photo by Kelley Deal Photography

Nothing makes us starry-eyed quite like an outdoor wedding reception dinner. From twinkle lights to long wooden tables, there’s something impossibly romantic about al fresco dining just as the sun begins to set. If you dream of dinner under the stars with your wedding guests, this post is for you! We’re taking a look back at our favorite outdoor wedding receptions to share the best styling tips to incorporate on your own!

Tall Centerpieces

The key to styling an outdoor reception is to fill the space as much as possible. Since tables generally take care of outward space, your attention can shift to decorating upward! Create visual levels and give your table some height with tall centerpieces such as vases or candlesticks.

photo by The Marions, event design by Katie Mullins Design, floral design by Doniphan Flowers & Gifts; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Wanderlust Creatives, floral design by Marie Floral and Event Stylist; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Sarah Libby Photography, event design by Affinity Affairs, floral design by Everything Beautiful OKC, rentals by Mariannes Rentals; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Lamb & Meadow, floral design by The Bamboo Orchid; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Hugo Coelho Fotografia, event design by My Fancy Wedding, floral design by Flor de Laranjeira; see more from this wedding here!

Natural Elements

Tree slices, antlers, and fruit – oh my! The types of natural elements you can use in your table decor are truly as expansive as nature itself, so consider the vibe of your wedding and the space you’re using to choose a selection of pieces to make guests go “ooh” and “ahh!”

photo by Artemis Photography and Ping Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Allison Harp, floral design by Pink House Floral; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Jordan Voth Photography, floral design by A Florae; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Jonnie and Garrett, event design by Tremaine Ranch; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Yoris Photographe, event design by Jenny Morel Weddings and Wedays, floral design by Elizabeth Delsol; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Peyton Rainey Photography, event planning by Peyton Rainey Photography and Bella Rose Bridal, floral design by Tony Foss Flowers, rentals by Borrowed Charm; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Emily Delamater Photography, wedding design by Take Off Events; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Evynn LeValley, event design by A Big Sur Affair, floral design by Big Sur Flowers, agate slice place cards by Invite Alice; see more from this wedding here!

Luxe Details

It’s no secret that we love a good design juxtaposition, and nothing offsets an outdoor reception like luxe details! Gold flatware, elegant table runners and beautiful china and glassware provide the perfect dose of contrast to your natural setting.

photo by Xandra Photography, event design by Divine Weddings, floral design by The Floral Fixx; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Anna Kim Photography, wedding design by Patty Flax; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Olive Photography, event design by June Bloom Events, floral design by Quill & Oak, rentals by Fancy Fox, Cynthia Findlay, Chair-Man Mills, The Perfect Table; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Blest Studios, event design by Penzi Weddings; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Jonnie & Garrett, event & floral design by Glorious Floral Designs, rentals by Classic Party Rentals; see more from this wedding here!

Seasonal Color Palette

photo by Emily Delamater Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Sugar + Soul Photography, event design by Divine Weddings, floral design by The Floral Fixx, rentals by C & T Rentals; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Hannah Costello, event design by To La Lune, floral design by The Dainty Lion, rentals by Abbey Rentals; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Kymberlie Dozois, wedding design by Sarah Alexandra Weddings, Events & Design; see more from this wedding here!

Overhead Lighting

If you’ve set your reception beneath the trees, there’s nothing more romantic than twinkling string lights or dangling lanterns. Set the mood with whimsical lighting strung from tree to tree!

photo by Jonas Peterson; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Olivia Strohm Photography, event design by Kualoa Ranch, floral design by Ocean Dreamer, rentals by Pacific Party Rentals; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Nhiya Kaye Photography, wedding design by Wildflower Weddings and Events; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Emily Delamater Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Abby Floyd Photography, floral design by Oberer’s Flowers; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Diktat Photography, event design by Call Me Madame, floral design by Bloomz Fine Flowers, rentals by Bali Event Hire and Supply & Demand; see more from this wedding here!

Hanging Decor

One of the most significant ways to make your outdoor space feel filled is by hanging things from above! Hanging decor creates a sense of ceiling in the openness above. From chandeliers to floral installations, the options for hanging decor are really endless!

photo by Xandra Photography, event design by Divine Weddings, floral design by The Floral Fixx; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Coley & Co Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Blest Studios, event design by Penzi Weddings; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Paula McManus Photography, event design by Betty Williamson, floral design by FloralEarth; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Amber Phinisee, event design by Alexandra’s Formals, floral design by Roy Lamb, rentals by Southern Vintage and Lake Oconee Rental; see more from this wedding here!

Looking for more outdoor wedding reception decor ideas? Get inspired by these posts!

Incorporate These Plants to Create a Tropical Wedding Anywhere in the World

6 Ways to Style Your Campground Wedding Venue

Get Inspired by These Cozy Wedding Reception Lounge Areas

65 Times Greenery Wedding Decor Proved Less Is More