Garden weddings are often a popular choice among engaged couples due to their timeless aesthetic, and they make for the perfect backdrop for photos. From choosing a venue with a lush outdoor space or creating your own oasis with florals, garden weddings can effortlessly give you and your partner the romantic feel that you're hoping for.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Kara Hanes Photography
Many wedding pros love this trend, and they’re excited to share their expertise for executing a flawless botanical fête.
"When hosting an outdoor event, you should have an excellent 'Plan B' that you can get excited about. A stylish tent can add to the charm of a garden wedding while still keeping everyone comfortable. Think about adding a tent that uses sustainable materials. Canvas tents are gaining popularity for couples who want to combine elegant and earthy neutrals that blend into the garden. Another option is a clear tent; it allows the surrounding beauty to be seen through the tent while protecting the event from the weather. Clear tents are trending because they allow guests to feel as if they are dining under the stars al fresco, making a seamless connection with the surrounding gardens." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"Garden weddings often extend into the evening, and lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance. String lights, lanterns, and even candles can add a romantic, magical touch as the sun sets. This will enhance the ambiance for you and your guests and also make for great photos as well. For daytime ceremonies, use shade to help keep your guests cool and give your photographer optimal light to use while shooting." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
"Comfort for your guests is key. Lay a rug in the grass and add patio furniture or a relaxing couch to create conversational areas. Add in some throw pillows for a pop of color and added comfort. Create added items such as parasols or harisen fans to help eliminate the sun kissing their skin and control the temperature. With this touch, your guests will be sure to remember your day as relaxing. This can be a simple addition and appeal to all ages. Classic games like croquet, cornhole, giant Connect Four, or oversized Jenga can add elements that make it playful. These elements also encourage your guests to mingle and relax." —Kara Hanes, Kara Hanes Photography
"Choosing flowers that are seasonal can really accentuate the vibe of the event. If you are having a fall wedding, leaning into flowers that reflect the yellows and oranges can really help tie everything in the garden together. Utilize the natural garden features as focal points for your ceremony location. If there are large central trees or naturally occurring arches, use those points as the altar for your ceremony." —Colton Simmons, Colton Simmons Photography
"It’s important to note that garden weddings don’t have to be outdoors! If you have an indoor venue, especially as we go into the colder months, there are plenty of ways to work with your florist and design team to transform your space into a floral wonderland. Consider opting for overgrown floral & greenery arches or hanging installations, even entryway statement pieces to wow your guests on their way into the party." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
"Share your florist's plans and/or the images of the gardens from your venue with your stationer, so you can have the save the dates and invitations coordinate perfectly with the garden vibe your wedding will exude. We often custom-illustrate specific florals for our couples, so the stationery design is a perfect match with the flowers that will be used at the wedding. Illustrations of the specific florals that will featured at the wedding are the ultimate way to bring everything full circle because the save the dates and invitation will be the first impression for the guests, so wow them with flowers from the very start. We have filled invitation boxes with moss and other dried florals to present the stationery, further driving home the garden wedding feel. Choosing seeded cardstocks can be the perfect way to keep your wedding eco-friendly while encouraging the guests to create their own garden by planting the seeded paper after the wedding." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
Incorporating botanicals into your décor and embracing the natural beauty of your venue's outdoor space is a no-brainer; you can't go wrong with having blooms and greenery stealing the show!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
