Tips for Outdoor Weddings, Corporate Retreats & Social Gatherings

There is something undeniably magical about an outdoor event — whether it’s a sunset wedding, a relaxed corporate retreat or a summer social under twinkling lights. But dreamy as they are, outdoor gatherings come with a few extra things to consider when it comes to the menu.

From navigating weather to keeping food fresh and safe, here are our go-to tips for crafting a menu that works with the setting — not against it.

1. Choose Weather-Friendly Dishes

Our food and beverage coordinator, Justo, says it best: It’s all about taking seasonal ingredients and weaving them into trusted “mother” recipes that can adapt based on what’s freshest and most flavorful at the moment.

Take mid-summer salads, for example. Stone fruit is a favorite — sweet, juicy and full of color. But when the fruit is underripe? We grill it like a steak with fresh herbs and salt to bring out its flavor and tenderness. When it’s perfectly ripe (or even just a little over), we serve it raw or blend it into a vinaigrette.

Same base recipe. Different weather. Always delicious.

In general:

Warm weather: Light, vibrant dishes like chilled salads, seafood, grilled vegetables and citrus-forward plates work beautifully.
Cooler temps: Think comfort food — roasted meats, warm grains, soup shooters and dishes with cozy spices that feel like a hug.

2. Keep It Fresh — and Safe

Food safety is always important, but especially outdoors. Limited access to running water and fluctuating temps mean a little prep goes a long way.

A pro tip from our team: Vacuum Sealers.
When transporting raw proteins, sealing them flat and marinated in vacuum bags is a game-changer. It keeps everything chilled efficiently and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination onsite (because no one wants raw chicken juice near their salad).

Also smart? Lots of gloves. Easy to stash, easy to use and one less thing to stress about.

3. Think About Ease of Eating

Outdoor events are more relaxed by nature and the menu should match that energy. Choose foods that are easy to serve and enjoy — handhelds, small plates, or build-your-own options are great ways to keep things moving without sacrificing flavor or experience.

Skip overly delicate items that might melt, wilt, or blow away. Instead, focus on dishes that hold up well and feel approachable.

4. Hydration & Beverage Ideas

Keeping guests hydrated (and happy) is key. A favorite go-to? The Arnold Palmer — with a twist. It’s simple, nostalgic and easy to batch ahead. Spike it or serve it as-is—either way, it’s a win across age groups.

Infused water stations, spritzers, and fun mocktails also work great for warm-weather events. For cooler nights, consider warm cider, mulled wine, or even a signature hot cocktail.

5. Lean Into Seasonal & Nostalgic Favorites

When it comes to ingredients and crowd-pleasers, simple nostalgia can be your secret weapon. A perfectly sliced watermelon (rind on!) or a classic ice cream sandwich? Hard to beat in the middle of summer.

Small touches like these add charm and bring back warm memories for guests — turning your menu into something they’ll truly remember.

Planning an outdoor menu is about more than just what’s on the plate — it’s about creating an experience that feels effortless, thoughtful and perfectly in tune with the setting. With the right prep, seasonal ingredients, and a little creativity, your menu can become one of the most memorable parts of the event.

Vendors:

Photographer - Grady Hinton Photography

Rentals - CoHost Rentals