Emma here! Tell me if this sounds familiar. Your fiancé loves fishing. He hunts (or he goes to a cabin and drinks with his buddies, ha). His ideal day might include hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, hunting, or camping — pretty much anything related to being out in the woods, on a river, in a rustic cabin, or on a mountain. He can easily build an awesome fire like it’s no big deal, has a natural affinity of woodworking, and mowing the lawn or general outdoor yard work doesn’t bother him in the least (because at least he gets to be outside)

He might have a boat, on which he takes fishing trips on the weekend or for a Saturday afternoon and gives it a clever name; he also brings back some seriously awesome catches because it comes naturally to him. He might have a beard — or, he doesn’t, but he rocks some pretty awesome stubble on the weekend. And he probably owns at least one flannel shirt and a favorite pair of very worn-in jeans.

If any of these sound familiar, you are about to marry a true outdoorsman, a guy who loves to be surrounded by nature, go on adventures and explore the great outdoors.

And you’re lucky because if you’re not outdoorsy yet, you will be soon enough — or you’ll at least discover an appreciation for new hobbies you can do together (i.e. kayaking, hiking in the woods, or rustic camping, all of which I’ve acquired as wife to Andrew).

You’ll also notice that with your outdoorsy groom, he has probably picked a crew of outdoorsy groomsmen who happen to hone the same hobbies as he. Today We’re tackling some of our favorite attire ideas, beard tamers, outdoor groomsmen gifts, reception ideas, and more, all for that adventure-seeking dude you love oh-so-much (and his pals). In this post, we’ll show you how to apply some of the best outdoors-themed wedding ideas for your big day to surprise him. Enjoy!

Now, these are just a few ideas. Don’t feel pressure to totally change your wedding and make it more casual (if you were planning a formal affair), since your groom really just wants you to be happy. But these are fun ideas and things he’ll enjoy in case you want to surprise him.

1. Keep the groomsmen attire more casual

For outdoorsy groomsmen, keep them comfortable. Of course, they’ll wear anything you ask them to (since that’s part of the deal of being a groomsman), but your groom and his buddies’ attire should reflect his personality. Let it shine with something a little more casual — yet pulled together enough for a wedding.

2. Tie in (just a little) camouflage

Did you know there are camouflage wedding vests and ties? I didn’t know that either. Once you see it, you can’t un-see it, so if the idea of camouflage in lieu of that perfect tuxedo freaks you out, just hide this one from your groom if you’re not into it. ;)

Afterward, he can let go of the suit jacket and show off his camouflage vest and tie.

3. Send him out on a hunting or fishing trip to ask his groomsmen

We always talk about how to ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding, even by throwing an elaborate party. Guys are more casual.

The last thing they want to do is throw a fancy party just to ask their dudes to stand up in their wedding. But it is nice to officially ask them, so encourage him to do it in his very own way. Choose an outdoorsy groomsmen trip: his favorite woodsy cabin, a weekend camping trip, or a mountain biking excursion are just a few ideas.

4. Have your outdoorsy groom ask his groomsmen in a unique way

Nothing frilly or fancy here… when in doubt, just ask: What Would Ron Swanson Do? After all, he’s pretty much the king of the great outdoors.

These custom labeled whiskey bottles will do, a close second to “all the bacon and eggs you have“. :)

Another option? A cigar. Perfect.

5. Have them wear boots instead of dress shoes

Note: only if your wedding is casual and laid-back AND you’re cool with it.

Even better, get the bridesmaids in on the fun, too! (See this post!)

6. Pick out interesting boutonnieres for outdoorsy groomsmen

Traditional flowers are out! Choose something a little more his style, like these by Kate Said Yes.

7. Choose an outdoorsy venue

The woods, a barn, a farm, or nearby a river are all perfect venue choices for a rustic, outdoorsy theme. (For the ultimate guide on themes, read this!) Check out this guide on how to plan a wedding in the woods or this feature on barn weddings for more.

8. Throw in some fun outdoor entertainment for the reception

One of the best choices for an outdoor reception is corn toss. Get custom boards made and you can use them for years to come in your own backyard.

Here’s an ultra-manly camo corn toss board, perfect for having fun with outdoorsy groomsmen during the reception.

Oh! And definitely lawn Jenga. It’s essential. For weddings or life in general. I’ve always thought this game looked like so much fun. By HintofLimeCompany.

9. Get the only bottle openers he (and his groomsmen) will ever need

These bottle openers are made from handcrafted 50 caliber shells by military veterans. Made in the USA! By Bottle Breacher.

10. Three words: camouflage dress socks

You know, in case of cold feet! By The Yarddd.

11. Outdoorsy groomsmen love these beer holsters

By DrinkSlings. This is the most unique groomsmen gifts we’ve ever seen!

12. These awesome shotgun shell cuff links

From Diesel Lace Design.

Or these (which are real working compasses — how awesome!) by BJeweled Vintage:

13. Give your outdoorsy groom this awesome wedding band

He’ll love it. By Charitable Creations.

14. Deck out the wedding cake with a surprise topper

Here are a few of our favorites! I adore this first one from Anna Crafts.

15. Say thank you to outdoorsy groomsmen with a flask

One such find: this mountainous one by HORD.

16. Or one of these duck calls

They’re made from used Makers Mark bourbon whiskey barrel wood. By Farrell Woods.

17. And every guy should own one of these fishing lures

An absolute MUST for guys who love to fish. By C and T Custom Lures, aka the best fishing lures in the world.

18. For bearded groomsmen, one of these will come in handy

By Burton and Levy.

Or this folding beard comb by EngraveMyMemories.

And a little beard oil, too. By LussoSapone.

19. One of these leather dopp kits will hold his essentials

Dopp kits are a must-have!

20. And for hunters, a custom pocket knife

Include a leather case, too, for an ultra-personalized gift. Engraved pocket knife by Engrave Me This. Leather holder by Mr. Lentz.

21. Surprise your groom with a themed garter

Hunting? Found it:

Gone fishing? You got it:

22. Have a bonfire at night during the reception

You can serve up these s’mores favors, too!

23. Plan a fun engagement shoot

It doesn’t always have to be cozy blankets and coffee shops. Live a little! Show off his (or, both of your) hobbies and go on an adventure engagement shoot together. One of my favorites? Fishing!

24. Try an activity with him with NO wedding talk

Join him on one of his favorite activities (i.e. fish, go camping, try mountain biking, etc.) and have a ridiculously good time. Don’t talk wedding stuff. Just focus on the fun adventure at hand. You might just have a favorite new hobby together (if you don’t already).

25. This fun find (for after the wedding) for your outdoorsy groom

By Unicorn Tees.

BONUS: These flannel getting-ready shirts for the bridesmaids

These are too fun — we couldn’t resist. By The Bearded Bee.

So, which one is your favorite?

xo
Emma

Need even MORE ideas for groomsmen? See the 100 Most Unique Groomsmen Gifts!