How to Plan a Garden Party Wedding & Creative Ideas

A garden party wedding is a simple, peaceful, and elegant choice for your big day. It allows every guest to feel the happiness of this event while taking in the gorgeous scenery. And the decoration doesn't have to be very complicated, as nature already provides the best backdrop. So if you want a classic, countryside style for this special moment, throwing a wedding party in the garden is definitely a top recommendation. 

However, the simple nature of such a celebration doesn't mean simple preparation. From venue selection to food and drink arrangements, there's a lot to consider. In this blog, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to create an ideal garden wedding ceremony. Read on to make your dream wedding a reality!

How to Plan a Dreamy Garden Party Wedding

Keeping everything on track is the key to a memorable garden party wedding. Though it may seem uneasy, making full preparation for your special moment is possible, and it could be very easy if you follow the right steps. Here's what you should do:

Select the Right Garden Wedding Venue

Choosing the proper venue is a top priority, as it helps to set the tone for the wedding setting that you and your partner have always dreamed of. You may choose almost any season for your wedding date, but different locations will complement different garden party wedding themes.

Common garden party wedding venues usually include conservatories, wineries, manors, estates, farms, and even your own backyard. But economically speaking, the most cost-effective option is your own backyard. Since it's your private property, you don't need to pay for additional rental fees. Plus, a backyard wedding can still be just as charming and exciting.

However, like any outdoor scene, you have to think about the weather for your garden wedding party. When planning a backyard wedding, never forget to set up a tent. It will protect your guests and all the necessary equipment from any weather condition, like the harsh sunlight, heavy rain, or strong winds.

A pole tent would be just sufficient for such an occasion. This simple structure is made up of just two parts: a frame and a cover. This means it's very easy to install or dismantle. But don't be fooled by its simplicity - the quality is also outstanding. Its frame is made from aluminum alloy, a lightweight yet durable material that's highly resistant to rust and erosion. And the 100% weatherproof cover ensures less UV harm and no water leaks through.

If you want a conservatory wedding, you can use an atrium tent to replicate this atmosphere. With a span of up to 80 meters, it's perfect for large-scale weddings. The elegant design makes it particularly suitable for a garden party wedding. The transparent roof and walls let natural light in and give guests a beautiful view of the outdoors while they enjoy their meal.

No matter what venue you choose for your ceremony, a tent is an essential tool. It plays an indispensable role, not just as a weather solution to protect your wedding from bad weather, but also as a versatile space for various functions.

For example, when hosting a farm wedding, you can set up a party tent to serve as the reception area, after-party space, or even a dance floor. Anyway, never ignore the tent as it has become an essential part of the venue selection and preparation. 

Set the Garden Party Wedding Attire Dress Code

The dress for wedding garden party will determine the vibe of your special moment - and this is not an exaggeration. If you don't provide guidelines on what to wear, guests may simply choose what they think is appropriate for the occasion. Then it's very likely to cause a mix of casual and formal.

For a garden wedding party, the ideal garden party wedding attire should be both elegant and comfortable. For example, light fabrics like chiffon or linen work well. They keep guests cool in an outdoor setting. Floral prints, soft pastel colors, or classic neutrals are often great choices for dresses, while light suits or dress shirts with no heavy fabrics are suitable for men. 

If you have specific requirements for the dress code, remind everyone in advance. Try to make everything easy for guests by encouraging them to work with what they already have in their wardrobes. 

And please remember: approach the matter with an open and understanding attitude. A perfectly tailored dress code may not always be achievable. Too many strict guidelines could cause unnecessary stress for your guests, so it's best to keep things flexible. 

Design Romantic Garden Wedding Flowers

No wedding is complete without flowers, and a garden wedding party has an even greater demand for them. When you are choosing flowers, opt for those with soft tones and that are easy to pair with other elements like ribbons, lace, and pearls to elevate the wedding scene.  

Generally, there are two main ways to choose your wedding flowers: by season or by specific décor placement.

There are often a variety of options available in spring, such as lilacs, daffodils, tulips, roses, and freesias. While in summer, hydrangeas, wildflowers, and sunflowers are perfect choices. In autumn, mums, lisianthus, and harvest-themed elements like branches or reeds can bring in a warm feel. Evergreen plants, holly, or white roses, and frosted elements are better options for winter.

You can also choose flowers based on their placement in your venue. For example, climbing vines are perfect for decorating the ceiling or archways. Table arrangements may suit smaller blooms like roses or delicate lilies, while arches could have more abundant flowers like cascading greenery or large floral arrangements.

Other Garden Wedding Decoration Ideas to Enhance the Vibe

In addition to flowers, you may also need other garden wedding party decorations to elevate your celebration, including:

• Lighting: The wedding lighting should be soft. String lights, lanterns, or fairy lights are good options. You can hang them across trees, around the reception area, or inside the tent to give a warm, intimate glow. Add spotlights or uplights to highlight key areas like the altar or the cake table if you have a stage.
  

• Arches/Backdrop: A floral arch or decorated backdrop can be a stunning focal point for your ceremony. It's a great idea to use flowers, greenery, balloons, ribbons, and fabric drapes to create an elegant and romantic frame.
  
• Dining Tables: Set your dining tables with elegant tablecloths, soft floral centerpieces, and candles. You can also incorporate delicate lace or wooden accents to match the natural outdoor setting.
  
• Vintage Decor: Adding vintage elements like old wooden crates, antique furniture, or classic picture frames can make your garden wedding party even more charming. These pieces can be used for holding flowers or as decorative focal points around the venue.
  
• Flower Petals: Scatter flower petals along the aisle, on tables, or in the reception area. You can choose petals that match your wedding colors or season to bring extra beauty to the space. Usually, pedals from roses, peonies, daisies, or lavender can be good for a romantic wedding.
  
• Hanging Decor: Consider hanging items like floral garlands, lanterns, or even small decorative chandeliers on trees or the tent ceiling. But remember to double-check the stability of each piece to prevent it from falling, especially if it's near walking areas or where guests will be gathering.
  

Send the Garden-Inspired Invitations

Preparing garden party wedding invitations is often an overlooked yet crucial part of any ceremony. A well-designed invitation gives guests a sneak peek at the wedding theme and sets expectations for the event.

You can incorporate natural elements such as flowers, leaves, or greenery into your invitations. Floral patterns, watercolor designs, or botanical illustrations will reflect the garden theme. Or you can directly use petals, dried flowers, or small twigs attached to the invitation card. 

The recommended colors are soft pastels and greens. They can perfectly complement the garden theme. If you're unsure of color options, these two will never go wrong. Moreover, you can personalize your invitations with more unique details, such as a custom wax seal with a leaf or flower design, or lace ribbon accents. You can even use kraft paper or recycled paper to give your invitations an eco-friendly, rustic look.

Wedding Food & Drink

There are various options for food and drinks, but making a considerate arrangement is no easy thing. You have to consider everyone's preferences.

A good way to make full preparation for the wedding food is to choose simple, delicious, and familiar options. You can also ask your guests ahead of time about dietary restrictions or preferences. The regular choices would include hot dishes like roasted chicken or grilled vegetables, and desserts like wedding cake or fruit tarts. For snacks, consider bite-sized treats such as mini sandwiches or savory pastries.

As for drinks, try to offer as many options as you can. Non-alcoholic drinks like soft drinks, juices, lemonade, or mocktails are great for kids or non-drinkers, while a selection of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer, champagne, and signature cocktails, can cater to adult guests. 

To ensure the best taste, consider using warmers for hot food and ice buckets for cold drinks. If preparing these things all by yourself makes you feel too overwhelmed, then hiring a caterer can help, as they can manage everything from appetizers to drinks for you.

Conclusion

The most difficult part for an unforgettable garden party wedding is not finding garden wedding ideas, but putting them into practice. To get fully prepared, no matter what venue you choose, we highly recommend setting up a wedding tent. Be it sunshine, rain, snow, or whatever the weather brings, you and your guests can enjoy an ideal garden experience under such a protective shelter.

As a brand with nearly a decade of experience in outdoor tents, Sheltent provides the best solutions. Choosing us means selecting a lifelong partner. All of our wedding tents are crafted from high-quality materials, including aluminum alloy frames and galvanized steel components, with 100% waterproof PVC covers. We also offer insightful ideas to help you create the perfect wedding.

If you are seeking a reliable tent supplier and finding creative ideas for a garden wedding party tent, just reach out to us today!