Spring and summer weddings are a time for exuberant colours – bright yellows, reds, purples, blues. These colours befit the glorious seasons when nature explodes in all its rich variety. So, if you’re green fingered and a devotee of all things horticultural, why not explore the idea of having a garden-themed wedding? There are so many clever ideas with which to capture the theme perfectly. Whether you wish to recreate the old world charm of an English country garden, or the laid back chic of a French farm, below are some of the most fun and unique ways to personalise your garden-themed wedding.
Unlike other themes that require endless dithering and pondering over, the garden theme is rather straightforward. There are just two things to remember when researching your garden theme – that you can never have enough flowers and, above all, that simplicity is the order of the day!
Flowers in Abundance
Yes, flowers are the mainstay of all weddings. The garden theme gives you the perfect chance to really push the floral boundaries, incorporating as many as you can into your big day. Pot plants are a particularly charming element in any garden, so dozens of colourful English blooms in terracotta pots lining the aisle will be a great prelude for your garden theme, which your guests will discover at the reception.
Floral garlands have become quite popular for those wanting to embrace all things Victoria; and it’s also ideal for a garden theme, conjuring up images of Edwardian tea parties in sprawling manor houses and rustic country fêtes in Cotswold villages. Floral garlands can be used across the ceiling and on the dining tables. Along with the bunting, try also stringing some dried flowers across the walls, and include some carefully arranged on the tables. Perfect to look at, and fantastic thanks to their sweet fragrance, especially if you incorporate dried or fresh lavender.
Beauty in Simplicity
Remember that the success of a garden theme lies in creating beauty from simplicity. This is none so true than when styling your wedding tables. Bales of hay, covered with an old tartan blanket make for the perfect seating, whereas tree trunk placemats and guests’ names written on bark from an oak tree are delicate touches that will demonstrate your attention to detail. Also, taking the theme further, you can refashion old antique work benches as dessert and flower tables, along with having string vases hanging on shepherd’s crooks.
Wedding Ideas Mag highlighted the delightful English country garden wedding of Dave and Amy from Hampshire. Follow the link to see images about their big day, and you will find out that the success of their garden team lies in the careful personalisation, such as stringing up old family photos of the couple and adding other unique additions to the décor.
For more décor inspiration, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings have put together an interesting post on styling your wedding outdoors – “Enhance your outdoor setting with pretty decorations. Go for pom poms in trees, floral arches, ribbon backdrops, benches, hay bales, an open sided marquee or even hanging lampshades like the couples below.” To host your garden wedding, Gosfield Hall, a Grade 1 listed building, nestled in the rural splendour of Gosfield, Essex, is the ideal location.
