What’s better than a serene and intimate wedding in the heart of nature, but close to the city? You can get some of the best wedding photos in the private gardens of the La Foce estate in Tuscany, or among the olive tree pathways from the same city in Villa Cetinale, and be in awe at the architectural pieces that surround greenhouses.
Since the wedding will definitely be stressful, organizing it closer to nature will also help manage stress during the event. Still, if you want to make the most out of natural elements, it’s best to plan the wedding during spring or summer to benefit from blooming trees or different types of flowers.
Regardless, planning a wedding in general is challenging, but choosing a garden as the location makes it even more special. So, here’s how to establish it in a few simple steps.
Prepare your outfits accordingly
While a garden-located wedding seems dreamy, you may need to dress differently than in an indoors one, especially according to the season. Here’s a brief list of the best materials or dress types for every temperature:
- For a fall wedding, couples should opt for a dress with sleeves and suits made of cotton. Wedding guests could opt for clothes in colors like gold, orange, or rust;
- An outdoor winter wedding requires outfits made of a wool blend, whereas colors for the outfits could be jewel-toned;
- A spring wedding requires lighter clothes and brighter hues, such as romantic pinks, so pastels are widely accepted;
- A summer wedding in the gardens allows the bride to wear a strapless or sleeveless dress from linen, chiffon, or lace;
When it comes to shoes, the ladies should consider the environment, whether it’s grass, gravel or cobblestone. Usually, the safest choice is the block heel, which is both stylish and supportive. However, it’s best not to underestimate the flats, wedges, or mules for maximum comfort.
Pick the best theme and décor
The best thing about a wedding held in a garden is that half of the decoration is already provided by nature. With plenty of trees surrounding the location, as well as well-maintained bushes and flowers adorning living walls, the key is to properly plan the decoration so as not to obstruct the natural elements, but to highlight them.
For example, you could shape the ceremony entrance with a lining of fresh flowers that seem to grow from the ground. You could pick something like spray roses and lavender delphinium for a whimsical look. You could also consider surrounding the ceremony arch with flowers in the same color as the wedding theme.
Other innovative ideas include a suspended flower chandelier, garden-grown centerpieces on the dining tables, and having a cake meadow.
Make sure the site is weather-proof
A garden wedding is amazingly beautiful, but don’t forget about the unpredictability of the weather, as well as the small inconveniences of being outdoors. Being prepared for any possible situation will help get out of trouble and allow the party to continue, so consider:
- Having an event cancellation insurance, so you’re protected against cancellation or postponement;
- Getting essential amenities like rain ponchos and umbrellas, as well as sunscreen and caps for any weather change;
- Keeping people updated on the next steps of the wedding in accordance with the weather;
- Have a backup plan, or an indoor area that can be used if the outdoor one isn’t suitable anymore;
Another important aspect to remember when it comes to weatherproofing the outdoor wedding is the footwear. If there is a risk of rain and the terrain will become muddy, you may want to consider rain shoe protectors that guests can use to cover their footwear.
Be mindful of the catering part
Dining outside is one of the best things at a wedding, especially when the warm weather allows you to. However, this might be a challenge for the catering team, who must have a designated space to place the food to avoid spoiling. Some vendors offer specialized catering tents that come equipped with kitchen equipment, plateware, and glassware.
Cooking outdoors may also be more suitable during hot weather, allowing you to introduce unique dishes to the menu, such as wood-fired pizza or roasted pork. When it comes to appetizers, opt for a variety of mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres for cocktail hour and plated meals for dinner, which will eliminate the worry of pests buzzing around the food. This usually happens with buffets or family-style dishes.
Ensure the location is as comfortable as possible
Besides ensuring the wedding is ready for any type of weather forecast changes, it’s also ideal to ensure your guests are comfortable. For instance, an outdoor wedding might expose them to different bugs and pests that can be pretty annoying, especially when the air’s already humid and the temperatures are rising.
Therefore, the grounds of the location should be professionally treated at least three days prior to the wedding, but for enhanced functionality, you could ask the florist to introduce plants bugs don’t like in the decorations. For example, lavender, marigolds, and peppermint are effective against mosquitoes and can also deter other bugs, making them a functional and decorative choice for placement around the ceremony and reception.
It would also be ideal to have an outdoor tent with side walls for any unexpected situation. Protecting guests from even a light downpour is necessary to keep everyone safe and content, as the weather can be unpredictable and often accompanied by strong winds.
Final considerations
Outdoor weddings are on the rise, as they offer numerous opportunities for stunning photos and unforgettable moments. However, planning it might be more complex than with an indoor wedding, as you must consider unpredictable factors, such as the weather or insects, and have a contingency plan in mind to counteract them if they become a problem. Having the right clothes and shoes for the specific type of terrain is the most important, so make sure to announce the guests early before the event so they can prepare accordingly.
