Garden weddings are certainly on trend at the moment and can be absolutely breathtaking. With a beautiful outdoor ceremony and a reception taking place either outside under stunning stringed lights, in a tent or garden pavilion, or sometimes held in a partly inside and outside venue, garden weddings are a real combination of luxurious sophistication and naturally whimsical décor. Garden weddings are gaining popularity amongst Melbourne brides and they are even developing their own category of attire. If you have received an invitation to a garden wedding with the dress code of ‘Garden Formal’ or ‘Garden Party Attire’, it’s meaning may not be clear if you have yet to attend such an occasion. So here’s the ultimate guide for dressing appropriately for your next garden wedding.
Experiment with Springtime Colours, Earthy Tones, Romantic Ruffles and Nature-Inspired Prints
Whether it’s set in an intimate backyard, a fancy botanical garden, or in a manicured garden estate, dressing up for a garden wedding is always fun. With a beautiful alfresco setting and less formality, garden weddings encourage dressing in a way that’s feminine, soft and romantic. Floral prints are a natural choice for many guests as they honour the location while still being completely dress-code friendly. If floral prints aren’t your style, consider a dress or even a chic pantsuit in solid, earthy hues such as emerald green or rose pink for a classy yet contemporary choice. Whimsical dresses with pleats and ruffled details allow you to embrace your femininity in style and add a touch of playfulness and sophistication perfect for the occasion. Whilst pastel tones inspired by flowers, trees and the sky never fail, keep in mind that it’s best to avoid wearing white— typically that shade is reserved for the bride!
Dress-Up Your Look with Dainty Accessories
At a garden wedding, accessories still have their place, but it’s best to avoid anything too sparkly, too chunky, or anything that screams night time. Think compact pastel clutch bags, nude leather heels, classy statement earrings, pearls and even old fashioned parasol umbrellas. Hair should look effortless, and makeup fresh and dewy. Remember that daytime sun has an unfortunate way of intensifying the appearance of imperfections, so go easy on the highlighter, and avoid any makeup products that are overly glittery. If it’s going to be cold bring a light jacket or a chic cover-up and wear footwear appropriate for the environment – think dressy sandals, wedges, or block heels instead of stilettos as this will avoid your fancy heels sinking into the grass.
For the Men
Suit, tie and dress shoes are always a safe option for male guests. Whilst black is always fine, don’t be afraid to opt for a lighter shade suit. A garden wedding welcomes taupe, tan, grey, olive, and beige hues and think floral patterned ties and light coloured or paisley shirts. As it is a less formal setting, men could get away with no suit jacket, some suspenders or a vest and a cute a bow tie. A garden wedding allows men to be a little more creative with their attire than just the plain black suit so think outside the box!
Why Garden Weddings Are Great
With a stunning natural backdrop of blossoming flowers and leafy trees, garden weddings are versatile enough to be opulent or thrifty. Creating a more relaxed and playful atmosphere, garden weddings can be anywhere – from your own backyard to a private country property, to botanical gardens or a large estate with manicured grounds. One of the best advantages to a garden wedding is the photographs! Guaranteed to be a picturesque setting, every photograph captured will have a superb background of greenery or florals, ensuring an album full of stunningly beautiful images. Garden weddings really are for everyone, anywhere and on any budget!
At Merrimu, our stunning manicured gardens are the perfect place for romantic garden weddings. Continually voted as one of the best Melbourne wedding venues, our private English-style gardens create a breathtaking backdrop for an intimate garden ceremony. With over 60 years’ experience, our unique heritage style venue will be sure to create an unforgettable wedding day. For more information, call us today on (03) 9568 1811 or contact us online.