In the age of global quarantines and pandemics, a trip to the movie theater feels like something from another life. Although some theaters are now opening up, it’s hard to feel safe sitting in a public room for hours surrounded by people you don’t know.
Instead of making a trip to the movies, consider having your own outside movie night. It will let you enjoy all the same elements of a movie theater but at your home surrounded by friends and family. So what do you need to do to set up?
Keep reading for ten tips that’ll help you host the outdoor movie night of the century.
1. Invest in Some Outdoor Rugs
As the sun dips down and the temperature drops, you want to make sure that your guests are warm and comfortable. Having several outdoor area rugs for them to lay on can help them stay comfy, and also work to deter some creepy crawlers from bothering them.
Try getting different sizes: smaller rugs for individuals or couples, and larger ones for groups. You should also pay attention to color. If you can, try to maintain a cohesive theme.
2. Bring Enough Extension Cords
Having a backyard movie party means that you’ll need to figure out how to power a laptop, projector, speaker, lights, and anything else that requires electricity. Make sure you calculate how many extension cords you need beforehand. You don’t want to plan a movie night to realize that you don’t have the means to display the film.
Once you figure out how many you need, it’s not a bad idea to keep a few extra extension cords on hand.
3. Have Different Seating Options
Some guests will want to lay down, while others may want to sit in more traditional seating. Ensure that you have seating options that cater to different guests with different needs.
Aside from outdoor rugs, get some comfy chairs and pillows. Some people might be happy sitting on a pouf. Having different options gives something for everyone.
4. Offer Blankets
If you’ve ever been to a drive-in movie theater, you know how important comfortable blankets are. Like rugs, blankets will not only help keep your guests warm but will also prevent insects and any damp grass from being a problem.
Have some outdoor throws on hand for anyone who wants them. Odds are, there’ll be one person who gets cold once the film starts playing.
5. Let There Be Light
Lighting an outdoor movie setup can be tricky. You want it lit up enough that guests can move around if necessary, but you also want to make sure that people can see the movie without a problem.
String lights, paper lanterns, and stake lights around the perimeter can provide the right amount of light. Have a plan before you start purchasing lights; figure out which areas you want to light up and the lighting type that’ll work and look the best.
6. Find a Quality Projector
When you compare an outdoor movie theater with an indoor one, you realize how important a quality projector is. Although a dark room can excuse a cheap projector, the same isn’t true for an outdoor movie setup.
Don’t go bankrupt investing in a projector. However, you should make sure that it has good reviews and will do the job. Investing in a high-quality one can save you from having to spend on another projector later on.
7. Find the Right Screen
If you’ve never hosted a backyard movie party before, it might seem like a good idea to hang a white sheet for a screen. It is easy and convenient, as most households have an old sheet to use. You might be able to get away with this, but understand that it’ll wrinkle, sag, and fall.
If you feel that you’ll be hosting multiple movie nights, consider purchasing a quality movie screen.
8. Don’t Forget the Snacks
Regardless of where it takes place, it’s a fact that every movie night requires snacks. Providing popcorn and other treats can be enough, but why not take things to the next level?
Try to arrange candy on a tray in a decorative way. You can also have a big bowl of popcorn that guests can then scoop into individual bags. Provide different sweet and savory condiments for them to sprinkle on top afterward.
9. Keep Decorations Tasteful Yet Simple
If you don’t have many decorations in your backyard, hosting an outdoor movie night can be a good time to get some. Yet understand that with design, less is often more.
Don’t worry about investing in big and expensive decorations. After all, movie nights should be casual. Instead, look for small touches you can do to make things look nice. For example, instead of having a big and ugly cooler for drinks, have colorful buckets full of ice and drinks in glass bottles.
10. Choose the Right Film
Remember that when watching a movie outside, the atmosphere will be different than when watching one inside a room. Choose the right movie for the night.
If it’s summertime, classics such as Grease or American Graffiti can be good choices. You can also choose colorful movies, such as a Wes Anderson flick. These will allow colors to shine through, regardless of how much light there is.
Wondering How to Have an Awesome Outdoor Movie Night? Try These Tips
If you’re looking at hosting a backyard movie party, it can be difficult to know what to do to ensure the party is a success. But by following this guide and these ten tips, you’ll be able to have an outdoor movie night that your guests talk about for years to come.
Do you have any other outdoor movie night ideas? Let us know in a comment down below!
If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure you check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips
