Offering a blend of natural beauty and intimate charm, garden weddings have surged in popularity – so much so that as many as 23% of engaged couples now want garden games to feature at their weddings.

If you’d like to bring together your loved ones in a relaxed, summery party atmosphere, there’s a lot to consider, from identifying the right venue to filling it with decorations and activities that suit the setting. Here’s our guide to putting together the perfect garden wedding.

*A beautiful and natural walkway can save you £1000’s on floral decorations.*

Selecting the perfect venue

Make sure to tour multiple venues to compare natural scenery, available space and amenities like restrooms, electricity and shelter options. Botanical gardens, private estates and even your own garden, if you're lucky enough to have one with enough space, can make excellent choices.

You'll want to make sure the garden is in full bloom, which for most venues will mean looking to book during spring or summer.

Preparing for weather contingencies

The great British summer can make a garden venue the most idyllic setting for a wedding - but we all know that the weather can be unpredictable. Having a backup plan is essential.

Rent a tent or marquee to provide shelter from unexpected rain or excessive sun. Make sure it complements the garden setting and is large enough to accommodate all guests comfortably. Have an indoor location or covered area on standby so that you can move the ceremony or reception there if necessary on the day.

Umbrella’s and sheltered areas provide guests with comfort if the weather changes. Rainy weather on a wedding day is thought to bring good luck to a marriage so it can be seen as a blessing if the heavens open. So be prepared.

*Work with the natural environment using materials such as wood, stone and florals.*

Guests should be told in advance about the outdoor setting so they can dress accordingly, and you could provide parasols, fans or blankets to add a thoughtful touch.

*Lanterns provide a romantic touch to an outdoor wedding.*

Enhancing the natural beauty

The right garden will be beautiful in its own right but adding personal touches can enhance their charm. When it comes to decor, focus on natural elements like wood, stone and water features that will complement the garden environment. Hanging festoon lights is a great way to play up the intimate, romantic feeling and add to the magic of the space.

Coordinating with vendors

Make clear to vendors that your wedding will be outside and work with those who have experience with such events. This could mean hiring mobile kitchens or street-food vendors - having on-site chefs preparing pizzas to order for guests is a trendy choice, for example.

You'll need to ensure your sound system is suitable for an outdoor space. Live music is particularly effective for the atmosphere of an outdoor reception, too, so consider hiring a band.

Figures show you're likely to spend around £1,300 on photography for a wedding so make sure you choose a photographer with skill and experience in capturing outdoor settings. Take the time to review portfolios to see whose work really pops in a garden environment.

Guest comfort and logistics

*Pick vendors who are accustomed to working in outdoor locations.*

Keeping everyone comfortable is vital to make things run smoothly. Provide comfortable seating for both the ceremony and reception; chairs with cushions or benches with decorative pillows are good options.

Make sure the venue is accessible for all guests, including those with mobility issues, and offer plenty of water and light refreshments – especially if the weather is warm.

Finally, a garden wedding can be an extremely joyous and cost affective way to get married, if you plan ahead, be realistic about the weather (particularly if you’re planning on marrying in the UK) and embrace the beauty of nature. It can signify romance and a nod to the more simple things in life, allowing you to truly focus on the meaning of your new nuptials.

WELLBEING