Planning a garden-inspired wedding in Bentonville, Arkansas, like Kylee & Collin (pictured below), can be a delightful experience, given the area’s natural beauty and potential venues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your special day:
Choose the Perfect Garden Venue: Bentonville and its surrounding areas offer several beautiful garden venues suitable for weddings. Some popular choices include Compton Gardens, Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s outdoor spaces. You might also consider Fairlane Station or Sassafras Vineyards for their natural earthy designs. Visit these venues to see which one aligns best with your vision and requirements.
Set a Date and Budget: Determine your wedding date that will be during a time of year that plants and flowers are blooming so you can really encompass the full garden theme. Also make sure to offer enough room in your budget for rental, catering, decorations, entertainment, and attire. Be sure to allocate funds specifically for the garden theme elements – bar menu drinks, signage, table decor, to name a few. You might even consider a dress code for guests such as Tea Party Attire.
Send Invitations: Design and send out invitations that reflect the garden theme. Consider incorporating floral motifs, pastel colors, or botanical elements into your invitation design. Include important details such as the venue address, date, time, dress code, and RSVP information.
Decorations and Floral Arrangements: Enhance the natural beauty of the garden venue with floral decorations and arrangements. Work with a local florist, such as Earth & Thorn, who specializes in garden-inspired designs to create stunning bouquets, centerpieces, arches, and other floral installations. They also utilize many native Arkansas flowers and greenery for an authentic touch.
Ceremony Setup: Arrange for seating and a beautiful focal point for your ceremony within the garden venue. You might choose to exchange vows beneath a floral arch or against a backdrop of lush foliage. Consider adding personal touches such as custom signage or floral petal aisles.
Reception Details: Plan your reception to seamlessly transition from the ceremony. Consider outdoor tents or pavilions to provide shade and shelter if needed. Incorporate garden-inspired elements into your reception decor, such as table centerpieces featuring fresh flowers, natural wood accents, and soft lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.
Catering and Refreshments: Select a catering service that offers seasonal and locally sourced menu options to complement the garden theme. Consider incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your menu selections. Offer signature cocktails inspired by botanical flavors.
Entertainment and Activities: Enhance the ambiance of your garden wedding with live music, such as a string quartet or acoustic guitarist. Provide lawn games or garden-themed activities for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour or downtime.
Photography and Videography: Hire a professional photographer and videographer who are experienced in capturing outdoor weddings. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the garden venue for stunning photo backdrops and memorable moments.
Are you looking to plan a garden-inspired wedding? Save time and money by hiring our expert wedding planners to do the planning or you!
Pic credits: Lyndi Mishe Photography
Floral design: Earth & Thorn florals
Planning: With Great Love events
