While many couples favor extravagance over simplicity; choosing sunny beach weddings in Barbados or huge cathedral ceremonies, some opt for a wedding that feels closer to home. For those who are lucky enough to be blessed with a spacious back garden, why not give your big day a personal touch with a garden wedding reception? If you’re tempted by this idea and looking for ideas on how to make it happen, then take a look at our top tips on how to host the perfect wedding reception right on your doorstep!
Get a gazebo
Make sure you’re prepared for rain and chilly evenings by adding a gazebo to your garden set up. White gazebos are perfect for weddings as they look sophisticated and stylish while also being practical. It’s also a good idea to use a gazebo in your garden for the meal part of the reception, filling the space with tables and chairs for your guests to dine in the shade and away from any insects.
Add some lights
To ensure the party lasts till sundown, bring outdoor lighting into the garden to add some brightness. Hang delicate fairy lights around trees and bushes for an enchanted garden feel, or install some spotlights if you’d like everything a bit brighter. There are also some great DIY options for this if you’re hoping to maintain more of a homely vibe, such as candles in glass jars and crafty tin can lanterns to delight your guests.
Fill the space with florals
Part of the reason outdoor weddings are so beautiful is the opportunity to surround you and your guests with beautiful flowers. Try and incorporate florals into the space wherever you can, such as hanging from walls, entwined around the gazebo ceiling, and if you’re holding a blessing ceremony outdoors, create your own DIY floral wedding arch! Adorn each table with a floral centerpiece, perhaps using glass bottles as vases and filling mason jars with the flowers of your choice.
Get inventive with your seating
Providing enough seats for all your guests can get tricky and costly really quick. Holding the wedding outside gives you the chance to get creative with seating options – using objects such as old painted wooden boxes and if you have the time, get busy building some of your own benches. For even more of a rustic feel, cover haystacks with white sheets and cushions, transforming them into some extra seats and benches for your guests to chat and relax.
Be prepared
The last thing you need is something to go wrong in the middle of your wedding celebrations, so make sure you’re prepared for every possible outcome. If you’re having a DJ or band, ensure you have good access to electricity and power outlets. You should also keep on top of how much food and drink you’ll need, since you won’t have a bar on demand and no time to grab any more bottles of champagne if you run dry!
Do you have any other tips or advice on how to transform your garden into the perfect wedding location? Let us know in the comments below!
