What Are the Best Tips for a Garden Wedding?
Let’s be real—planning a wedding can already feel like herding cats. Now throw in some grass, bugs, unpredictable weather, and that one cousin who “doesn’t do outdoors,” and you’ve got yourself a garden wedding. Romantic? Absolutely. A logistical mess waiting to happen? Also yes—unless you plan it right.
I’ve been to a few garden weddings (survived a couple too), and lemme tell you, they can be breathtakingly beautiful or total chaos depending on how much prep goes in. So, if you’re dreaming of saying “I do” under twinkle lights and tree canopies, here are the best tips for a garden wedding that’ll help you pull off the outdoor celebration of your Pinterest dreams—minus the stress rash.
Choose the Right Garden Venue (Yes, They’re Not All Equal)
Let’s start with the basics: location, location, location. Not all gardens are created equal.
What to Look For in a Garden Venue
- Shade options: Because nobody wants to squint through your vows or melt like a popsicle.
- Restroom access: Sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked how many beautiful gardens forget the whole “people need to pee” part.
- Backup space: Rain happens. Make sure there’s a covered plan B—tent, pavilion, something!
- Electricity access: DJs, lighting, catering equipment—yep, they all need power.
Pro Tip: Visit your venue at the same time of day as your ceremony. That way, you’ll know where the light hits, how windy it gets, and if the bugs throw a party at dusk.
Weatherproof Your Wedding Like a Pro
Listen, Mother Nature doesn’t care that you’ve spent six months picking a blush-toned color scheme. So you’ve got to prepare for literally everything—sun, wind, rain, or all three in the same hour. 😩
Must-Have Weather Precautions
- Tents or canopies for shade or drizzle
- Umbrellas (and not the sad, dollar-store kind)
- Blankets or shawls for guests if it gets chilly
- Fans or misting stations for those scorching afternoons
FYI: Always double-check the wind. That dreamy floral arch might look like a sailboat if you don’t anchor it properly.
Dress for the Grass (Seriously)
You love stilettos. I get it. But heels + soft lawn = an unintentional aerating session. Do yourself (and your guests) a favor and choose footwear that won’t sink into the ground.
Garden Wedding Attire Tips
- Chunky heels or wedges for brides and guests
- Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, linen, or lace (because sweating through satin is not cute)
- Minimal trains unless you’re cool with your dress doubling as a leaf collector
And please, for the love of all things stylish, remind your guests it’s a garden wedding. Nobody wants to be that guy sweating in a black tux at 2 p.m.
Keep the Bugs Away (But Don’t Smell Like a Campfire)
Ah, bugs. Nothing like a mosquito bite right in the middle of your first dance. You don’t need to fumigate the place, but you do need to plan ahead.
Bug-Repelling Tricks That Actually Work
- Citronella candles (bonus: they look cute!)
- Lemon eucalyptus essential oil diffusers
- Discreet bug spray stations or wipes for guests
- Food covers for your buffet and cake—because ants love sugar as much as you do
IMO, skip the heavy-duty DEET unless you want everyone smelling like a camping trip.
Sound & Lighting: The Outdoor Edition
Here’s something couples forget until it’s too late: sound does not travel well in open spaces. Your guests might miss the vows entirely unless you plan for it.
Garden-Friendly Audio Tips
- Lavalier mics for the couple and officiant
- Outdoor speaker systems placed strategically around the space
- Power source backup (hello, generators!)
As for lighting, don’t rely on fairy lights to light an entire reception area unless you’re into “romantic stumbling-in-the-dark” vibes.
Must-Have Lighting Features
- Pathway lighting so guests don’t fall into a hedge
- Uplighting on trees or structures for that magical glow
- LED lanterns or chandeliers under tents or trees
Bold move: Mix fairy lights with hanging floral baskets. You’ll get a “wow” every time someone looks up.
Food, Drinks, and Nature Don’t Always Mix
Ever tried balancing a full plate and a drink on uneven ground while swatting away flies? Yeah, not ideal. So you need a plan.
Smart Garden Reception Ideas
- Cocktail tables with flat bases that won’t wobble
- Covered food stations to keep things fresh
- Eco-friendly cups and utensils that won’t get blown away
- Bar carts or mobile drink stations so guests don’t hike for a refill
And pro tip: serve something refreshing and light. Heavy food + summer sun = naptime, not party time.
Decor That Works with Nature (Not Against It)
You already have nature doing most of the heavy lifting, so don’t fight it. A garden wedding works best when the decor feels like an extension of the space—not like you plopped a ballroom in the middle of the woods.
Keep It Simple, Stylish, and Natural
- Floral arrangements using local, seasonal blooms
- Wooden or rattan elements like chairs and arches
- Soft, neutral linens that blend into the surroundings
- Hanging decor like lanterns, glass jars, or flower hoops
IMO, skip confetti—it’s a pain to clean and wildlife definitely doesn’t appreciate glitter in their habitat.
Make It Comfortable for Your Guests
Here’s the truth: no matter how beautiful your wedding is, if your guests are uncomfortable, they’ll remember that. (Not your vows, not your epic playlist—just the sunburn and bug bites.) 😬
Ways to Keep Everyone Happy
- Water stations and lemonade stands to keep guests hydrated
- Sunscreen and bug spray baskets at the entrance
- Fans or parasols on hot days
- Blankets or heaters for chilly evenings
- Clear signage so no one gets lost wandering through the rose bushes
Bonus idea: Leave personalized notes or maps on the chairs—it feels thoughtful and helps them feel less like they’re on a scavenger hunt.
Always Have a Plan B (Because Garden Drama Is Real)
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but garden weddings can be wildly unpredictable. And I say this with love—your perfect day depends on how well you plan for the not-so-perfect stuff.
Non-Negotiable Backup Plans
- Tent rental on hold—even if the forecast is clear
- Indoor backup location nearby just in case
- Vendor agreements with rain clauses
- Extra cleanup help—because grass + spilled drinks = mud party
Don’t stress about things going wrong. Just prep like a boss, and you’ll be able to enjoy it no matter what happens.
Final Thoughts: Garden Weddings = Dreamy, But Only If You Plan Smart
So, what are the best tips for a garden wedding? Prep, prep, and then prep some more. Sure, garden weddings are straight out of a fairytale, but they also come with their own set of challenges.
Choose the right space, prepare for weather and bugs, keep your guests comfy, and don’t skimp on sound, food, or lighting. Nail those, and your garden wedding will go from “beautiful, but buggy” to “legendary soirée under the stars.”
And hey, when you walk down that flower-lined aisle with the sun filtering through the trees, you’ll know every ounce of planning was worth it. 💚
Now go plan that dream garden wedding—and don’t forget the bug spray 😉
