How to Prep for Food Outdoors

Amanda Allaby
6 days ago
3 min read

I’ve learned one golden truth: when it comes to outdoor weddings, the food situation can make or break the day.

So if you’re dreaming of dining al fresco under twinkle lights, sipping rosé as the sun dips below the horizon, and sharing a toast with the breeze in your hair—I'm here for it. But let’s make sure the dreamy outdoor food experience doesn’t come with soggy sandwiches, melting desserts, or a raccoon problem.

Here are my top tips and tricks to make outdoor wedding food actually fabulous—and stress-free.

🍽️ 1. Choose the Right Menu for the Setting

Let’s be real: not all foods play nice outside. Say goodbye to delicate soufflés and hello to hearty, weather-friendly fare. I love menus that can hold their own against heat, wind, and wandering bugs. Think:

Grilled meats or veggie skewers
Seasonal salads with sturdy greens (kale > spinach here)
Hand pies or sliders (aka: mess-free heaven)
Tacos with toppings served separately to avoid sogginess

Pro tip: Avoid creamy sauces unless you’ve got serious cooling equipment. Swap mayo-heavy sides for vinaigrette-based ones.

🧊 2. Keep It Cool (or Hot!) with the Right Equipment

Whether it’s 85 and sunny or a breezy fall afternoon, temperature control is non-negotiable. The last thing anyone wants is lukewarm shrimp or sunbaked cheese.

Here’s what I always have on hand:

Chafing dishes with sterno cans for hot dishes
Coolers and ice baths for cold drinks and salads
Thermal catering bags to transport food to the site
A pop-up prep tent if there’s no kitchen access

And if you’re hiring a caterer (which I highly recommend), make sure they’re experienced with outdoor events. Ask how they plan to keep food safe—and stylish.

🐜 3. Bugs Be Gone

Ants, flies, and mosquitoes all love a good buffet. Don’t let them RSVP “yes.”

Bug-fighting tricks I swear by:

Mesh food tents to cover platters
Strategically placed citronella candles or discreet fans (bugs hate wind!)
Table centerpieces with fresh herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary—natural repellents that look and smell amazing

🌬️ 4. Weatherproof Your Setup

Wind happens. So do unexpected showers. That’s why I always plan like the sky might fall.

Secure everything with clips or weights (napkins, tablecloths, even name cards)
Have a Plan B tent or shelter ready to go—even a clear-top tent adds elegance and protection
Use covered serving stations to prevent debris and sneaky birds

And always check the weather forecast (and double-check it the morning of). I once had to move a carving station under a tree—chic in theory, squirrel-infested in reality.

🍷 5. Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station

Want guests to stay hydrated (and happy)? Let them help themselves.

I love using:

Large glass drink dispensers with spouts (one for water, one for lemonade, one for something boozy)
Ice buckets with individual drinks (think mini wines, canned cocktails, local sodas)
Cute chalkboard signs or tags so guests know what’s what

Bonus: It takes pressure off servers and keeps the line moving.

🎉 6. Embrace the Vibe with a Food Truck or Grazing Table

This is your permission slip to skip the traditional plated meal! Outdoor weddings are the perfect excuse to get creative.

Consider:

A food truck park with a taco truck, wood-fired pizza, and a dessert van
A grazing table overflowing with cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie
A late-night snack station with popcorn, pretzels, or s’mores kits

It’s fun, interactive, and keeps guests mingling.

👰 Final Thoughts from Your Planner-in-Chief

Outdoor food service is part logistics, part vibes, and 100% doable with the right prep. Don’t be afraid to get creative, hire professionals who know the terrain, and always—always—have a backup plan.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you can’t control the weather, but you can control whether your pasta salad turns into a sad puddle.

Here’s to fresh air, full bellies, and the kind of wedding where everything (including the food) feels effortless.

Cheers to your beautiful day!