Some people want nothing more than a large wedding venue that almost feels like a palace, with luxurious interiors and a look that resembles a movie set. However, others prefer an outdoor location, out in the sun and fresh air, where they feel freer and in their element. If you’re part of the second category, the best option is to have a garden wedding, since it combines nature with comfort and is much more accessible than something that is a full-blown hike. However, just because you’re having your ceremony in a garden doesn’t mean that there’s no need to prepare. In fact, outdoor weddings can require a bit more preparation, so it is better to get started as soon as possible to ensure all aspects are covered.
The location
The first and most important step is to determine which stunning backdrop you’d like to use. Some places will require you to put in more effort than others, so if you’re not prepared for that, it is always better to go for something you know will be as simple and straightforward as possible. The most casual alternative is a backyard wedding, but if you want to enjoy a more romantic atmosphere, a larger garden, park, or even a forest would be preferable. Most of the things you need to have in order are the same as the ones you’d arrange if you had an indoor ceremony.
Make sure that the DJ or band is available on the date of your wedding, and talk to the photographers, catering companies, and officiants in due time. Ideally, the team you’re working with should be accustomed to the particular intricacies of garden weddings so that things don’t go amiss. You must let them know that the nuptials will take place outdoors so that you can take care of any specific requirements they might have for the venue as well. There are so many miscellaneous odds and ends to take into account in order to have things going smoothly that this is an absolute must.
The outfits
Since you’ll be having a garden wedding, it would be a waste not to focus on a natural, floral theme to go along with the location. This is especially since a garden wedding will most likely take place in spring or summer, when flowers are in bloom and foliage is verdant. The dress code should, ideally, not be too formal since it will most likely look out of place and overly stiff for the environment. The bridge should naturally be the star of the show.
Your wedding must be elegant and romantic, as well as reflect the beauty of the setting. Make sure it is also comfortable enough to allow you to walk and move around. Floral embroidery and lace are the elements that will fit right in with such a dress, especially if it comes with an A-line silhouette, one of the most versatile choices and a universally flattering alternative. An off-the-shoulder neckline will add an additional touch of femininity and romance, and while the color can definitely be the standard, pristine white, you can also go for something a little softer, such as ivory or champagne.
A pair of nude kitten heels or block heels, as well as wedges, are the most practical choices for walking on grass, as very high and thin heels are much more likely to get stuck and cause you to trip. The bridesmaids should be dressed in florals and hues such as emerald, lilac, baby blue, flamingo pink, sage, or grape. Mermaid dresses, thigh-high slits, halter necklines, spaghetti straps, ruffles, and bows are some of the design choices that would fit bridesmaid gowns, as they’re sweet and whimsical.
The gardens abroad
If you want a small wedding with just a handful of guests and don’t mind travelling for it, you can pick a garden from a different country as well, since the logistics of bringing everyone there won’t be as complex. The La Foce estate in Val d’Orcia, between Rome and Florence, offers the quintessential Italian elegance and architectural heritage that is so beloved all over the world. The gardens blend into the picturesque Tuscan setting with their pathways and symmetrical layouts, but if you’ve been dreaming of a French wedding, you can host it at the Château de Sannes.
These structured gardens are lined with cypress trees and strewn with clear ponds that make them perfect for any wedding. The Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire is for those who like the naturalistic, soft, and more informal look of the English gardens, instead of the structured, geometrical design of its Italian and French peers. This location has a secluded wall garden as well for an atmosphere that feels soft and intimate, while the rustic charm of the surrounding countryside makes for a celebration that is wholly unforgettable.
The menu
Determining what your wedding menu will look like is very important. The best choices for a garden ceremony are foods that feel light and airy and which can be eaten while walking around and socializing. A sushi bar is a must, since it is versatile, refreshing, and can incorporate seasonal ingredients. You can also set up a diverse lineup this way and include alternatives for those who are allergic to fish or seafood or who follow a vegan diet. A grazing table is also a good idea. It includes an assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits that can be mixed together to create unique flavors.
Salad with shrimp, cucumber, mango slices, and edible flowers; fresh flatbread with arugula, lemon, and prosciutto, quinoa cakes with smoked salmon and tomatoes; dumplings; surf and turf skewers; black bean and corn salad; fresh burrata; eggplant tarts; roasted beets; and mini ice cream cones are just a few of the dishes you can consider for your wedding so that you come up with a complex menu that everyone can enjoy.
Having a garden wedding is a wonderful choice if you enjoy the outdoors and want to be married under a great oak tree with your friends and family surrounding you. However, remember that just because the venue itself already exists doesn’t mean that this option doesn’t take any work and effort. If it is your dream, though, it is very much worth it.