
Do I Want an Indoor or Outdoor Wedding and Reception?
Deciding between an indoor wedding ceremony or reception and a wedding ceremony or reception held outdoors?
Regardless of which you choose, either one can be turned into your dream wedding atmosphere, though there are positives and negatives to either scenario.
You should be careful to weigh all of your wedding venue options, narrowing them down as you go. Answering the title question will help you eliminate many of your venue options, getting you that much closer to finding the perfect spot to celebrate your “I dos.”
To help you with your decision, we have compiled a pros and cons list that better lays out the choice between an indoor wedding and an outdoor wedding.
The Indoor Wedding Venue
PROS
No Weather Issues. One of the biggest pluses to an indoor wedding is that there is no stress or worry over unpredictable weather. Rain is not an issue, neither is snow and clouds, wind and blazing sun are all non-issues, which equals a load off of the couple’s mind. Granted, weather will play a small role in wedding photos and perhaps transportation, but weather at an outdoor reception is such a huge worry—especially for brides—that indoor weddings are often chosen because of this reduced risk factor alone.
Temperature Control. Is the groom notoriously warm, even in the cooler months? Is Grandma always cold, even in the summertime? When you’re outdoors, there is little you can do about temperatures, except to provide hand fans to guests and/or encourage them to bring sweaters. You control the temperature from the beginning when you’re hosting an indoor wedding reception. Plus, you can seat your guests under vents or next to fans depending on their affinity for getting chilly or overheated.
CONS
Space Constraints. This will always be a factor for indoor venues. Depending on the size of your wedding, this may not be an issue for you. Every indoor venue has a maximum capacity, though it will vary slightly if you’re having a cocktail reception or a seated dinner. This number is non-negotiable, as per fire codes and other safety restrictions, and must be taken into account before booking (or even looking at) indoor venues.
Logistical Issues. Most indoor venues have tried to address logistical issues for larger events such as weddings, but, especially here in Boston, there are so many old, charming buildings that just don’t have the most convenient parking, delivery ramps, docks, etc. This can prove challenging for vendors trying to load in equipment and décor for your wedding, but that isn’t necessarily your concern. Vendors are professionals, many of which deal with logistical challenges every day. They will be the ones to figure out this “con” for you.

The Outdoor Wedding Venue
PROS
Atmosphere. On that perfect, clear, starry night, there isn’t much that can compare to a beautiful outdoor wedding reception. Outdoors is truly where the majority of our most breathtaking receptions have taken place. For all that extra stress over the pending weather report, a night like this is worth every worry in the long run. You simply can’t recreate that kind of beauty indoors.
Costs. There are a few extra costs that you must consider when hosting your wedding outdoors. If your outdoor location does not include a tented area, for example, we recommend you rent one for your reception to cover the tables and dance floor—both of which you might also have to rent separately.
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Denise is an Event Planner at BG Events & Catering.