Wedding in the gardens: tips for hosting the perfect outdoor celebration
There’s something undeniably magical about outdoor weddings. Maybe it’s the combination of fresh air, open sky, natural lighting, the tranquillity of nature and the delicate wedding décor set against lush scenic backdrops that creates a dreamy atmosphere and makes everything feel all the more romantic and special.
Even the most luxurious venues pale in comparison to nature’s beauty and can hardly compete with the charm of an open-air celebration. So, it’s understandable that more and more couples prefer to tie the knot in a natural setting, and many of them are choosing gardens as the ideal location for celebrating their union. Garden weddings feel intimate, effortlessly sophisticated and have a fairytale-like vibe to them, which is sure to deliver a memorable experience for both the happy couple and the guests.
However, there’s quite a lot of work that goes into planning an outdoor event and achieving the captivating ambiance we described, so if you’re thinking of hosting your wedding reception in a garden, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind.
The comfort level
When it comes to garden weddings, it’s only natural to get excited about all the pretty things like flower arrangements, table settings and other décor elements that can help you bring your dream wedding vision to life. After all, that’s the most exciting part about planning an alfresco event.
However, the beauty of the scenery shouldn’t be your only focus, since a wedding venue should be both visually appealing and functional. Lawns, gravel, and cobblestone paths might contribute to the overall aesthetic and look absolutely charming, but they’re not exactly high-heel friendly or suited for a party. Besides, getting an outdoor space ready to welcome a considerable number of people dressed to the nines requires special considerations.
Therefore, ensuring all guests are safe and comfortable is an aspect that you can’t afford to overlook if you want things to run smoothly. To that end, you might want to rent a vinyl floor to make sure no one gets stuck in the mud, ruins their attire, or hurts themselves while dancing or getting around the venue.
Providing adequate toilet facilities to avoid long lines for the restroom and placing plenty of trash bins to manage waste effectively. Ensure comfortable seating arrangements, set up hydration stations to keep guests hydrated throughout the celebration and create shaded areas if the weather is hot.
The weather
On a similar note, you also need to prepare in case the weather decides to surprise you. As every versed wedding planner will tell you, you don’t mess around with the elements. The last thing you want is to have your guests feel ill from standing in the scorching sun or get drenched by a sudden shower.
Depending on the season and location, you might need to plan for different scenarios and take into consideration the possibility of dealing with extreme temperatures, rain, storms and other unexpected weather phenomena, since these have become increasingly common in recent years. Installing a tent as a backup plan is always a practical solution as it can provide shelter from the elements, if need be, allowing you to continue the celebration even if Mother Nature is not on your side.
The attire
Although not any less spectacular than indoor events, outdoor affairs tend to be less formal, since they lean towards a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. So, the dress code for these types of celebrations should fall somewhere between semi-formal and dressy-casual.
Let’s translate that into attire. Generally, women should opt for simple and elegant dresses made of breathable fabrics. Sundresses, tea-length or maxi dresses are all suitable for the occasion. For the bride, flowing A-line style gowns or airy silhouettes with delicate detailing seem to be the right choice for an outdoor ceremony.
As for the mother of the bride and groom dresses and bridesmaids’ outfits, the options are quite varied, ranging from stylish midi gowns to floral or pastel-colored gowns that harmonize perfectly with the natural setting.
In terms of footwear, wedges, block heels, or low-heel sandals are the best choices since they are more comfortable and make it easier to move around on uneven terrain, minimizing the risk of sinking into the grass or tripping over some hidden obstacle.
The logistics
There are many moving parts you need to stay on top of when organizing a garden wedding. Think about how the day is going to unfold and what you need to do to ensure everything goes as planned. Do you need to plan for guest accommodation somewhere near the venue or prepare a space where you and the attendees can get ready? How are people going to get there and move around? If the location is a bit remote, you might need to ensure transport for the guests, especially for those who have mobility issues.
Don’t forget about lighting installations and setting up the catering kitchen. A beautiful décor won’t make up for poor organization, and since the number of tasks you have to handle can easily become overwhelming, hiring a wedding planner might be the only solution to keep things under control.
The décor
Now, onto the fun part: wedding décor. Since you’re getting married outdoors, nature has already taken care of most of the work for you, with the garden in itself serving as the main décor element. You only need to add a few touches and details to bring everything together. Think arrangements made of seasonal flowers, candles, linens in soft colors draping the tables and chairs, floral arches and backdrops, fairy lights and other whimsical decorations.
Planning an outdoor affair is not a simple task, as it comes with unique challenges that you wouldn’t have to deal with if you’d celebrate your nuptials in a conventional indoor setting, but the stunning scenery and unique atmosphere definitely make it worth the effort.
