Planning a Garden Wedding
Is it any wonder that so many couples choose to hold their weddings outdoors in a garden area or other natural space? Gardens create exceptional and exquisite nuptial backdrops, especially during the warmer late spring, summer and early fall months.
Of course, planning an outdoor wedding on a budget can seem overwhelming at first. What arrangements do you have to make? How should you organize the garden wedding in general? And how much does an average garden wedding cost?
Below, we'll look at some ways to have a garden wedding that you'll never forget. Use this brief checklist as a springboard for planning an outdoor wedding yourself or with the help of a wedding package from a preferred event venue.
Consider the Season
The season you want to get married in should guide your garden wedding. For instance, let's say you choose to get married in December. In Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region, some gardens will be out of season.
However, an outdoor wedding in the winter months is still possible. It just means you have more limitations, such as getting married under heated tents in a picturesque natural setting. Or, you may want to find a place where you can get married in front of large windows or a patio that offers sweeping outside views.
Or, you may be thinking of planning your garden wedding at a warmer time of year, such as May, June or September. If that's your goal, make sure you ask your potential venues which flowers and plants will be in bloom. The answer could guide other choices, such as wedding color schemes.
Have a Plan for Any Weather
One of the biggest realities of planning a garden wedding is that you can't predict what Mother Nature will do. As a result, you have to be ready for any type of weather. It can just as easily snow in April as rain all day in early October. And you can't ask the clouds to stop for your picture-perfect moments. However, you don't have to let the unpredictable weather dampen your spirits.
The trick with a garden wedding is to plan for any possibilities. This strategy could mean renting a large tent with the understanding that you can also rent space heaters from your tent rental company, if necessary. Or it might mean having a second (and perhaps third) wedding venue area where you can go, just in case.
Let's use rain as an example. Though you might hope that your garden wedding happens under sparkling, sunny skies, you may contend with storms or muddy grassy areas. Therefore, when you visit outdoor venues, ask about their alternate arrangements in case of inclement weather. Most will be able to show you some other possibilities.
Use the Space to Your Advantage
An outdoor wedding gives you lots of opportunities to design and arrange your venue space creatively. Many natural spaces and gardens present you with one-of-a-kind features. At your venue, walk around and let your imagination run wild.
Would it be nice to get married under the natural arch formed by the boughs of two trees? Could you say "I do" in a gazebo with guests seated around the structure in a circular pattern? Do you want to get married in a meadow or field so that the gardens are in the distance as a backdrop? You have full license to maximize the space in any way you see fit.
Of course, this aspect might seem challenging, particularly if you've never given thought to the ins and outs of an outdoor garden wedding before. Feel free to ask your planner or the representative at your venue for advice. You might also want to check out photos online of garden wedding ceremonies and receptions. Note how other couples have arranged people within the spaces. Ultimately, you want everyone to feel comfortable while they share your special day.
Add Your Own Twist
Like all wedding sites, gardens give you the chance to bring out your personality. You don't have to do what everyone else has done. In fact, most wedding venues are happy to try something new so they can add pictures and videos to their portfolios! There are several twists on garden and outdoor weddings you can consider.
If you love a venue but don't see an ideal place to get married, you could always rent a nature-inspired archway. This feature allows you to control where you stand and have a great place for pictures during the ceremony. Another idea would be to design the space so it recalls elements of a bygone era, such as the Renaissance or 1920s. Renting special furniture, fountains or lighting can transform a simple garden into a space that recalls the time of your choice.
Remember that you don't have to keep your reception outside, either. Many couples host outdoor ceremonies and then move the rest of the party and reception indoors (or onto enclosed or semi-enclosed patios). The flow of your wedding is completely up to you. Again, think about what will be most delightful and safe for you and your guests.
Keep Your Budget in Mind With Baywood Weddings
There will be no typical answer concerning how much a garden wedding will cost. Weddings can be small or large and have various unique elements, so the budgets differ greatly. Consequently, you could spend a little on a big but budget-conscious wedding or a bit more on an intimate, upscale experience.
The trick to staying in control of your garden wedding budget is to understand wedding costs and plan accordingly. That way, you'll make sure that you have money set aside for all the extras that you want, such as high-quality catering or a popular DJ.
Not sure how to keep track of everything as you look forward to your garden wedding? Download our exclusive wedding planning guide for all the insider details you need to feel confident as you move forward with organizing an unforgettable outdoor event.