Planning A Senior Garden Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in your garden is a great way to create a unique, personal and chilled celebration. It can be a fun and meaningful way to tie the knot, but it also comes with its own challenges. You'll need to think about everything from catering and styling to toilets and parking. You'll also need to consider the garden itself: is it formal or unstructured? You might want to create 'outdoor rooms' with furniture and potted plants, or go for a more casual vibe with picnic blankets and beach chairs. It's also worth hiring a planner or MC to help manage the day.

Garden wedding styling: create 'outdoor rooms' with furniture, potted plants, and canopies

Garden wedding styling is all about creating a beautiful and unique setting for your special day. If you're planning a senior wedding in a garden, there are a few key elements you can use to create a stylish and memorable event.

One way to style your garden wedding is to create "outdoor rooms" using furniture, potted plants, and canopies. This can be done by arranging modern or retro lounge furniture, cocktail high-tops, and lattice partitions to define different spaces within the garden. Potted plants can be used to add colour and life to these areas, while canopies provide shade and a sense of enclosure.

When choosing furniture for your garden wedding, consider a mix of modern and retro pieces to create a unique and eclectic look. Lounge furniture, such as sofas and armchairs, can create a comfortable and inviting space for guests to relax and socialise. Cocktail high-tops are perfect for creating a more intimate setting, while lattice partitions can be used to define different areas or create privacy screens.

To add a touch of nature to your wedding styling, incorporate potted plants and flowers throughout the space. Choose plants that are in season and complement the colour scheme of your wedding. You can also use hanging plants or trellises to create a natural backdrop for your ceremony or reception.

Canopies are another essential element of garden wedding styling. They provide shade and shelter for your guests, especially if your wedding is taking place during the warmer months. Canopies can be decorated with fairy lights or fabric draping to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. They can also be used to define different areas of your garden, such as a dining area or a dance floor.

By combining furniture, potted plants, and canopies, you can create a stylish and unique garden wedding that reflects your personality and taste. With careful planning and attention to detail, your senior wedding will be a memorable and magical event for you and your guests.

Catering: arrange food and drink for your guests

Catering is one of the most important aspects of any wedding, and there are lots of options to consider when it comes to arranging food and drink for your guests.

Firstly, think about the style of catering you would like. Would you prefer a formal, sit-down meal or a more relaxed buffet or food stations? If you're planning a garden wedding, a classic BBQ is a great option, and you can accompany this with a generous spread of homemade bread and fresh salads. If you're looking for something a little more unusual, you could try a grazing table with homemade quiches, tarts, sausage rolls and terrines, or even a pizza oven.

Next, consider any dietary requirements your guests may have. Be sure to offer a range of options for vegetarians, vegans and guests with food allergies or intolerances.

Don't forget to plan for drinks, too. You'll need to ensure you have enough glasses and drinks for your guests, as well as any mixers or garnishes you may require.

Finally, think about the practicalities of serving food outdoors. You'll need to consider how you will keep food hot or cold, as well as providing practical and attractive crockery and cutlery.

Timeline: plan the schedule for the day

Planning a wedding in a garden means you are responsible for everything, from the catering to the timeline. It can be a chilled, unique and personal experience, but it also comes with challenges.

Morning:

• Set up the garden with any necessary furniture, decorations, and shelter. This could include umbrellas, canopies, heat lamps, pop-up tents, or outdoor fire pits.
• Ensure that there is a designated area for catering and that all food and drinks are prepared and ready to be served.
• Finalise any entertainment, such as music or games, and ensure that all technical equipment is set up and functioning.

Afternoon:

• Guests begin to arrive. Greet them and direct them to the garden area.
• Provide refreshments and canapes, if desired.
• The wedding ceremony takes place.

Evening:

• As the sun sets, ensure that there is adequate lighting in the garden.
• The wedding reception begins with a meal and speeches.
• Dancing and further entertainment can follow.

Throughout the day, it is important to have a designated person in charge to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This could be a hired planner or MC, or a responsible adult from the wedding party.

Remember to consider any potential interruptions, such as passing planes, and have a plan in place to handle any unexpected situations.

Parking: ensure there is enough space for guests' cars

When planning a senior wedding in a garden, there are many things to consider, from creating a timeline to arranging catering and styling. One of the most important considerations is parking. You want to ensure that there is enough space for all of your guests' cars, so they don't have to worry about parking and can enjoy the celebration.

If you're planning a garden wedding, it's likely that you're looking for a relaxed and unique celebration. However, this also means that you're responsible for every detail, including parking. To ensure there is enough space for guests' cars, you may need to get creative. Consider the layout of the garden and how many cars it can accommodate. If there is limited space, you could look into hiring a nearby parking lot or field and providing a shuttle service to and from the wedding venue.

Another option is to encourage carpooling or provide valet parking to maximise the space available. You could also offer alternative transportation options, such as a vintage bus or horse-drawn carriage, to reduce the number of cars needed. This can add a fun and unique element to the day.

It's important to communicate parking arrangements to your guests in advance, so they know what to expect and can plan their journey. You could include a map or directions in the wedding invitation, as well as any relevant parking restrictions or permits required. On the day, it's a good idea to have someone directing traffic and helping guests with parking, especially if it's a large wedding.

By planning ahead and considering these options, you can ensure that parking is one less thing to worry about on your special day. With the right preparations, you can create a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests, allowing them to focus on celebrating with you.

Toilets: provide facilities for guests

If you're planning a wedding in a garden, you'll need to consider the facilities available for your guests. One of the most important things to think about is toilets.

If the garden has a house attached, you may be able to use the indoor facilities, but it's important to consider the number of guests you'll have and whether the plumbing can handle that many people. If not, you may need to hire portable toilets.

Portable toilets come in a range of styles, from basic chemical toilets to luxury trailers with multiple stalls and even running water. Consider the number of guests you'll have and the level of comfort you want to provide when choosing which type to hire.

You should also think about the placement of the toilets. Try to choose a spot that is easily accessible for all guests, including those with mobility issues. If possible, place the toilets near the house or another building so that guests can use the handwashing facilities indoors.

Finally, don't forget to provide signage to direct guests to the toilets, especially if they are located in a less obvious area of the garden.

Frequently asked questions