Transform Your Indoor Venue Into An Outdoor Dream

Planning an indoor wedding with an outdoor feel is a great way to get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the beauty of nature, with the convenience and control of an indoor venue. To create this atmosphere, you can bring outdoor elements inside, such as large trees, plants, and natural textures like wood, linen, and silk. Lighting is also key — string lights, chandeliers, and twinkle lights can add a whimsical, romantic vibe to the space. Drape fabric from the ceiling to create a cosy atmosphere and define different rooms. If your venue has floor-to-ceiling windows, you can emphasise the view and bring the outdoors in. If you're looking for a unique twist, you could even rent clear tents or build trussing to create an indoor room within your venue, adorned with flowers and chandeliers.

Use natural lighting and lots of flowers

Natural lighting is a key element of outdoor weddings, so it's important to try and replicate this indoors. Opt for a venue with floor-to-ceiling windows, or large windows that overlook a lovely landscape. If your venue has dim or dark areas, ensure your photographer is skilled at capturing beautiful indoor photos under those conditions.

Flowers are another way to bring the outdoors inside. You can create a whimsical garden atmosphere by hanging greenery, wisteria, and roses from the ceiling, or by placing flowers and plants around the venue. You could also opt for a natural arch, with olive trees or a wooden arch adorned with flowers and greenery. For a more rustic look, use Mason jars, fairy lights, and outdoor dance floors.

If you want to create a more intimate setting, use smaller four-person reception tables instead of larger eight or ten-person tables. For a whimsical touch, drape fabric from the ceiling to create "rooms", and hang pomanders from the frame. You can also add flowers to your table settings, using wildflowers or clippings from the garden.

Drape greenery around the venue

First, check with your venue coordinator about what you're allowed to hang things from, and how much weight they can bear. Then, choose your foliage. From eucalyptus to ivy, pine branches, and myrtle, there are options to suit all styles and seasons. If you're going for a winter wonderland theme, for example, drape pine branches and ivy along the ceiling, adding some fairy lights for a magical, twinkling effect. For a spring or summer wedding, opt for eucalyptus, olive branches, or ivy, which will lend a fresh, bright feel to the space.

Keep the rest of the decor in a neutral colour palette to let the greenery stand out. You could also add some complementary flowers to the mix, such as tulips and calla lilies. If you're looking to save some money, foliage is a great way to do it. It's usually sold in bundles, so it's more cost-effective than buying individual stems, and it also goes a long way in covering space.

If you're using a tent, weave the greenery through the frame, adding some colourful cushions and lanterns to finish the look. You could also hang pomanders from the frame's cross-sections and add other details to welcome guests and enhance your wedding's unique design.

Bring the outdoors in with large trees and plants

Large trees and plants can be a great way to bring the outdoors into your indoor wedding venue. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Firstly, find a blank canvas for your venue. Look for an empty loft or open space that you can transform with your creative vision. This will give you the freedom to bring in large trees and plants without any restrictions.

When choosing your trees and plants, opt for a variety of sizes and species to create a diverse and interesting look. Consider using trees such as olive trees or eucalyptus, which can also serve as a natural backdrop for your ceremony or photos. Drape greenery along the walls and ceiling to create a whimsical and intimate atmosphere. You can use boughs of eucalyptus, pine branches, ivy, or any other type of foliage that suits your style.

In addition to trees and plants, bring in other natural elements such as wooden farm tables, linen-draped tables, and natural textures like wood, linen, and silk to enhance the outdoor vibe. You can even create a whimsical touch with a serpentine table covered in faux grass.

Don't forget the lighting! Add string lights, twinkle lights, or chandeliers to dress up the space and create a romantic ambiance. Hang them from the trees or the ceiling to create a cozy and elegant atmosphere.

By incorporating these elements, you can transform your indoor venue into a magical outdoor-inspired space that will leave your guests feeling like they have stepped into a fairytale.

Use natural textures like wood and linen

Natural textures like wood and linen can be used to create a show-stopping outdoor-inspired wedding venue. To achieve this look, consider using wooden farm tables as dining tables. Drape some tables with linen and leave others bare to create a varied and interesting look.

For a whimsical touch, include a serpentine table covered in faux grass that winds its way through the dining area. This will give the illusion of a magical, enchanted garden. If you're looking for a more elegant and formal look, opt for premium linens such as velvet, brocade, satin, or shantung.

Don't forget the importance of lighting. Hang chandeliers made of Mason jars and greenery above the tables to create a romantic and cozy atmosphere. You can suspend them from tree branches or the structure of a wedding tent.

To enhance the natural textures and create a warm and inviting ambiance, incorporate candlelight. Place candles on tables and around the venue to add a soft glow to the space.

Create a whimsical garden with a custom mural

If you're looking to bring the outdoors in and create a whimsical garden-themed wedding, a custom mural is a great way to achieve that. Here are some ideas and tips to help you bring your vision to life:

Find the perfect venue

The first step is to find a venue that can accommodate your custom mural. While a garden or outdoor space is ideal, you can also consider indoor venues such as ballrooms, open-air courtyards, estates, historical homes, or even a butterfly conservatory. If you can't find the perfect venue, you can always go for a place with an open-air concept and bring in your own touches to transform the space.

Choose your colour palette

When it comes to garden-themed weddings, pastel colours are often a popular choice. Think blush pink, dusty blue, lilac, sage green, and pale yellow. You can also add a darker shade of one of your chosen colours to give your palette a little more depth and impact.

Design your custom mural

Now for the fun part – designing your custom mural! Consider a romantic, dreamy scene with plenty of fresh flowers and greenery. You can even incorporate antique and traditional elements such as gold candlesticks, chandeliers, and calligraphy signs to give it a secret garden or Old-World-inspired feel. Work with a local artist or muralist who can bring your vision to life and create a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

Bring the mural to life with decor

To enhance your custom mural and create a whimsical garden atmosphere, decorate the space with an abundance of fresh flowers and greenery. Mix in vintage or antique details, such as gold candlesticks and china patterns, to add a touch of whimsy and elegance. String lights and twinkle lights can also add a cosy and magical ambiance to the space.

Set the mood with lighting

In addition to your custom mural and decor, lighting can play a crucial role in setting the mood. Consider using fairy lights, battery-operated string bulbs, or candlelight to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Create a magical experience

To make your garden-themed wedding truly memorable, think of ways to engage your guests' senses. Serve a tea party-inspired menu with elegant finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and bubbly. Offer garden-themed cocktails or mocktails in pastel shades, and don't forget the champagne! Use antique dinnerware and gold or brass cutlery to add a touch of glamour to the tablescape. Finish off the magical experience with a dramatic bridal train or veil, and you're sure to have a whimsical garden wedding that your guests will never forget.

Frequently asked questions