With beautiful weather and romantic atmosphere, there’s nothing better than a beautiful summer garden party for your wedding reception! Summer weddings are the perfect opportunity to host a garden party for your nuptials, and they really offer a fantastic blank slate to create your dream reception space.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering in your backyard or a more grand celebration, a garden party theme can create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere. Read on for ten stunning ideas to help you plan the perfect summer garden party wedding!

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Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty / Rebecca Yale Photography

Lots of Florals

Incorporating lots of lush florals and greenery into your decor makes a garden party feel elegant, upscale, and oh-so romantic! Think beautiful floral table arrangements and even hanging greenery and flowers to make the space feel intimate.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire / Kaysha Weiner Photography

Entrance Arch

Make your space pop right out of the gate with an arch right at your garden party entrance so you can welcome your guests in style. Decorate it with flowers and lush greenery and as a bonus, it doubles as a ceremony backdrop or beautiful photo backdrop!

Photo courtesy of Inside Weddings

Table Decor

Whether you choose multiple round tables or one or two long family-style tables, your table decor needs to be on point to make this garden party reception feel more like a wedding and less like a picnic! Incorporate flowers, candlesticks, votives, and elegant runners to make your table decor feel wedding-worthy.

Photo courtesy of Ruffled

Place Settings

Enhance your table decor and make your garden party feel more upscale with sophisticated place settings. Consider including multiple plate sizes stacked together, gorgeous glassware, gold or bronze utensils, and linen napkins with a beautiful napkin holder that pulls it all together!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Chicks

String Lights & Lanterns

When the sun goes down you need to have not just adequate lighting, but lighting that creates an atmosphere! Illuminate your garden party with string lights and lanterns above, and drape fairy lights through trees and bushes. Place lanterns along pathways and tabletops to create an enchanting glow, and lead guests to important areas like restrooms, the bar, or your entrance/exit.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Garden-Inspired Cake

Choose a wedding cake decorated with edible flowers, fresh fruits, or a floral design. This ties in with the garden theme and it really adds to the visual appeal of your dessert table – it’s so pretty!

Photo courtesy of Bride and Blossom

Add Garden Furniture

Create plenty of seating areas beyond your reception tables for cocktail hour and guests that want a break from the craziness of the reception. Use traditional garden furniture like wrought iron chairs and tables, or rent vintage-style pieces like couches and plush chairs and rugs to define smaller more intimate spaces that guests can sit and chat in.

Photo courtesy of Grit and Gold Weddings

Rent a Tent

For larger gatherings, define your space (and protect your guests from the elements!) with a large tent. Whether it’s white or clear, you can add so many personal touches that make this space feel as elegant as a ballroom but with all of the beauty of being outdoors. Add loads of lush greenery and florals, as well as white drapery to make a plain tent feel more sophisticated.

Signature Cocktails & Beverages

Quench your guests’ thirst with a selection of signature cocktails and refreshing beverages. Think floral-infused drinks like elderflower gin and tonics, lavender lemonade, or a fruity sangria bar. Display them in charming dispensers and let guests serve themselves or step it up by hiring bar tenders that serve your signature cocktails.

Photo courtesy of Hitched

Whimsical Garden Games

Keep guests entertained during cocktail hour and your reception with a selection of games.Set up classics like croquet, lawn bowling, and giant Jenga. These games add a playful touch and encourage guests of all ages to mingle and have fun.