Garden Party

Ideas & Inspiration

Garden Party

A garden wedding doesn’t have to be a casual picnic or frilly tea party, as evidenced by this lush European-villa-inspired design by The White Box of Wedding Design, Milwaukee. Owner Monica Rae Gill said she created her concept imagining a couple who is “established” and “dignified” with plenty of discretionary income. “I envision an intimate ceremony being held in a sizable drawing room with French doors that open onto a vast outdoor terrace,” says Gill. The distressed architectural accents, ceramic stoneware table settings and a color scheme featuring white and shades of green and aqua are all geared to evoke an ancient country estate rather than a contemporary rose garden, although plenty of modern elements are included to up the sophistication level. She steers brides away from choosing two or three specific colors, says Gill. “I think a lot of brides fall into that trap and end up stuck on just a couple of hues.”

Because so many couples strive to create a thrilling experience for guests, this reception design ditches favors for a hospitality table stocked with shawls, paper umbrellas, cigars with a clip and lighter, guest book and Perrier. Takeaway-sized bottles of champagne sport tags that invite guests to extend the party when they return home. Other ideas include: sun block, lip balm, mini Evian spray bottles, fans, mints and tissue packets.

With garden receptions, flowers are key, says Gill. The foundation for the centerpiece is actually a trio of glass holders—apothecary jars and pedestal cake plates—each holding a different style arrangement. Pale yellow Cymbidium orchids, roses and hydrangea create a lush centerpiece, complimented by a white lisianthus and flowering kale floating in a lidded jar and, finally, a few tulips loosely gathered with a large satin ribbon atop the pedestal cake plate. Ceramic stoneware in sea glass colors create a soothing, yet interesting palette for a rustic menu.

“I’m inspired by beauty,” says Gill, whose design studio has regular hours during which couples can visit and use her library to gain ideas. “When I work with a couple, I seek to outline and convey the beauty they most appreciate. Just as a truly talented photographer can capture a couple’s essence on film, our desire is to let the event speak the language of the couple.”

This look: A hospitality table greets guests. Classic fondant cake by The Cake Lady rests atop a Vikki Smyth acrylic tray from Cranston. Invitation suite by j. invites keeps the design from getting rustic. Wedding flowers—bridal bouquet and boutonniere by La Tulipe are pictured—have starring roles. Seating tags by j. invites stay in place when anchored to chairs.