Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Venues: What’s Best for You?

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make while planning your big day. It's the stage for your memories, your photos, and your story. And one of the first questions most Aussie couples face is: Do we go indoor or outdoor?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your style, your budget, your guests, and even the time of year. Some couples imagine saying “I do” under open skies with native blooms all around, while others dream of a candlelit indoor setting with elegant floral arrangements and perfect lighting.

So how do you decide what’s right for your wedding? Let’s walk through the pros and cons, and look at how florals — the heart of every celebration — can help bring your vision to life, no matter the setting.

Each Setting Has Its Own Vibe

There’s something magical about both indoor and outdoor venues. Indoor weddings offer comfort and predictability. You're protected from the weather, have access to power and facilities, and can lean into more dramatic styling. Think luxury hotels, historic buildings, or rustic halls — all giving you that reliable structure to plan around.

Outdoor weddings, on the other hand, bring you closer to nature. Whether you’re getting hitched in a coastal park, a country vineyard, or your own backyard, the fresh air and open space set a relaxed tone that many couples love. It’s casual, romantic, and full of natural beauty.

The decision really comes down to what kind of experience you want to create — not just for you, but for your guests too.

Why Indoor Wedding Venues Might Be Right for You

1. Rain, Wind, or Shine – You're Covered

One of the biggest drawcards for indoor venues is control. You won’t be watching the weather forecast every hour during the lead-up. Indoors, you know exactly what you’re working with — dry floors, comfortable temperatures, and no wind blowing over your decorations or hairstyle.

2. Perfect for Formal or Luxe Styling

Indoor spaces often suit formal or traditional wedding themes. If you’re planning a black-tie celebration, ballroom-style dinner, or anything that calls for mood lighting and refined décor, an indoor venue gives you more control over the atmosphere.

3. Easier for Setup and Access

Electricity, toilets, air-con or heating — it’s all there already. There’s usually staff on-site to help, too. For florists, planners, and caterers, this can make things smoother and faster. And for older guests or those with mobility needs, access is generally better.

What Makes Outdoor Weddings So Special

1. A Natural Backdrop That Does the Work for You

Nature offers a beauty you just can’t fake. Whether it's bushland, beach, or a blooming garden, you don’t need to do much to make the space stunning. Often, a floral arbour, a few statement arrangements, and nature does the rest.

2. A Relaxed, Open-Air Feel

Outdoor weddings are often more laid-back. Guests can move about more freely, and there’s usually more space for kids to play or for casual seating setups. The natural light also makes for stunning photos.

3. A Chance to Embrace Seasonal Blooms

Getting married under the open sky? Seasonal florals can really shine here. Whether you’re after a native wildflower look or a soft, garden-style vibe, outdoor venues give you the freedom to play with natural textures and colours that blend beautifully with the environment.

Styling Flowers for Indoor vs Outdoor Venues

At Best Buds, we know that flowers are more than just decoration — they bring the entire setting to life. And how we approach floral design changes depending on the venue.

Indoor Venue Styling

Indoor spaces allow for more structure and dramatic installs. Think:

• Hanging floral chandeliers over the dancefloor
  
  

• Statement entrance pieces to wow your guests as they arrive
  
  

• Table garlands and elevated centrepieces that add elegance without clutter
  
  

Lighting plays a big role indoors, so we often use reflective vases, candles, and florals that enhance the mood and colour palette of the room.

Outdoor Venue Styling

Outdoor spaces give us the chance to work with the landscape. That might mean:

• Floral arbours or arches that frame the ceremony perfectly
  
  

• Petal-lined aisles for a soft romantic touch
  
  

• Grounded installations that mimic a blooming meadow
  
  

• Floral touches on seating, signage, or outdoor tables
  
  

We also make sure arrangements can handle a bit of wind or sun. Every bloom is selected with care — we don’t just design for beauty, but for resilience too.

What to Consider Before You Choose

Weather & Season

Let’s be real — Aussie weather can be unpredictable. Even in summer, there’s the odd downpour or stinking hot day. If you go with an outdoor venue, make sure you’ve got a wet-weather backup, like a marquee or indoor space nearby.

Guest Comfort

Older guests and little ones can find it hard being outside for too long — especially if there’s no shade, seating, or shelter. Indoor venues are usually more accessible and provide more comfort.

Budget & Inclusions

Outdoor venues often require more setup — you might need to hire toilets, lighting, furniture, and even power. Indoor venues tend to offer more as part of the package. But keep in mind: the savings on décor might balance things out if your outdoor space is already gorgeous.

Real Aussie Venue Ideas to Inspire You

• Outdoor favourites: A vineyard in the Hunter Valley, a coastal lookout in the Whitsundays, or a bush property near Margaret River.
  
  

• Indoor charm: A rustic barn in regional Victoria, an old town hall in Sydney, or an art gallery in Brisbane.
  
  

Wherever you choose, flowers will help bring it to life.

Can’t Decide? Have Both!

Why not split the day? Many couples choose to hold the ceremony outdoors and the reception indoors — or vice versa. It’s the best of both worlds. And with thoughtful floral styling, we can make sure both spaces feel connected.

For example, we might use the same colour palette and flower types in both areas, or create a feature piece (like your arbour) that gets moved and repurposed indoors after the ceremony.

Related Topic: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue in Australia

Final Thoughts – It’s All About What Feels Right

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to wedding venues — just the one that suits you. What matters most is the experience you want to share with your guests, and the memories you want to hold onto.

No matter where you celebrate, flowers will set the mood, frame the moment, and reflect your story. At Best Buds, we work closely with couples across Australia to design wedding flowers that suit their venue, their style, and their budget. Whether you’re planning a beach wedding, a city celebration, or something in between, we’re here to bring your floral vision to life.