Whimsical Garden Wedding Ideas We Love

bride and bridesmaids in floral dresses carrying bouquets — Photo by Rachel Havel

Gardens have long served as a source of romantic inspiration for lovers, writers, and artists alike, but these destinations aren’t simply for a traditional fête. Plenty of couples have found unique ways to work their green thumbs into every wedding detail, from the décor to the menu. Trade greenery for modern whimsy or put a desert-inspired spin on a garden party lounge. And who’s to say you can’t bring the outdoors in?

Even if you're not tying the knot in a garden wedding venue, you can transform any space into the magical garden you've been dreaming of with a little creativity. Ahead, see 23 garden wedding ideas to inspire your big day.

01 of 23

Wear Flowers in Your Hair

Flowers woven into an updo — Photo by LARISSA CLEVELAND

Accent your veil or locks with a floral crown, or, for an effortless feel, place flowers loosely in your strands or into an updo.

02 of 23

Dress the Part

bridal gown hanging in bridal suite with floral veil — Photo by 515 Photo Co

Don’t let your venue get all the attention—curate a look that flourishes. Choose a dress with floral lace, or for a bold statement, include colorful floral embroidery on your veil.

03 of 23

Give a Sign

Alli and Adrian's wedding welcome sign banner — Photo by Max Wanger

Let your guests know from the very moment they walk in that your wedding is a garden-themed affair. Your welcome sign is one of the first design elements people will see, so adorn it with the flowers of your choice.

04 of 23

Dress Your Bridal Party in Florals

different bridesmaids dress styles and colors — Photo by Margherita Calati

You can also have you bridal party don outfits accented with floral motifs. We love it when the styles are mismatched.

05 of 23

Plant an Indoor Garden—on the Ceiling

hanging greenery in wedding reception — PHOTO BY ROY ISWANTO PHOTOGRAPHY; FLORAL DESIGN AND DECOR BY THREE PETALS

Turn your indoor venue into a natural habitat by hanging a lush installation. This 50-by-50-foot beauty drips with greenery and white florals.

06 of 23

Program a Breeze

fan program — PHOTO BY AUDRA WRISLEY PHOTOGRAPHY; FLORAL DESIGN BY WILD GREEN YONDER; CUSTOM STATIONERY BY STACCATO

Keep guests cool during your alfresco ceremony with handmade fans that double as a program. Our hearts blossom for this venue illustration, the citrus-and-emerald palette (for a natural summer aesthetic), and the tree-planting ceremony listed among the day-of delights.

07 of 23

Use a Natural Arch

Natural greenery arch — PHOTO BY ALLEN TSAI PHOTOGRAPHY; FLORAL DESIGN BY PUSCINA FLOWERS

Sometimes the best way to make the most of your setting is to let it show its true colors, like at this intimate ceremony. It’s surrounded by woods and cedars, so a simple arch wrapped in wild greenery adds to the bucolic ambiance. Finish it with a flowy drape for more ethereal romance.

08 of 23

Transform a Stone-Covered Space

entrance to winding aisle with florals and trees — Photo by John & Joseph

Want to create a garden in a stone-covered venue? Take note of this ceremony setup, which used white and green florals to create a serpentine aisle marked with two potted trees at the entrance.

09 of 23

Throw Petals

Rachel Love and her groom recess down aisle — Photo by Stetten Wilson

Add cones of petals in your wedding colors for guests to throw in celebration of the newlyweds. It will make for stunning photos, too!

10 of 23

Make Use of Moss

Moss wedding backdrop — PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY; PLANNING BY ALISE TAGGART

Flowers are a no-brainer, but what about moss for statement decor? The organic altar at this Atlanta wedding is a work of art—and trick of the eye—that appears to grow naturally in its native habitat. Instead, it’s crafted with moss and vines that encircle the couple.

11 of 23

Picnic in a Greenhouse

greenhouse wedding reception — PHOTO BY CHAZ CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHERS; FLORAL DESIGN BY MANDOLIN FLOWERS

Glass-walled greenhouses are ideal spots for a reception—particularly when your decor has a picnic aesthetic. This nursery has the added benefit of offering views of the veggie, herb, fruit, and floral gardens on one side.

12 of 23

Create Photo Moments

couple walking in front of wall of potted plants — PHOTO BY LOVISA PHOTO; FLORAL DESIGN BY ORGANIC FLORA

Don’t bring in a flower wall—use the backdrops your venue provides, like this arrangement of clay pots and succulents. It’s textural and funky, and the bride’s classic gown and groom’s sleek tux pop against the light tones and plants in various shapes and sizes.

13 of 23

Place Florals Everywhere

Canoe with florals and drinks — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

Flowers are the name of the game when it comes to crafting a garden wedding. From your bar to your signage, find spots to place blooms all over.

14 of 23

Have Floor to Ceiling Florals

Summer and John walking into the reception space with floor to ceiling florals — Photo by PS Photography + Films

In the entrance to this couple's Mexico City wedding, floor to ceiling florals along the pathway creating a dreamy pathway into the main reception space.

15 of 23

Serve Farm-Fresh Fare

seasonal appetizers — PHOTO BY REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY; CATERING BY Renaud Traiteur

Locavores will want to dine on seasonal cuisine that reflects the garden party palate. Opt for food that's fresh and celebrates the region—maybe even the plot of land on which you wed.

16 of 23

Hit the Roof

rooftop wedding — PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN OTH STUDIO; FLORAL DESIGN AND DECOR BY BIRCH EVENT DESIGN

Achieve high drama from the top down with a rooftop venue. Take a cue from this decor and contrast classic architecture (the neo-Gothic style of St. Patrick’s Cathedral) with something glam, such as custom lavender mirrored tables and built-in art deco lanterns.

17 of 23

Go Bold With Blooms

bold bloom table runner — PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY; FLORAL DESIGN BY EAST OLIVIA; LOCAL FLORIST VIVA FLOR

Think beyond the bouquet and make blossoms an integral part of your celebration with an over-the-top style. Work with your florist to incorporate native flowers that play on your venue. These dreamy bougainvillea runners drape off the tables and match the candy-colored courtyard.

18 of 23

Pick Out Floral Print Linens

Agee and Alex's rehearsal dinner place settings with floral napkins, wooden chargers, floral placemats, and fold flatware — Photo by AGP Collective

Floral linens like napkins or placemats can easily lend a fresh garden feel to your tablescape.

The Ultimate Guide to Spring Weddings

19 of 23

Sweeten the Scene

White floral cake — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

Decorate your cake with pressed florals and greenery for a stunning wedding-day confection. You can also adorn the table with coordinated blooms.

20 of 23

Decorate a Greenhouse

Sarah and Carlos' greenhouse covered in tulips and cherry blossoms — Photo by Carlos Lopez Ayerdi

This stunning greenhouse served as a stop during cocktail hour at this Guatemala wedding, where guests could sip drinks surrounded by beautiful white tulips and cherry blossoms.

21 of 23

Keep Your Guests Refreshed With Assorted Infused Water

Infused water in glass serving containers with fruit — Photo by Alexandra Lee Photography

Whether it's a breezy spring day or a warm summer afternoon, you can keep your guests hydrated with a bright table of infused waters. Taylor and Jen provided their guests with an assortment of beverages during their dreamy Chicago Botanic Garden wedding.

22 of 23

Set the Scene With Florals

Mira and Rohan taking photos underneath their mandap covered in flowers and greenery — Photo by Scott Clark Photography

Bring out the florals to highlight your wedding colors. Mira and Rohan had their Mandap decorated with pink and white peonies and greenery for their lakeside wedding.

23 of 23

Create a Picturesque Backdrop

two brides standing at altar with wedding officiant — Photo by Natura Collective

Create a romantic backdrop using a circular arch featuring the florals of your choice. The living wall only adds to the overall aesthetic of this ceremony. Draw inspiration from this whimsical wedding in Long Island City.

12 Lush Greenhouse Wedding Venues You'll Love