When I think about Style Me Pretty and the kinds of weddings that we just naturally gravitate towards…they are usually outdoors, filled with soft pretty colors, big beautiful blooms and details that feel both timeless and modern. But, those beautiful al fresco celebration aren’t always as simple as they seem online. So today, we have SUCH a fun treat. An incredible team of wedding pros – Photographer Jasmine Lee, Planner Natalie Choi, Floral Designer Bloomwell & Co, Stationer Isidore & Augustine, Cake Artist A Spoonful of Sugar, along with others listed below – who are sharing their blueprints for hosting a pretty, outdoor Garden style wedding.
From the Vendor Artistry Team: Garden party weddings have a timelessness that will always have a hold on my heart. Lush florals and fresh surroundings provide an abundance of inspiration for design in color palettes, textures, and mood.
Not only was the floral table runner beautiful, but guests would have been greeted by the lovely scent of the foraged honeysuckle, sweet pea, and peonies adorning the dinner table.
1. Stay Seasonal – And Choose Your Season Thoughtfully.
When I think of a garden wedding, I think lush blooms with ruffled petals and delicate flowering branches. Try to plan your wedding between the months of March and May, when these types of florals are the most beautiful! Take advantage of what’s best in season by asking your florist to incorporate the blooms that inspire them the most at the market the week of your wedding. —Natalie Choi Events
2. Be Clear in Choosing a Color Palette.
Garden weddings are supposed to feel like spring – lighthearted, delicate, and fun. Keep those qualities in mind when selecting your color palette. Colors like blush, pale blue, light grey, and champagne make for a great neutral palette.
If you want to go for a brighter spectrum (I call this a “flirty” palette!), you could choose colors like peach, tangerine, pale yellow, and sky blue! —Natalie Choi Events
3. Convey a FEELING to Your Vendors, Rather Than a SPECIFIC PLAN.
Instead of finding a picture online and asking your vendors to recreate it exactly, try giving your vendors the creative freedom to design something that’s a great fit for the specific venue you’ve chosen, and that will reflect you!
It’s always fun when a client describes to me the way they want to feel at their wedding: for example, “sipping on rosé in a rose garden” or “strolling through an olive grove in Tuscany”. —Natalie Choi Events
4. Think About Textures.
Selecting textures that match your environment is so important in creating that garden wedding atmosphere! Although a ballgown with a full skirt is always a tempting choice, for an outdoor wedding, consider choosing a dress made with delicate, lighter materials such as lace or silk chiffon which will catch the light beautifully and be much more comfortable than a heavy gown. Bringing in farm tables or incorporating woven linen textures into your table linens is another great way to add an organic touch to your reception. —Natalie Choi Events
5. Plan for the Elements.
Garden weddings are nothing if not entirely beautiful. But even beauty can be disrupted with a high sun is too hot or there are bugs nipping at your guests. Make sure the venue treats the grounds for insects, consider providing pretty spray bottles with non-scented bug spray and parasol for coverage.
FLOWER SELECTION GUIDE
We used a variety of flowers with soft, ruffled textures in pretty hues that captured the delicate, feminine Garden Wedding theme we were looking to achieve.
Peonies
Ranunculus
Japanese Lisianthus
Geranium
Poppies
Garden roses: Lichfield Angel, David Austin, and Evelyn
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Design & styling: Natalie Choi Events | Floral design: Bloomwell & Co. | Dress: Tomomi Okubo | Cake: A Spoonful Of Sugar | Rings: Trumpet & Horn | Hair and Makeup : Makeup By Quis | Venue: Aracely Cafe | Chair: Blueprint Studios | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Model: Brinton Parker | Model: Christopher Bawtkin | Paper goods: Lazywood Lane | Tabletop rentals: Chairs And Cups