Outdoor events are some of the most beautiful places for a flower wall - a garden party, a marquee wedding, a summer festival. They're also where things go wrong if you don't plan for the British weather. The short answer: yes, you can use a flower wall outdoors, but wind is the thing to respect.
The biggest risk: wind
A solid 8ft x 8ft flower wall acts like a sail. Even a moderate gust can push over a stand that's perfectly stable indoors.
- Weight the base. Use sandbags or stand weights on every foot of the stand.
- Anchor it. On grass, secure the stand with ground pegs and ratchet straps. Where possible, tie the frame back to a fixed structure such as a marquee pole.
- Use shelter. Set the wall against a building, hedge or the side of a marquee rather than in an open space.
- Go smaller. A narrower wall catches less wind. On a breezy site, a 1.6m wide wall is safer than a 2.4m one.
- Check the forecast and be ready to say no. If strong winds are forecast, move the wall inside or under cover. A toppled wall is a safety risk to guests, not just a damaged product.
Rain
Artificial flowers won't be ruined by a light shower, but they shouldn't be left out in heavy rain.
- Set up under cover - a marquee, gazebo, veranda or porch - whenever rain is possible.
- If panels get wet, dry them fully before packing to avoid mould and musty smells.
- Keep electrics such as neon signs well away from rain, and only use them under cover.
Sun
A day in the sun won't hurt, but artificial flowers can fade with long-term exposure to strong UV. For one-off events this isn't a concern. For long outdoor installations, choose a shaded spot.
Marquees: the best of both worlds
Marquee weddings and parties are ideal for flower walls - sheltered from the weather, but with an outdoor feel. Position the wall at the end of the marquee behind the top table, or at the entrance as a welcome backdrop. Check with the marquee company where you can tie off to the frame.
Designs that suit outdoor events
- Green Tropical - blends into gardens and natural settings.
- Citrus Fruit - bright and summery, perfect for garden parties.
- Artificial Greenery Wall Panels - 14 foliage designs that look natural outside.
- Pink & White Foliage - pretty, with enough green to sit comfortably in a garden.
An outdoor checklist for event companies
- Check the forecast 48 hours and again on the morning of the event.
- Pack sandbags, pegs, ratchet straps and a dust sheet.
- Agree a plan B indoor position with the client in advance.
- Put weather conditions in your terms and conditions.
- Dry everything before it goes back into storage - see transporting and storing flower walls.
Frequently asked questions
Can artificial flower walls get wet?
A light shower won't ruin them, but avoid heavy rain and always dry panels fully before packing them away.
How do you stop a flower wall blowing over outside?
Weight the stand with sandbags, anchor it with pegs and straps, set it against a sheltered structure, and move it inside if strong winds are forecast.
Can I use a flower wall in a marquee?
Yes - marquees are ideal. Check with the marquee company where you can secure the frame.
Find the right wall
Browse flower walls with stands or the full flower wall collection. Planning a wedding ceremony outside? An arch may suit better than a wall.