The bride wore an elegant Galia Lahav wedding dress to swap vows with Jake Bongiovi in Tuscany.
Updated Oct 02, 202435 Garden-Themed Wedding Ideas That’ll Take Your Breath Away
This whimsical inspo will make your big day bloom.
There's an undeniable sense of enchantment that comes with hosting an elegant garden-themed wedding. From flourishing blooms to fancy finger food, garden weddings are synonymous with all things romantic and whimsical. And even though picking a theme for your wedding isn't necessary, it can be helpful as you work on your wedding vision board and with your team of vendors to solidify your event design. So if you can't get enough of this ethereal style, keep reading as we break down everything you need to know about throwing a garden-themed wedding. Here, you'll find expert-approved ideas and planning tips to ensure your wedding is one guests will never forget.
Garden-themed wedding ideas we love: Definition | Ideal Venues | Budget Priorities | Colors | Decor | Invitations | Bouquets | Cakes | Centerpieces | How to Plan
What Is a Garden-Themed Wedding?
Garden-themed weddings are whimsical events that usually happen outdoors and have a big emphasis on nature. You'll generally find lots of florals and greenery paired with pastel or vibrant colors at garden weddings since these elements highlight the romantic qualities in the natural surroundings.
Ideal Garden Wedding Venue Considerations
The best location for a garden-inspired wedding is, of course, a garden, but this isn't your only option. Lots of venues offer the essence of a botanical garden even if there's not one available near you—you can even recreate the look of a garden setting indoors. "People assume a garden wedding has to be outside, which is somewhat true," David Tutera, nuptial expert and celebrity wedding planner and designer, says. "But, you can also create this look in an interior environment as well. A garden-themed wedding is not supposed to feel manicured, overproduced or over-designed. It needs to feel like you just showed up to a beautiful garden experience."
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Start your search with The Knot Vendor Marketplace by looking up your desired wedding location then use the filter to look by venue type, then by garden. While you can search for gardens, thematic venues include ballrooms, open-air courtyards, estates, historical homes, vineyards and even butterfly conservatories. You can also create a gorgeous garden wedding in your backyard by dedicating part of your budget to rentals. And if you can't find a venue that fits your theme, try a place with an open-air concept and go from there.
Garden Wedding Budget Priorities
You can talk to dozens of couples about their wedding budget, but each will have a different budget breakdown than the next since it depends on what details they want to be showcased. To make your garden wedding ideas come to life, you'll need to book a venue in one of the spaces we mentioned above since that'll set the mood. While most garden wedding venues will have natural charm, you can create the look of a lush, flowering lawn with the help of your florist and wedding planner, too. And don't forget to add a photographer to your must-have vendor list so they can capture all of the magic. Once you've addressed these details and more, use our budget tool to help you learn more about wedding expenses.
Garden Wedding Colors
Selecting wedding colors is essential for keeping your decor in line with the garden theme. Here are some garden wedding color palettes you can use for your event.
1. Baby Blue Garden Wedding Idea
Photo: Sara Weir Photography
Baby or sky blue is a classic color at garden weddings. From decor to attire, you can combine this tone with pale green, cream and light pink.
2. Dusty Rose Garden Wedding Idea
Photo: Nicole Delaine Photography
Dusty rose suits a garden theme for the spring and summer seasons. For a modern alternative, consider following a monochromatic color scheme with this color. Not only will a monochrome palette make a bold statement, it'll allow guests to focus their attention on lavish floral and greenery installations instead of mixed colorways and patterns.
3. Lavender Garden Wedding Idea
Photo: brooke allison photography
It's most common for a romantic garden-themed wedding to have a mellow and soft color scheme. Lavender is always one of the top picks for a pastel palette with light blue and sage accents.
Garden Wedding Decorations
One of the most crucial parts of pulling off a beautiful garden-themed wedding is having the right decor. Here are nine ceremony and reception ideas you can steal for your affair.
4. Moss Garden Wedding Backdrop
Photo: Jocelyn Filley Photography,
Florist: Tea Lane Farm
Take your neon sign to the next level with a moss-filled photo backdrop. This unique garden wedding backdrop idea allows you to add a natural accent to your modern decor.
5. Romantic Garden Wedding Altar Idea
From the drapery to the enchanting circular arch, this is one of the most beautiful garden wedding altar ideas we've ever seen. The candles at the base of the arch add a romantic touch too––just confirm with your venue staff that having lit candles is okay.
6. Natural Garden Wedding Gift Area
At this outdoor wedding, the couple brought the outside in. This is a great idea for those who want to showcase nature without being in the wilderness.
7. Spring Garden Wedding Aisle Installation
Make your guests feel like they walked into a floral oasis as this intricate garden wedding aisle idea did. These wildflowers, moss, daisies and other blooms bring refreshing pops of color to the ceremony.
8. Flower Filled Garden Wedding Lounge Area
When in doubt, add flowers. We love this intimate lounge area accented with in-season flowers and romantic candlelight.
9. Eclectic Hanging Garden Wedding Decor
At this dinner reception, the bride and groom didn't want their centerpieces to take up precious table space but didn't want to sacrifice style. That's why these orbs filled with beautiful blooms are the perfect idea.
10. Colorful Garden Wedding Ceremony
From the gorgeous scenery to the French country chairs and vintage benches, this ceremony setup was picture-perfect. Our favorite part is the garden wedding arch idea, a wrought-iron arch covered in vibrant blooms.
11. Picnic-Inspired Garden Wedding Sitting Area
Photo: Bridget Badore
Having an intimate wedding? Consider having floor seating for your small group of guests to lounge on while you say, "I do." Ensure the area is as comfortable as possible, and that you have chairs for those who can't sit on the ground for long periods.
12. Whimsical Garden Wedding Peach Escort Cards
Photo: onelove photography
These peach escort cards can be a unique decor idea and a tasty snack for guests. Remember, garden-themed weddings don't only have to have flowers they can include fresh produce too.
Garden Wedding Invitation Ideas
Highlighting your garden wedding theme on your wedding invitations is one way to give your guests a sneak peek into what your big day will look like. Check out these invitation ideas below, and don't forget to match your suite and wedding website design for a cohesive look.
13. Playful Pink Garden Wedding Invitation
Photo: Weddings by Nato
,Stationer: Larsen Mcdowell
The bride and groom chose a stationer that could really make their invitations stand out. The custom watercolor floral border is everything you want for a garden wedding.
14. Elegant Garden Wedding Invitation Suite
Photo: La Vie En Rose
,Stationer: MOO,Stationer: Ivy and Betty Designs,Stationer: Cards & Pockets
For a tame garden wedding look that still says it all, try this elegant garden wedding idea. We adore the delicate flower illustration and vellum wrap with the faux-pressed flower design.
15. Classic White Garden Wedding Invitation
You can't go wrong with having a simple yet striking invitation suite. This illustrated black-and-white monogrammed invitation hints at the theme without going overboard.
16. Emerald Green Garden Wedding Invitation Suite
Photo: Larisa Shorina Photography
,Stationer: Silver Sun Paper Co,Stationer: Ivory and Fine Co
We would be remiss if we didn't include a rich green invitation. Another way to wow guests before the wedding, other than with luxurious color-appropriate stationery, is by commissioning an illustration of you and your boo (and other loved ones).
Garden Wedding Bouquet Ideas
With so many flowers used for the decor, you might forget about your bouquet. Here are some ways to complement your theme and make your arrangement stand out.
17. Purple Whimsical Garden Wedding Bouquet
We love this purple forward arrangement of sweet peas, cosmos, roses and clematis. Fun fact: The other bride wore a fresh flower lapel with matching blooms.
18. White and Blue Garden Wedding Bouquet
Both the bridesmaids and bridal bouquets have pops of blue. This is a smart way to make a white rose and peony arrangement dynamic.
19. Pink Wild Garden Wedding Bouquet
Don't forget to ask for plenty of greenery in your garden wedding bouquet. This bride had seeded eucalyptus and overflowing greenery made the pink delphiniums, orange hypericum berries, pink and orange roses, pink hylotelephium and white tulips make a statement.
20. Lush White Garden Wedding Bouquet
Photo: A Bryan Photo,Florist: Wildflower Designs
This bride wanted a simple bouquet for her garden wedding, and the florist delivered without making it look plain. Green viburnum, white magnolias, ivory roses, white peonies, white ranunculus and wildflowers were the blooms that made the cut.
21. Cascading Garden Wedding Bouquet
Photo: Kerry Jeanne Photography
,Florist: Awaiting the Name Floral
Your wedding bouquet doesn't have to be the conventional shape. Emulate how flowers grow in nature with a cascading and untamed arrangement.
Garden Wedding Cake Ideas
There are so many ways you can make your garden wedding cake extraordinary. Keep reading to see our eight wedding cake ideas for your affair.
22. Pale Blue Garden Wedding Cake
Photo: onelove photography,Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop
This blue two-tiered confection with white polka dots perfectly fits a pastel color scheme. The white dahlia cake topper and peach decor are just the right touch too.
23. Succulent-Adorned Garden Wedding Cake
The succulents and white flowers match the garden theme without overwhelming the cake. If you want a classic white dessert but don't know what subtle natural element to add, this is the way to go.
24. Hand-Painted Garden Wedding Cake
At this dreamy garden wedding, the newlyweds had a hand-painted cake. We love how the flowers and vines adorning the cake match the illustration.
25. Variety of Vibrant Garden Wedding Cakes
As a thank-you gift to their parents, the happy couple presented them with three cakes. One was a naked wedding cake, one a classic fondant and the final one an elegant hand-painted cake with the same floral design that was on the couple's invitation suite.
26. Mushroom-Inspired Garden Wedding Cake
Photo: A Bryan Photo,Cake: Creative Pastries by Sid
Flowers aren't the only thing that grows in a garden. At this woodland garden-inspired wedding, the couple had a unique cake that looked like it had mushrooms sprouting out of it.
27. Pressed Flower Garden Wedding Cake
Pressed flowers are all the rage in wedding decor, so why not use the trend on your wedding cake? The fresh blooms add the right amount of color to this white confection.
28. Modern Delicate Garden Wedding Cake
Photo: Sarah Falugo Photography
Clearly, we love hand-painted cake art. This garden wedding cake has an on theme pale blue base, which is accented with colorful paintings of flowers and greenery.
29. Simple White Garden Wedding Cake
This cake looks like something straight from a fairytale. From the glass swan cake toppers to the bountiful white flowers jutting from the cake stand's base, it's an effortlessly eye-catching dessert.
Garden Wedding Centerpiece Ideas
Garden wedding centerpieces can be small and delicate or big and bold. Below are six table focal points you can add to your reception space.
30. Vibrant Orange, Yellow and Blue Garden Wedding Centerpieces
You might already know this, but orange, yellow and light blue is a beautiful color combo. The gray clay flower pots and candle holders are the perfect neutral tone since they make these low centerpieces radiant.
31. Enchanting Towering Garden Wedding Centerpiece
Photo: Michelle Huber Photography
,Florist: Zinnia Design Florals
These striking and wild-looking flower arrangements were put in tall brass vases. The couple wanted to feel like they were still outside under the wedding tent so they added tree branches to enhance the natural appearance.
32. Mushroom Terrarium Garden Wedding Centerpiece
Photo: A Bryan Photo,Florist: Wildflower Designs
A woodland garden wedding typically has lots of flowers, mushrooms and wood. All three of these elements were incorporated on some of the reception tables at this wedding.
33. Cheerful Garden Wedding Centerpiece
Photo: Ashley Cox Photography,
Florist: Sophie Felts Floral Design
We don't think that garden weddings only have to be soft hues. Vivid yellows, oranges and pinks fit the theme as well. We love how those colors are included in this centerpiece and butterfly and floral print table number.
34. Delicate Mason Jar Garden Wedding Centerpiece
Don't be afraid to repurpose your personal items for your wedding decor. If you have an extensive collection of mason jars, put them to use on your reception tables.
35. Royalty-Inspired Garden Wedding Centerpiece
This garden wedding had a "woodsy shabby-chic feel with subtle Marie Antoinette-inspired details." The vintage book, moss and gold crown hit this mark perfectly.
How to Plan a Garden Wedding
Planning a wedding takes work, but having a theme doesn't mean it'll make it difficult to execute. Below are some key aspects you can put on your to-do list to make your garden wedding come to life.
Decorate with greenery and lush florals.
Photo: Liron Erel & Co
When it comes to garden wedding decor, it's all about the floral design. To make your venue look like it was pulled from an episode of Bridgerton, allot a large portion of your budget to wedding flowers, towering centerpieces and greenery. "The garden wedding concept is all about dripping greenery and vines, so flowers are always incredibly important," Tutera says. Tutera recommends styling your venue with blooms like wisteria, lavender, garden roses, ranunculus, peonies, lisianthus, anemones, sweet peas and amaranthus. For a boho spin on the garden wedding theme, consider weaving in wispy wildflowers and clusters of grassy palms to your arrangements as well.
You can also get creative with the display of your blooms. Consider adding a greenery wall to your venue as a statement installation. Plus, hanging flowers from the ceiling will encourage guests to look up.
Transform your garden wedding venue with draping.
Photo: Jessica Roberts Photography,Draping: Old South Vintage Rentals
To give your garden wedding venue an intimate makeover, consider draping your space with gauzy fabric in light shades of ivory or blush. The fabric can easily elevate tent spaces and add an elegant look to any space. For a trendy Grand-Millennial vibe, consider drapes with a barely-there floral or chinoiserie pattern. "A textured sheer fabric with a small print of rose petals is great to include," explains Tutera. Not only will draping give your event space or outdoor wedding tent a complete makeover, but it's also an easy way to create an intimate atmosphere without going overboard on decorations.
Set the mood with lighting.
In addition to florals and draping, lighting is one of the easiest ways to drastically change the look of your wedding venue. Create a warm, cozy ambiance by adding clusters of candles of varying heights around your ceremony and reception space. If your venue doesn't allow open flames onsite, you can achieve a similar look with battery-operated string bulbs. "Small fairy lights tucked into ceiling decor or centerpieces will create a whimsical, ethereal vibe," Tutera explains.
Serve a tea party-inspired menu.
Photo: Brie Thomason Photography
When you think of a garden-themed wedding, you probably think of afternoon tea. Because of this, your romantic garden gathering should have a thematic menu with elegant finger sandwiches, crudités and hors d'oeuvres, tea and, of course, bubbly. "Tea and champagne should definitely be infused into your menu. And, when working with your caterer, incorporate thoughtful ingredients into recipes to make the experience even more interesting," says Tutera.
Couples that choose to get married at a venue that supplies its own food will have the option to offer guests a hyper-localized food experience. Infusing your menu with local fare is a great way to support small businesses, but it'll also personalize your nuptials so that it highlights the best your wedding location has to offer. As for your wedding cake, work with your caterer to create a flavor palette that's anything but predictable. (We love the idea of fusing unique tastes like lavender and mint or lemon and amaretto.) And in keeping with your garden wedding theme, don't forget to offer a spread of alternative desserts, like fruit tarts with local berries, miniature pies and scones.
Get creative with garden-themed cocktails.
When it comes to wedding reception beverages, you can't go wrong with champagne at a garden party. But beyond that, consider offering a few custom cocktails, sparkling wines and mocktails in pastel or vibrant shades that match your color palette. Paying attention to small wedding details like this will make it look like you thought of everything for your big day.
Use antique dinnerware.
Photo: Kir2Ben
,Planning: Exclusively Events
While the menu is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day, how it's presented is just as crucial. To follow through with your garden wedding theme, look for place-setting rentals with antique patterns, brass or gold hues and unique shapes that'll stand out among centerpieces and place cards. Finish your table settings with vintage glasses and whimsical napkin rings. While these might seem like small details, together they'll create a stunning visual experience that'll wow guests from the moment they take their seats until they finish their last bite of cake.
Invest in garden-themed wedding signs.
Elegant signage is one wedding trend that won't go away any time soon. While signs help direct guests from the wedding ceremony to the reception, they're also a great way to carry out your theme. Look for signage that features swooping calligraphy, floral motifs and dazzling colors with minimal gold accents. And, to go above and beyond, look for signs in fonts and colors that match your wedding invitations, escort cards and ceremony programs. Having a clear and cohesive theme across all paper goods and stationery will amplify your garden wedding theme.
Set a thematic dress code.
Photo: Tulle & Tweed Photography
,Venue: Hatley Castle
Finally, you can't host a garden wedding without inviting guests to come dressed to the nines. Think of garden wedding dress code attire as a cross between boho and casual glam. Keep in mind that a garden setting calls for elevated outfits. Try comfortable semi-formal attire, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding, like tea-length dresses, floral prints, patterned bowties or pastel dress shirts. Loved ones will appreciate the opportunity to dress for the lush haven you dreamed up.
Sarah Hanlon contributed to the reporting of this piece.
