10 Easy Ways to Have a Garden Wedding with These Ideas

Even if you're not exchanging vows outdoors, find out how to get the look of a garden wedding!

There's something so romantic about saying "I do" in a picturesque garden, which is why so many couples want a garden wedding. Whether or not you obtain an actual garden site for your venue, there are plenty of ways to get a similarly dreamy look for your big day.

wedding-at-filoli-garden-wedding-location-pond-in-garden-estate
Photo: Coco Tran

There's something so romantic about marrying your beloved in a picturesque garden, which is why so many couples desire a wedding with a motif reminiscent of The Secret Garden. Whether or not you obtain an actual garden site for your venue, there are plenty of ways and garden wedding ideas to get a similarly dreamy look for your big day. 

From floral-print invitations, to stunning bridal gowns with elegant floral appliqués, to bouquets that appear freshly picked from the garden, brides and grooms can achieve the feel of a garden wedding regardless of season, location, or even the overall theme of the fête. For example, even if you're hoping to have a formal city-chic celebration, providing an intimate feel with bistro or twinkle lights and incorporating effortless floral arrangements will help the day feel more reflective of an upscale garden wedding. The options are truly endless – but we've gathered some initial ideas to help you get started during the planning process. 

Take a look at 10 garden wedding ideas from these real weddings, below! Click on your favorite images to see more from these stunning soirées.

1. Floral-Print Wedding Invitations

Floral Envelope Liner & Invitation

Even if you won't be having your wedding in a garden, give guests the preview of a floral affair with chic invitations in a garden-themed flower print that fits the style of your celebration. This couple even carried the floral print over into their reception décor with a vinyl dance floor covering. Photo by Kevin Weinstein Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: High School Sweethearts Say "I Do" at Personalized Jewish Wedding

2. Wedding Dress with Floral Appliqués

Georgia Wedding Couple floral wedding dress garden wedding ideas

Another way to achieve a garden-inspired wedding – even without an outdoor venue – is to wear a stunning bridal gown featuring floral appliqués, whether subtle or bold! For brides who prefer a sleek look, choose a streamlined gown and don a veil or hair accessory with a floral element. Photo by Harwell Photography; Bridal Gown by Claire Pettibone; From Real Wedding: Romantic Woodland-Inspired Atlanta Wedding with Natural Details

3. Loose Bridal Bouquet

Natural & Neutral Bridal Bouquet garden wedding ideas

Many modern-day brides prefer loosely gathered bouquets that feature a design that appears freshly picked from the garden. Add light-colored blossoms, wildflowers, and ample foliage or eucalyptus sprays for a carefree outdoor wedding bouquet. Photo by Jodee Debes Photography; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Ceremony + Reception with Bright Color Palette at LA Ranch

4. Wedding Portraits in Garden

Bride and Groom in Garden wedding ideas

Whether or not your venue has a beautiful garden on the grounds, consider taking wedding portraits at a stately garden to achieve the garden wedding look you desire. You'll have even more time to do this if you participate in a "first look" prior to the ceremony. Photo by Jessica Claire Photography; From Real Wedding: Traditional Armenian Ceremony + Luxurious Ballroom Reception

5. Dreamy Garden Ceremony

Garden-Inspired Jewish Ceremony garden wedding ideas

Of course one of the easiest ways to have a garden-inspired wedding is to marry in a beautiful outdoor garden wedding ceremony. Any alfresco wedding ceremony site can be given a garden feel with floral petals on the aisle, shepherd hooks suspending flower arrangements in moss-covered vessels, and fresh greenery along the aisle. Photo by Embrace Life Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Linda Howard Events; From Real Wedding: Elegant California Wedding with Sophisticated Décor

6. Organic Centerpieces

White & Gold Table Number garden wedding ideas centerpiece

Similar to loosely gathered bouquets, low centerpieces that appear freshly picked from the garden will add an effortless look to your wedding reception. Incorporate various floral types and hues in your color palette as well as verdure to your wedding table. For an added décor element, place a sprig of lavender or a bundle of herbs atop each place setting for a personal touch. Photo by Anya Kernes Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Wedding with Dusty Rose, Powder Blue & Lavender Palette

7. Clear Tent with Outdoor View

Tented Reception with Tree in the Center garden wedding ideas

Regardless of where your celebration is taking place, consider a tented reception with clear sides to offer a view of the landscape to attendees. Pair wood tones, muted florals, and lush greenery for an indoor-outdoor garden-inspired feel. Photo by KLK Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Nature-Inspired Alfresco Ceremony + Tent Reception at Malibu Ranch

8. Tree-Like Centerpieces

Garden-Inspired Reception Décor tree centerpieces

Even if you're having an indoor wedding reception, bring the garden indoors with lush high and low centerpieces, including tree-like arrangements with blossoms and verdant leaves. Consider overhead chandeliers or on-table candlelight to continue the romantic ambience with twinkling lights throughout the evening. Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; From Real Wedding: Formal Wedding Inspired by Central Park & Springtime in New York

9. Floral-Print Linens

Tall Centerpiece on Golden Stand flower print linens garden wedding ideas

In addition to gorgeous floral centerpieces – and even floral chandeliers overhead – deck your wedding table with stylish floral-print linens to continue a garden theme throughout the celebration. Photo by Krista Mason Photography; Linens by Luxe Linen; From Event: Garden-Inspired Indoor Tablescape with Modern Elements & Florals

10. Outdoor Garden Setting

Enchanted Garden wedding Reception outdoor garden wedding ideas

The ultimate way to have a garden wedding is with a stunning outdoor garden setting for the reception. Even if you're having a large celebration, give the space an intimate feel by placing tables on stone tiles between trees and bushes that elevate the décor even further. Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Spring Garden Wedding in Montecito, California

Follow Inside Weddings on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for daily inspiration, as well as more garden wedding ideas!