor wedding venue is crucial for ensuring peace of mind and a seamless experience on your special day.

While the allure of an outdoor ceremony or reception is undeniable, the unpredictability of weather can be a significant concern. Having a backup plan that aligns with your aesthetic preferences ensures that, regardless of weather conditions, your wedding retains its desired ambiance and atmosphere.

Whether it's an elegant tent setup adorned with twinkling lights, a charming indoor space with large windows overlooking nature, or a cozy covered patio with rustic decor, your rain plan should complement the overall theme and style of your wedding. By embracing an alternative setup that you genuinely love, you can confidently navigate any weather-related challenges while still creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Con #2 - ACCESSIBILITY

It's essential to thoroughly vet outdoor venues to ensure they are ADA accessible, as this consideration directly impacts the inclusivity and comfort of all guests, including those with mobility impairments.

Overlooking accessibility can result in significant challenges for individuals with limited mobility, potentially hindering their ability to fully enjoy the event. Adequate accessibility features, such as ramps, paved pathways, and accessible restroom facilities, are crucial for accommodating guests who use mobility aids or have difficulty navigating uneven terrain.

Additionally, while vast outdoor spaces can offer picturesque settings, they may pose challenges for mobility-impaired guests if not properly managed. Excessive distances between amenities, seating areas, or event locations can be taxing and discouraging for individuals with limited mobility. By prioritizing ADA accessibility during the venue selection process, event organizers demonstrate their commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all guests can participate fully and comfortably, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Con #3 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Outdoor venues face limitations in certain areas due to daylight savings changes, impacting event planning and timing. As daylight savings adjustments shift the amount of daylight available during different seasons, outdoor events may encounter challenges related to lighting and timing.

For instance, events scheduled during the darker months may need to conclude earlier to accommodate decreased daylight, affecting the duration and scheduling of activities. Additionally, changes in daylight hours can influence the ambiance and mood of outdoor settings, with earlier sunsets potentially altering the atmosphere of evening events. Event planners must carefully consider daylight savings changes when scheduling outdoor events to ensure optimal lighting conditions and guest experience throughout the year.

As Noted Before: Make sure to inquire with your venue manager or owner regarding the sun's positioning at specific times of the day. Also, take the time to research sunrise and sunset times as well as average temperatures for your chosen event dates.

In Summary...

Indoor-outdoor split venues offer a balanced blend of the best of both worlds, where the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. The unique combination of indoor and outdoor elements results in a more engaging and memorable experience for attendees, making split venues a preferred choice for those seeking both comfort and charm.

We hope you found this article helpful! Reach out to us today to help plan your next event, host a public event, styled shoot or event just connect as a vendor! Click Here To Hire Us As Your Day of Coordinator or Partial Planner, Click Here To Work With Us. Leave a comment bel with any comments or thoughts about this topic.