Planning a wedding at an outdoor site opens the door to stunning natural backdrops, seasonal beauty, and endless creative possibilities. Whether you're already booked at a venue or still exploring options, thoughtful decor can elevate the atmosphere, highlight the surrounding scenery, and create a unique experience for you and your guests. At Lake & Wood, an outdoor venue in Placerville’s Apple Hill, we’ve hosted celebrations in every style—from spring through fall. Keep reading for some of our favorite ideas, inspired by the seasons and our serene forest setting.

How do you decorate an outdoor wedding in spring, summer, or fall?

One of the perks of choosing an outdoor wedding site is how seamlessly your decor can blend with the season. Since our venue is only open from spring through fall, we recommend drawing inspiration from the natural shifts in your surroundings.

Spring

Fresh greenery and new blooms make spring the perfect time to play with soft, romantic textures. Hanging floral installations, wooden arbors wrapped in climbing vines, and petal-lined aisles can all enhance the freshness of the season. Lean into gentle colors like blush, lavender, and sage, and consider playful details like pressed flower escort cards for a charming touch.

Summer

Summer weddings are the time to turn up the volume. Bold florals, saturated linens, and textured place settings thrive in the summer sun. Keep guests cool and comfortable with shaded lounge areas featuring parasols or vintage umbrellas, and add unique lighting or lanterns to keep the celebration going after sunset.

Fall

As the leaves change, lean into warm tones and organic textures. Decor like dried grasses, earth-toned linens, and velvet runners creates a cozy, intimate vibe. You can also incorporate fall produce—like pears, apples, or dates—as subtle nods to the season.

Define the Space

Outdoor venues often come with wide open spaces. Use decor to create structure and flow without taking away from the natural beauty.

Frame your ceremony with a custom-built arch, floral meadow, or ground altar installation
Use rugs, petals, or candles to define the aisle
Set up welcome signage or directional markers to guide guests to key areas
Designate lounge zones with outdoor furniture, low tables, and throw pillows

Elevate the Tablescape

At our lake wedding venue, many couples choose to dine al fresco under the stars (or umbrellas, when temps are high). This is where your decor can really shine!

Opt for natural materials like wood, linen, and stone to complement the surroundings
Add dimension with taper candles, bud vases, and layered place settings; rattan chargers are our current go-to.
Personalize your table numbers, menus, or place cards with hand lettering or botanical elements

What are some affordable ways to decorate an outdoor wedding?

It’s often the small, thoughtful details that make a wedding unforgettable! Depending on the season, consider offering practical comforts like fans in the summer or cozy blankets in the fall. You can also add local flavor with guest favors like wine or seasonal produce from businesses within the Apple Hill Growers Association. For a rustic yet beautiful touch, try displaying your seating chart on an easel, vintage door, or antique windowpane. A guest book station is another easy way to personalize your space. Nestle a small table within our patio area, featuring framed photos or floral arrangements that tie into your overall palette.

Embrace the Surroundings

One of the best things about decorating an outdoor wedding venue is that the setting does a lot of the heavy lifting. Minimal, intentional decor often goes the furthest. Choose floral elements that mimic the local plant life, and let the natural beauty of the lake, trees, or mountains set the tone. At The Lake & Wood, we’ve seen couples let the landscape lead, designing weddings that feel both effortless and elevated.

Book a Tour and Start Planning

If you're dreaming of a nature-forward celebration at an outdoor wedding site, our private forest venue might be exactly what you're looking for. Located in Apple Hill, Placerville, and open from spring through fall, Lake & Wood offers a serene setting, versatile spaces, and endless potential for personal touches. Want to see how your vision can come to life here? Book a private tour to explore the space and start dreaming up your design.