Weddings inspired by "The Secret Garden" require formal, English-style garden decorations.
No two gardens are identical. The same is true of garden weddings, which vary in feel and formality as much as indoor weddings. Garden wedding decorations vary widely, too -- and not all of them look good together. Choose a distinct garden wedding theme to narrow the overwhelming options, and to create a cohesive, coordinated look for your ceremony and reception.
Enchanted Forest
Imagine a wedding where woodland creatures join in the celebration. While you likely won't lure the wildlife in real life, you can give your garden wedding the look and feel of an enchanted forest. Emphasize the natural elements of your garden, and let nature inspire your man-made creations.
Build an arch from branches, twigs and foliage, and then add ribbons and random clusters of flowers -- as Cinderella's feathered helpers might have done had she married in the woods. Walk down the aisle to the notes from a single flute while carrying a wildflower bouquet. Adorn the aisle chairs by tucking more wildflowers into moss-wrapped cones.
For reception centerpieces, arrange leafy branches in moss-covered containers -- as if they're growing out of the tabletops -- and add lifelike birds or butterflies to each. Add a tiny bird's nest filled with candies to each place setting.
The Secret Garden
Let Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 classic "The Secret Garden" inspire you to re-create a formal English-style garden. Exchange vows in front of a hedgerow or ivy-covered wall, and flank your outdoor altar with topiaries planted in stately urns. March down a petal-strewn aisle carrying a classic round bouquet of roses.
Set round reception tables with fine linen, glassware and china. For centerpieces, fill silver urns with roses. Tuck a single rose and a spray of baby's breath into antique silver napkin rings at each place setting. String tiny white lights in the trees, and hire a string trio to serenade your guests while they dine.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
For an evening event, embrace Shakespeare's world of fairies and magic with wedding inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Suspend glass candle globes at varying heights from the tree boughs. Exchange vows beneath a lacy, iron gazebo covered with tiny white lights. Hang candle lanterns from shepherds' hooks to light your way down the aisle, and carry a cascading bouquet of gleaming white flowers.
Inside a tent or under the stars, continue the magic at your reception. Place candelabra -- perhaps Art Nouveau -- in the center of each table, and fill them with tall white tapers. Cover the dessert or buffet table with layers of moss and greenery, and then nestle your cake stand and platters on top. Spotlight your offerings with hidden pin lights, and tuck bundles of white flowers all around.
Around the Maypole
Celebrate spring and your nuptials with a maypole-themed garden wedding. String your arch with long satin ribbons in a mix of spring colors -- orange, yellow, aqua, violet and various shades of pink. Carry a ribbon-wrapped bouquet of vibrant spring flowers, and have your female attendants wear circlets of the same flowers in their hair. Swag the aisle with more ribbons, and anchor them at each chair with a cluster of flowers.
Erect a ribbon-strung maypole in your reception area, and arrange your tables around it. Use tablecloths and napkins in the various colors of your maypole ribbons. Fill tall trumpet vases with a riot of bright spring blooms. Tie napkins with long lengths of satin ribbon and let them trail off the table.
Tags: garden wedding, Secret Garden, down aisle, each place, each place setting, English-style garden
