We’ve all seen it more than once in movies and TV shows — the guy gets the girl and they get a happily-ever-after garden wedding before the credits roll. Garden weddings are among the top wedding themes there are, and we can attest to this since our garden wedding venue here at Hillcreek Gardens Tagaytay is booked almost all year round.
Of course, unlike the movies, not everything will go perfectly. Garden weddings, although scenic, also have elements to it that will never be in your control. However, if you plan accordingly, you and mother nature may just pull off the perfect fairytale wedding. Here are 5 tips on planning a garden wedding that minimizes the risk, and maximizes the experience for you and your guests.
Plan for Comfort
When planning a garden wedding, make sure you plan for comfort first and foremost. Garden weddings can sometimes end up a hassle because of poor planning. Having an aesthetic space isn’t enough. Everything has to cater to the comfort of all the guests at the wedding.
Before you book a location, consider the season and the weather conditions on that said date. Some seasons are sunnier than others (like in the summer), but different locations also have different weather cycles so best to also ask if the date you have in mind is a season of good weather. In line with planning for guests’ comfort, consider providing provisions like fashionable foldable fans, and organic bug spray. Also make sure that, although you are having an outdoor celebration, important facilities like rooms and toilets are nearby.
Maximize the Space
The greatest crime you can commit at your garden wedding is not making the most out of the outdoor space and the greenery. Make sure that the space is maximized accordingly; hang lighting and decorations on trees. Use the spaces for quirky vendors like outdoor entertainment, food trucks for grazing, and mobile bars. Go all out and set up a mini-carnival if that’s in the cards! The point is, it’s an outdoor event so make sure that you put in all the effort you can for the guests to want to be outdoors.
Theme with Green in Mind
Aside from planning for comfort, plan the theme of the occasion, too. Your theme should not fall far from the tree so make thematic choices that match and make the most of the outdoors. Give out party favors that have shades, parasols, and sunscreen. Offer food choices that are great to eat outdoors like canape sandwiches and wraps. Since you’ll be outside, make sure drinks are free-flowing so that everyone can stay hydrated. You can even go as far as theming the dress code to cater to outdoor comfort like letting male guests wear khaki shorts with boatman shoes while female guests can wear sunday dresses and sun hats.
Book a Place With Comfortable Outdoor Spaces
What might be the biggest lifeline to make your garden wedding a success is booking a venue that has comfortable outdoor garden spaces and a long history of holding outdoor garden events. We’ve hosted plenty of garden weddings here at Hillcreek Gardens Tagaytay which have all been as memorable as they were comfortable. Guests can also cap the night by staying at the Hillcreek Gardens Hotel. Since we’re in Tagaytay, ventilation is rarely a problem even on hot days but we do provide outdoor cooling as well.
The venue you book for your dream garden wedding makes or breaks the whole day. When booking a venue, choose a place where you can comfortably throw an outdoor celebration but still have access to indoor comforts and amenities.
Hire Vendors that Work Well Outdoors
An indoor wedding can be rough; and outdoor wedding is a different mountain altogether. That’s why it’s important to build a team that works well and specializes in outdoor events. Get photographers that know how to use natural lighting to take phenomenal videos and photos. Since you’re already outdoors, it would be a waste to not get golden hour photos of your wedding day. Hire event stylists that have experience with outdoor events, they have the provisions like outdoor carpeting, and tents, to make the event go off without a hitch. They also have the experience to know what to do and have plans in case something happens like having the proverbially ironic rain coming down on your wedding day.