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othing really beats the whimsy and magical grandeur of a garden wedding. Paired with perfect weather, clear skies, and lovebirds against a natural backdrop, garden weddings can be quite the image for your big day. But just because it’s set against nature doesn’t mean it’s easy to pull off. Mastering how to plan a garden wedding with expert tips is a sure way to ensure your dream day turns out as beautiful as you imagines.
The truth is, garden weddings require a lot of work to put together. And figuring out those moving parts is half the wedding stress! In this piece, we’ll explore just how you can plan your perfect garden wedding with ease and finesse.
So what is a Garden Wedding?
Just like the name suggests, a garden wedding is a wedding ceremony that happens in a garden. These weddings are often famous for their whimsical decor, imitating the youthfulness of springtime.
Garden weddings tie in themes of romance, nature, and new beginnings and are one of the most popular wedding themes to date. Because they draw inspiration from nature itself, the decorative element of a garden wedding is almost endless!
Here are 8 things to consider when planning a Garden Wedding…
#1. Dress your bridal party appropriately
It’s critical to remember your bridal party when you plan your garden wedding. The elements and outdoorsy nature shouldn’t make them too uncomfortable to enjoy their bridesmaid duties.
If your garden wedding is during the warmer months, opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or linen and backless dress options. For cooler months, consider shawls or stylish jackets that complement the wedding colors. Ditch the stilettos and go for wedges or flats to avoid sinking into the grass.
Colors also play a major role when it comes to dressing your bridal party according to your wedding themes. For instance, if you’re planning a spring garden wedding, lilac bridal party dresses with flowing bouquets can be perfect! Or for those stunning fall weddings against foliage, rose gold gowns for bridesmaids are a top pick.
#2. Consider the season
The season will heavily influence your garden wedding. Seasons are at the forefront of planning a garden wedding. Depending on your regional climate and time of the year, you’ll be able to decide how to decorate, what to wear, and your overall theme.
Here are some things that the season can bring you:
- Spring offers blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
- Summer delivers long daylight hours but could bring intense heat.
- Fall provides stunning foliage, though cooler temperatures might call for extra preparations.
- Winters can give you greater availability for venues and vendors, but the weather can be quite harsh.
#3. Define and dress your space to be cozy
Now here’s an issue you might not realize just yet: outdoor spaces can feel too expansive if you don’t properly define them. Create clear boundaries for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception areas to make the event feel intimate. For this, string lights, hanging greenery, or wooden signs directing guests will be your best friends.
Comfortable seating and soft textures, such as blankets or cushions, will also enhance the cozy vibe. If your wedding extends into the evening, incorporate plenty of lighting to keep the space warm and inviting. Think lanterns, fairy lights, or even a fire pit for added charm!
#4. Tell your guests it’s an outdoor wedding
Don’t want disgruntled guests littering your wedding pictures? Tell them it’s a garden wedding on the invite! Mention specifics. Are we walking on gravel? Or is it a grassy ground where the heels will dig right in? Do they need to bring in extra shawls? Or SPF to re-wear now and then?
This way, they can dress appropriately and plan for potential weather conditions, such as bringing an extra layer for chilly evenings or wearing more comfortable shoes for grassy areas.
#5. Rent out nice restrooms
Indoor weddings don’t have to worry too much about the restroom situation. But if you’re going outdoors, you’ll need to pay attention here! If your venue doesn’t have a restroom on site, portable restrooms can be a lifesaver–but don’t settle for basic units. Luxury restroom trailers are an excellent option. In fact, they provide amenities like air conditioning, full sinks, and stylish interiors that match your wedding’s elegance!
#6. Protect yourself from bugs
The grass is greener on the other side (or so it seems for the bugs). If your heart is set on a garden wedding, just accept the fate that your wedding theme is an open-letter invitation to bugs. Bug bites, buzzing mosquitos, or even an occasional bee sting have been known to happen.
But if you don’t want these on your big day, you’ll need to get your venue sprayed with pesticides 3–4 days in advance. You can also decorate your venue strategically by placing citronella candles along the aisle! Or you can even use bee-deterring flowers like marigolds, lavender, and peppermint in your decoration to create a bug-repellant zone.
#7. Use the natural scenery to your advantage
One of the biggest reasons behind garden wedding’s popularity is the nature itself. So why not use it to your benefit? Consider framing your ceremony with a large tree, a lush garden arch, or a natural scenic water feature.
Flowers in bloom or golden hour lighting can eliminate the need for extensive decorations. Work with your florist to accentuate the natural beauty rather than overshadow it. For example, soft floral arrangements or a flower-petal aisle can complement the existing greenery.
#8. Hire seasoned caterers
Outdoor catering requires special expertise. Garden settings don’t always provide the same infrastructure as indoor venues, so hire caterers experienced in outdoor weddings. They’ll know how to manage food safety in warm weather and adapt to limited prep areas.
Ask them about their arrangements for refrigeration, cutlery management, and food service too, ensuring they align with your vision. Make sure your caterers always have an indoor space— even if it has to be a tent— so that the catering prep and food service aren’t littering your ambiance during the event.
Conclusion
Planning a garden wedding is no small feat. But with the right preparation, it can make up for one of the most magical days of your life. Consider the season, lean into the natural settings, and communicate your vision to the wedding stylist, bridal party, and guests alike to bring your Pinterest board to life!
Ready to start styling your bridal party with the best dresses? Come check out our collection at Chicsew and find the perfect bridesmaid dress today!
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