How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Wedding in Central Florida

By Elizabeth Hernandez

There’s something undeniably magical about an outdoor wedding in Central Florida. Maybe it’s the year-round sunshine, the lush landscapes, or just the way everything seems to glow during that perfect golden hour. There’s truly nothing more impressive than a well-executed outdoor affair framed by the perfect weather. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” surrounded by nature, we’re here to help you make that dream a reality. Creating the perfect outdoor event might take a bit more planning, but the possibilities and opportunities are truly endless. Here’s your guide to planning the perfect outdoor wedding in our little slice of heaven.

Pick the Sweet Spot on the Calendar

Florida’s weather is like the ultimate party guest—mostly sunny and bright, but occasionally, it shows up with a storm. If you want to avoid any surprise rain showers, aim for the sweet spot: March to May or October to November. These months give you the best shot at cool breezes, clear skies, and that beautiful backdrop you’ve been envisioning. And let’s be honest, no one wants to sweat through a tux or gown in July!

Embrace the Weather (and Be Ready For Anything)

We all know Florida likes to keep us on our toes, so it’s always smart to have a Plan B (just in case). At Casani Estates, we’ve got you covered—literally. Our shaded ceremony spots mean you can stay cool, calm, and collected even if the sun’s in full force. And if a little rain decides to join the party? No worries! We’ve got a gorgeous indoor space, The Lodge, that is just as stunning as the outdoors.

Pro Tip: Keep your guests comfy by offering refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea when they arrive. At Casani Estates, we’ll always provide, at least, one water station for every event on your timeline. Personalized fans or cute parasols also make for fun, functional favors!

Seamless Logistics: Parking and Transportation

Making sure your guests have a smooth arrival and departure is key to a stress-free event. At Casani Estates, we’ve got you covered with our thoughtful parking and transportation options. When you book with us, you’ll benefit from having a dedicated parking attendant who will assist with directing guests and ensuring a smooth parking experience. We also provide a convenient drop-off area, perfect for guests who prefer not to walk long distances, especially those in high heels or formal attire. This attention to detail helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the celebration from the moment they arrive, making your event as enjoyable and accessible as possible. With our parking and transportation services, your guests will feel well taken care of throughout the entire occasion.

Power Up for a Perfect Event

When planning your outdoor celebration, don’t let power issues cramp your style! At Casani Estates, every site comes with plenty of electrical outlets, so you can keep everything from lights to catering running smoothly. For extra peace of mind, we suggest bringing along a backup generator. It’s like having a little insurance policy for power hiccups, ensuring your event shines bright and stays on track, no matter what. With our power-ready sites and your backup plan, you’ll be set for a fabulous, worry-free celebration.

Let Nature Do the Decorating

One of the best things about an outdoor wedding is that Mother Nature has already done most of the decorating for you. Whether you’re envisioning a lakeside ceremony with the sun setting behind you or a whimsical reception under the trees, Central Florida’s natural beauty is the ultimate backdrop.

At Casani Estates, we’ve got 140 acres of pure gorgeousness, from our serene lakefront to our enchanting forested areas. Add a floral arch here, and some twinkling string lights there, and voilà—you’ve got a setting straight out of a fairy tale.

Think About Your Guests (and Keep Them Happy)

Your wedding is your special day, but it’s also a day your guests will remember—especially if you go the extra mile to make them comfortable. Make sure there’s plenty of seating, shaded spots, and easy-to-navigate paths for everyone. And if you’ve got guests who might need a little extra help, consider offering golf carts or shuttles to get them from the ceremony to the reception in style. At Casani Estates, we’re all about making sure your guests feel like VIPs, whether they’re enjoying the shade by the lake or cozying up around our Lakeside Fire Pit.

Plan for the Perfect Sunset Ceremony

If there’s one thing Central Florida is known for (besides theme parks and gators), it’s those jaw-dropping sunsets. To capture that beautiful light, plan your ceremony to start about an hour before sunset. This allows time for the ceremony and photos to take place during “golden hour,” when the light is soft and warm, creating a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. At Casani Estates, we have several beautiful lakefront ceremony sites that are positioned perfectly to take full advantage of the sunset, offering a stunning backdrop for your vows every day of the year. Trust us - your photos will be stunning.

Consider Tent Rentals for a Stylish & Functional Reception

To keep your outdoor reception comfortable and stylish, consider renting a tent. A tent provides essential coverage from the sun or unexpected rain, ensuring your celebration goes off without a hitch. At Casani Estates, we can work with a creative partner to offer tent rental options that can be tailored to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a simple canopy or a more elaborate setup. Remember, if you’re opting for a tent, you might also need to arrange for additional rentals like flooring, lighting, and decor. These extras will help transform the space and keep everything running smoothly, so your outdoor reception is as perfect as you’ve imagined.

Delicious Ideas for Your Outdoor Reception Menu

For a sophisticated outdoor reception, choose a menu that enhances the elegance of your event while embracing the outdoor setting. Consider incorporating an outdoor pizza oven for a gourmet touch—custom pizzas with high-quality ingredients can be a delightful and interactive addition. Upscale barbecue options, such as grilled churrasco or skewers, provide a refined twist on classic favorites.  Pair these items with well-curated salad options that feature in-season fruits and vegetables. Offer sophisticated hors d’oeuvres like a seafood bar or bruschetta served with refreshing spritzes. These choices will seamlessly blend elegance with charm the charm of your outdoor venue, creating a memorable dining experience.

Ensure you ask your catering team if they’ve ever catered an outdoor event before or if they have the right equipment for a tent setup. Caterers should also know how to handle food safety and temperature control. With these considerations in place, your tented celebration will be both delightful and hassle-free.

Cozy Up with our Lakeside Fire Pit

Add a touch of magic to your outdoor celebration with our charming Lakeside Fire Pit at Casani Estates. As the evening sets in, gather around the fire pit for a cozy and enchanting experience. It’s not just for warmth—our fire pit is perfect for late-night s’mores! Imagine your guests toasting marshmallows and enjoying gooey treats while sharing stories and laughter under the stars. Whether your event is relaxed or refined, the fire pit brings a delightful touch of fun and togetherness to your celebration.

Team Up with the Pros

Finally, make sure you’ve got a team of all-star creative partners by your side. Planning an outdoor wedding comes with its own set of challenges (looking at you, unpredictable weather), so having experienced pros who know the ins and outs of Central Florida weddings can make all the difference. Luckily, we’ve got connections! At Casani Estates, our list of approved vendors includes some of the best in the biz—caterers who can whip up a feast, photographers who know how to capture that golden light, and florists who can turn your Pinterest board into reality.

Planning an outdoor wedding in Central Florida is all about embracing the beauty of the natural surroundings and adding your personal touch. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunset ceremony by the lake or a lively reception under the stars, we’re excited to help you bring your vision to life. At Casani Estates, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your day seamless and memorable. Ready to start planning your unforgettable outdoor wedding? We’d love to chat and help you get started...