24 Garden Party Wedding Details That Are Oh-So Elegant

If you're dreaming of a romantic garden party wedding, these pretty ideas will have you on cloud nine.

December 1, 2017

garden party wedding theme

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Gardens are romantic, naturally beautiful, and tend to always have an enchanting atmosphere about them. A garden party wedding theme is one of our favorite styles, especially for couples marrying in the spring and summer. Whether you’re getting hitched in the formal rose garden of a historic estate or hosting friends and family in your own backyard, these pretty details captured by Hill Country photographer Allison Jeffers are sure to win your heart.

Start planning your elegant soirée with these swoon-worthy garden party wedding ideas.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Sophisticated Invitations

Simple wedding stationery doesn't have to be boring. Invitations with minimal embellishments are timeless and chic — the greenery details on this particular suite keep it current and on-trend. Choose a neutral color palette for the most classic look.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

The pear-cut diamond is back. This stylish option is a major 2018 engagement ring trend and is a unique alternative for brides who love round and oval cuts.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Soft Makeup and a Loose Updo

A loose bridal updo will never go out of fashion. Pair this hairstyle with airbrush makeup, smoky eyeshadow, false lashes and dangle earrings for a gorgeous wedding day look.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Cap Sleeves

Strapless wedding dresses are always a classic option, but wedding dresses with sleeves have begun to make a comeback in the last few seasons. If you don't want to be totally covered up, opt for an elegant bateau neckline with cap sleeves, like this beautiful Essense of Australia dress.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Illusion Back

Balance out a higher neckline by choosing a wedding dress with a showstopping illusion back. It's a classy (and universally flattering) way to show a hint of skin!

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Oversized Bouquet

Greenery isn't just for the boho bride. A foliage-filled bouquet can be made classic by using flowers in one or two pastel colors — this gorgeous arrangement includes Tiffany roses, ranunculus, anemones, hypericum berries, tulips, and lisianthus. Smilax, silver dollar eucalyptus, and ornamental cabbage create the illusion that this bouquet was picked straight from a garden.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Blush Bridesmaid Dresses

The blush bridesmaid dress trend is still going strong! Brides clearly can't get enough of this soft and feminine hue, which is always a lovely option for a garden party wedding.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Mix-and-Match Hairstyles

Let your besties personalize their looks by giving them the freedom to choose their own bridesmaid hairstyles.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Assorted Bouquets

Your bridesmaids’ bouquets don’t have to be identical, either — and they definitely don’t have to be exact replicas of the bride’s. Provide your wedding florist with a few adjectives (loose arrangements, greenery, soft colors, etc.) and let the pro handle it from there.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Gray Suit

A light gray suit is a stylish alternative to black or navy blue when it comes to garden party wedding ensembles for the groom. This look feels polished and classic without being too stuffy or formal.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Traditional Curled Updo

Show off an illusion back and balance out a trendier wedding dress with a traditional bridal updo. We’re obsessed with this romantic curled bun for long hair. To really embrace the garden party wedding theme, you can even add a few flowers to your hairstyle

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Statement-Making Backdrop

If you’re getting married outdoors, it’s important to find the right balance when choosing your decor. Using too many decorative accents will overpower the natural beauty of the space, which is probably one of the reasons you chose your venue in the first place, right? A circular floral backdrop combines the best of both worlds — it creates a focal point while also showcasing the scenery around it.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Conversational Tablescapes

Use long banquet tables and low centerpieces to create an inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere at the reception. This helps promote conversation between your guests so that everyone feels like one big family at the end of the night.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Greenery Chairs

Instead of using signage to adorn your VIP seats, decorate them with greenery to reflect the garden party wedding theme. Keep in mind that the style of your wedding chairs will affect the overall look of your reception — Chiavari chairs are formal, while cane back chairs like this one are vintage or shabby chic.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Tabletop Cakes

Combine your table numbers and desserts into one by placing individual cakes on each reception table. It’s an unexpected and fun take on the dessert display trend.

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Pretty Place Settings

Spruce up monochromatic place settings with laser-cut calligraphy place cards and fresh greenery. So chic!

Photo: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography

Signature Drink Station

Play up the garden party wedding theme by serving signature drinks that include fresh ingredients, such as fruits and veggies (cucumber mojito or peach sangria, anyone?). Create a self-serve station so your guests can help themselves to the refreshments.