How to Make the Most of a Garden Wedding Venue

Garden weddings hold a special charm, immersing guests in nature's beauty while celebrating love in a serene, scenic setting. For couples drawn to the romance of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and open skies, a garden venue offers the ideal backdrop. At Bontevlei, with our deck overlooking the dam and expanses of perfectly curated gardens, we have seen firsthand how magical these settings can be. To help couples make the most of a garden wedding venue, here’s a comprehensive guide to planning an unforgettable celebration that takes advantage of all the unique qualities a garden venue has to offer.

Choose Seasonally Suitable Flowers and Décor

One of the advantages of a garden wedding is the natural beauty that comes built-in with the venue. Selecting flowers and décor that complement the season can enhance the look and feel of the event.

• Spring and Summer Blooms: For weddings in spring or summer, the natural landscape offers abundant blooming flowers and foliage. Choose floral arrangements that align with the garden’s natural colour palette to create harmony. Think soft pastels for spring and vibrant shades for summer, and take advantage of seasonal flowers like hydrangeas, roses, and lilies.

  
  

• Autumn’s Warm Hues: If you’re planning a autumn wedding, deep oranges, golds, and rustic reds are wonderful for creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. Incorporate seasonal flowers like dahlias and marigolds, or even consider autumn leaves as part of the décor.

  
  

• Winter Wonderland Touches: For winter weddings, subtle greenery with white or pale accents adds elegance, especially when combined with evergreen boughs or white roses. If the garden’s flowers are minimal, add soft white lights to enhance the atmosphere.

By aligning décor with nature’s offerings, you’ll create a seamless blend between the surroundings and your wedding aesthetic.

Use Natural Elements in Décor

Embrace the garden theme by incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and glass into the décor.

• Wooden Accents: Wooden tables, chairs, and signage evoke a rustic charm and blend well with the garden’s natural landscape. A wooden arch adorned with flowers or draped in soft fabric creates a stunning focal point for the ceremony.

  
  

• Stone Paths and Lanterns: Make use of existing garden pathways, such as stone or gravel paths, to guide guests through the space. Lining the paths with lanterns adds elegance while providing a romantic glow.

  
  

• Glass Elements: Incorporate glass details, like clear vases, candle holders, or even glass terrariums filled with succulents. These add sophistication and work well with the open-air setting.

  
  

Plan for Comfort with Weather-Appropriate Arrangements

Outdoor weddings require some weather-related considerations to ensure guests are comfortable and everything runs smoothly.

• Sun and Shade: Provide ample shaded areas for guests to cool off during a warm day. Parasols, large tents, or umbrellas can keep guests shaded, while fans or cool misting stations are excellent for particularly hot days.

  
  

• Rain Backup: It’s always wise to have a backup plan in case of unexpected rain. A tented area, especially if it can be decorated as beautifully as the outdoor space, ensures the wedding can continue uninterrupted, rain or shine.

  
  

• Blankets and Heaters: For evening garden weddings or cooler seasons, have blankets available for guests or set up patio heaters to maintain warmth and comfort.

  
  

Enhance the Venue’s Natural Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere, especially as the sun sets.

• Twinkling Lights: String lights create a magical effect when draped through trees, across walkways, or around seating areas. Twinkle lights add a dreamy quality to the space and are perfect for evening receptions.

  
  

• Lanterns and Candles: Placing lanterns along paths or at the edges of seating areas casts a gentle glow and enhances visibility without overpowering the natural look of the garden. Candle-lit tables also contribute to the intimate ambiance of a garden wedding.

  
  

• Outdoor Chandeliers: For a unique twist, consider hanging chandeliers from tree branches or an archway to add a hint of elegance and drama to your ceremony or reception area.

Create Different Zones for Various Parts of the Celebration

Garden venues provide the opportunity to design unique areas for each segment of the wedding day, from the ceremony to the after-party.

• Ceremony Space: Designate an area in the garden for the ceremony, such as the deck overlooking the dam at Bontevlei. Use an archway adorned with flowers or greenery as the focal point. This is where the magic happens, so focus on making it stand out.

  
  

• Cocktail Hour Zone: For the cocktail hour, set up a space with comfortable seating, such as a lounge area under a tree or near a flower bed. Offer signature drinks like botanical-infused cocktails, which are perfect for a garden theme.

  
  

• Dining and Reception Area: Use tablescapes that highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings. Table runners with greenery, or simple white linens with floral centrepieces, can enhance the charm of the reception area.

  
  

• Dance Floor: Finally, designate a space for dancing under the open sky, with music filling the garden. You could add string lights or lanterns around the dance floor to keep the party atmosphere alive after sunset.

Leverage the Garden Setting for Stunning Photography

A garden wedding venue provides ample opportunity for beautiful, natural photography that captures the essence of your big day.

• Under-the-Veil Photos: This trend involves capturing the couple under the bride’s veil with nature as the backdrop, creating a soft, intimate photo.

  
  

• Golden Hour Shots: Schedule some photos during “golden hour,” when the light is softest, usually around an hour before sunset. This lighting works beautifully in a garden setting, illuminating flowers and greenery.

  
  

• Reflections on Water: At Bontevlei, with our scenic deck overlooking the dam, reflections on the water offer a unique opportunity for breathtaking photos.

  
  

Make Your Garden Wedding at Bontevlei Unforgettable!

A garden wedding offers endless possibilities, from stunning natural backdrops to versatile spaces that adapt to each phase of your special day. At Bontevlei, we’re passionate about creating a wedding experience that fully embraces the beauty of our gardens and unique spaces. Whether you envision an elegant, traditional setup or a relaxed, boho vibe, we are here to make your vision come to life.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today at bontevleivenue@roulou.co.za to book a tour of our breathtaking venue!