There are few things more romantic than an ethereal, dreamy garden wedding. Perfect for spring and summer, garden weddings celebrate the fresh, vibrant food and flowers of the season while taking advantage of warmer temps. We’ve rounded up 14 garden wedding ideas — including a few tips and tricks — to help you get more bang for you buck and make sure your blooms look their best on your big day.
You can save big by using blooms native to your area that are naturally growing during the time of year — no flying in orchids from halfway around the world! But best of all, using fresh, local flowers will give your wedding that fresh-from-the-garden feel you’re looking for. Try growing the plants you want in your own backyard, and encourage friends and family to do the same (make sure to get a jump-start with our seed pots). Crafting your own bouquet isn’t as hard as you’d think — use our bouquet holders and insert your favorite flowers.
Photo: Brides
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Don’t shy away from fresh herbs, which can add texture, interest, fragrance, and greenery to your arrangements at little cost. They’re easy to grow yourself or source from a local farmer. Plus, fresh fruits and vegetables can serve as natural sources of color and interest. Here, blueberry and lavender come together for a one-of-a-kind garden-inspired boutonniere.
Photo: Once Wed
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No garden wedding would be complete without those quintessential petals spanning the aisle. Luckily, this is one place where you can easily go faux — most guests won’t get close enough to them to notice.
Photo: Style Me Pretty
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Where better to say your I Dos than under an arch, columns, or trellis dripping with fresh, fragrant blooms? Although this is likely to be a bit of a splurge, it’ll appear in your most important wedding photos for decades to come. (Or if budget is no issue, might we suggest an entire wall of flowers?)
Photo: Elizabeth Anne Designs
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Rely on leaves like boxwoods, eucalyptus, ferns, or whatever else is local to your area to flesh out your arrangements where florals can’t. You’ll create a natural backdrop for your ceremony and reception at a fraction of the price of fresh flowers.
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Containers are one of the easiest ways to garden: You can control the plant’s environment (including sunlight, water, and fertilizer) much better than in the ground. Fill pretty pots with your favorite blooms before your big day, care for them accordingly, then transport to your venue for decor that packs a one-two punch.
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Look to lush, green moss to add natural color, texture, and interest to your tablescapes and decor. We love the idea of a moss table runner, as well as using natural moss to fill a ring box.
Photo: Happy Chantilly
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Put nearby trees to work by using them to hang family photos, vases filled with flowers, or even a swing for little ones to play on.
Photo: French Wedding Style
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Help guests cool off with garden-inspired beverages like lavender lemonade, blackberry-mint juleps, or a rhubarb-basil cocktail. Shop cocktail glasses and napkins!
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Using a metallic or chalk-based permanent marker, write directly on real or faux leaves (if you’re worried about them staying fresh) for escort cards that are as garden-themed as can be.
Photo: Our Labor of Love Photography via Colin Cowie Weddings
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Maximize the flavors of the season as you plan your wedding menu. Think: fresh asparagus in spring; sun-ripened tomatoes in summer; and savory pumpkin come fall. Take your garden theme to the next level by garnishing your dishes with edible flowers such as pansies and violas.
Photo: Harvest and Honey
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Creating a garden-themed cake is as simple as taking a plain white cake and adorning it with blooms and greenery that match the rest of your decor. If you’re concerned about flowers touching your food, opt for faux.
Photo: Earth and Sugar
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Set the mood with soft, romantic lighting that drips from nearby trees. If your dance takes place outdoors, make sure you have enough to illuminate the dance floor.
Photo: Mod Wedding
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Whether’s it’s succulents in small glass containers or seeds they can start from scratch, send your guests home with a reminder of your garden wedding they’ll continue to enjoy for months to come.
Photo: B. Loved Blog
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