Ideas to Enhance Your Garden Party Wedding
I fell head over heels for garden party weddings the moment I stepped into one. It was like walking straight into a Bridgerton ball, minus the corsets and British accents. This wedding theme is taking the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s so chic and Romantic with a capital R.
Why Garden Party Weddings Are in Style
Garden party weddings may be trendy right now, but outdoor venues with lush florals have been popular since the dawn of weddings. Here’s why couples are obsessed…
- Who needs truckloads of décor when you have nature as your decorator? Flowers everywhere? Check. Lush greenery? Double check.
- Say bye to stuffy indoor venues and breathe in the fabulous fresh air.
- Pick your dream color palette – from spring blooms or autumn hues – nature is ever-changing.
- Dancing under the stars is the ultimate way to celebrate your love with your nearest and dearest.
Romantic Garden Party Themes
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Aesthetic |
Garden Wedding Decor Ideas |
Garden Party Wedding Attire |
Food & Drink |
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Whimsical Garden Wonderland |
Oversized flower installations, mushroom stools, vines, fairy lights |
Flowy wedding dresses, pastels, flower crowns, sandals, colorful suits |
“Eat Me” cookies, “Drink Me” cocktails, teacup appetizers |
|
Farmer’s Market Chic |
Picnic baskets, greenhouse motifs, delicate florals, chalkboard signs, mason jars |
Casual mismatched bridesmaid dresses, gingham, suspenders, straw hats |
Farm-to-table buffet, wedding cake covered in fresh fruit |
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Regency Era Realness |
Ornate candelabras, topiaries, wisteria arches, white florals |
Empire waist gowns, delicate lace, tailcoats, gloves |
Fancy tea sandwiches, scones, champagne fountain |
|
Modern Fairytale |
Neon signs, geometric terrariums, greenery walls, metallic accents |
Sleek wedding dresses, vibrant colors, bold suits, statement accessories |
Deconstructed classic dishes, craft beverages |
One couple I worked with at River Garden in Vista, CA, threw a “Bridgerton After Dark” themed bash. Imagine: regency gowns meet candlelight and lush drapery in a tented conservatory. It was wild, elegant, and totally Instagram-worthy!
17 Unique Ideas for Garden Themed Weddings
Flower Bar
Set up a DIY flower bar where guests can create their own bouquets or flower crowns.
Living Champagne Wall
Use a hedge or trellis to hang champagne flutes for a unique drink display.
Butterfly Release
Include a butterfly release during your ceremony for a magical moment.
Floating Flower Installation
Create a stunning overhead display with flowers suspended from invisible wires or hung on an arbor.
Romantic Candle Clusters
Flickering candlelight is just what your romantic garden party reception needs. Let’s go flameless, though, because safety first, darlings.
Floral Ice Cubes
Freeze edible flowers in ice cubes for a pretty touch to drinks.
Garden Game Station
Set up lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, or giant Jenga.
Herb-Infused Favors
Give guests small pots of herbs or infused olive oils as favors.
Living Table Numbers
Use potted plants or mini topiaries as table numbers. These could also double as favors.
Mix in Vintage Furniture
Imagine stunning lounge sets with regal vintage pieces mixed with modern touches for some eclectic charm.
Hanging Garden Seating Chart
Display seating assignments on a wall of hanging plants or terrariums.
Tea Party Corner
Create a cozy nook with vintage teacups and a selection of teas.
Edible Flower Food Station
Incorporate edible flowers into a cheese or dessert display.
Floral Swing
Install a swing adorned with flowers for a whimsical photography spot.
Garden Tool Escort Cards
Use mini garden tools like spades or watering cans as unique escort card holders.
Living Wall Backdrop
Create a wedding ceremony backdrop or photo booth wall using a dense arrangement of plants.
Flower-Pressed Cocktail Napkins
Offer cocktail napkins with pressed flowers for a delicate, romantic touch.
Setting the Scene at River Garden
River Garden in Vista, CA is like the queen bee of garden party venues. It’s got that perfect blend of lush landscapes and chic spaces that’ll make you feel like actual royalty. The Pavilion Lawn is 7000 sq. ft. of green carpet, ready for your grand entrance. And the Conservatory? It’s a glass-enclosed garden dream, seating 200+ guests in style. Rain or shine, your garden party vibes are safe here.
Venue Shopping 411
When hunting for your perfect garden spot, keep these questions in mind…
- Can it handle my guest list and their plus ones?
- Are there enough bathrooms? (Trust me, it matters)
- What if it rains? Is there a Plan B that doesn’t suck?
- Can I bring my DJ, or must I use Uncle Bob?
- Is the catering flexible, or am I stuck with chicken or fish?
River Garden’s got the answers you want to hear. Flexible spaces? Check. Weather backup that’s actually cute? Check. Vendor freedom? Double-check.
Outdoor Wedding Essentials | Garden Edition
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Must-Haves |
Why It’s Crucial |
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Parasols |
Sun protection but make it fashion |
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Fancy Fans |
Keep cool while looking hot |
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Lanterns or String Lighting |
Because your guests need to see as they make their way to the dance floor |
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Bug Repellent |
The least romantic part of the outdoors is the bugs |
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Cozy blankets |
Stay warm at night with vintage shawls or throws |
Spilling the Tea | FAQs
How do we keep the garden party going if it rains?
Clear umbrellas for everyone! Or opt for a venue like River Garden that offers gorgeous indoor/outdoor options that don’t skimp on the garden vibes.
What should my garden wedding bouquet look like?
Your bouquet should reflect your personal style while embracing the garden party vibe! Some garden wedding bouquet ideas include…
- A mix of seasonal blooms like roses, peonies, and wildflowers
- Loose, natural arrangements that look freshly picked
- Pops of greenery for a lush, garden-fresh feel
- Soft, flowing ribbons to complete the look
Recently I’ve seen micro-bouquets trending. Imagine one or two stems or mini puffs of baby’s breath.
How do we incorporate garden elements into the menu?
Think seasonal and local. Lavender-infused cocktails, edible flower garnishes, and herb-crusted entrees are all crowd-pleasers.
What should the timeline look like for my garden wedding?
Here’s an example of a classic wedding day timeline…
- 3:00 PM: Guests arrive (fashionably on time)
- 3:30 PM: Ceremony
- 4:00 PM: Cocktail hour (let the drinks flow)
- 5:00 PM: Reception kicks off
- 6:30 PM: Dinner
- 8:00 PM: Dance floor opens (TikTok choreo, anyone?)
- 10:00 PM: Last dance
If you’re a morning person, garden-themed weddings also lend themselves beautifully to brunch timelines, too.
Where are the best garden venues?
Southern California is a treasure trove of stunning garden venues! From lush botanical gardens to charming vineyard estates, there’s a perfect outdoor setting for every couple. The best part? Choosing a SoCal venue means your wedding becomes a mini-vacation for you and your guests.
For you to have the best wedding day (or weekend) ever, here is a local guide to Southern Cali for those unfamiliar with the area.
Let Your Love Bloom
Garden party weddings are the perfect blend of romance, whimsy, and pure joy. They’re a chance to step into your own fairytale, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of your favorite people. If you’re dreaming of a garden party wedding that would make even Lady Whistledown swoon, River Garden in Vista is your spot. It’s got the looks, the space, and the versatility to bring your romantic vision to life.
