You\'ve found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall, a
gazebo, acres of fragrant jasmine and honeysuckle, and even a
small, clear pond. Now it\'s time to take the garden wedding of
your dreams a little further. Let\'s start with invitations.
Garden Theme Invitations
The right invitation says "old world" and "hand made."
Artistic? Hand-paint a flower design, scan it in to your
computer and fade it into the background of your invitations.
Or collect and press wildflowers and violets to include.
Accent your invitations with small brass buttons or charms.
Seal the envelope with sealing wax and a seal that ties into
your wedding: a seashell, a flower, a swan.
Raised lettering on your vellum overlays makes for a beautiful
antique look. And no, you don\'t have to purchase invitations to
achieve it. You can do it yourself with a printer (ideally a
laser printer), embossing powder and a heat gun (or hair
dryer). Learn more about this technique:
http://www.paperzone.com/Crafter_Corner/cornerwedding5/print
Garden Theme Decorations
Look for cozy round tables, and set a large outdoor umbrella
over each one. Use several layers of linens; the bottom one a
solid color (not necessarily ivory or white), and the top, a
coordinating print reminiscent of chintz or calico.
Use unbleached muslin and tulle to set the stage, and avoid
bridal white. Choose peach, sand and mushroom tones instead --
anything that complements the sepia photographs of forebears
you\'ll want to set on the tables. Use tea to safely dye
anything you have on hand that\'s just too white.
For mood lighting, you\'ll want pillar candles, but not the
ordinary sort -- the kind that\'s trimmed with small lampshades.
Decorate the shades to suit the mood, with silk fringes and
braids.
Comb thrift stores for colorful floral china (we routinely find
full services there for cheap). Stack a larger, contrasting
plate under a smaller. Use the most vivacious color
combinations you can get away with.
Garden Theme Centerpieces
For a simple, one-minute centerpiece, gather a handful of
old-fashioned spiral lollipops. Arrange loosely in mason jars.
To get a rise out of your guests, make or buy breadsticks
redolent of thyme or rosemary, and display on end in a pitcher
or galvanized bucket.
You\'ll be in good "chair" when you make these adorable
centerpieces: use wrought-iron doll-sized chairs from garden
stores. Lay moss or wheat grass on the seat, and twine ivy or
flower garlands through the back and arms.
Great Garden Theme Eats
Concentrate on light, portable finger foods. We suggest:
- Cherry, peach or lavender lemonade
- Chai tea
- A light, sweet wine, like Gewurstraminer
- Prosciutto and melons
- Deviled eggs with sundried tomatoes
- Stuffed mushrooms with feta, spinach and bacon
- Prosciutto/tomato panini
- Curry cucumber sandwiches
- Gazpacho
- Strawberry cream puffs
- Mini cheesecakes
Express the Inexpressible
For music at your garden wedding, almost anything goes -- as
long as it\'s live. Call your local college for some inexpensive
combos. Harps and violins or flutes and guitars -- it hardly
matters, as long as your musicians can breathe and eat lunch.
About The Author: Blake Kritzberg is owner and proprieter of
FavorIdeas.com. Stop by http://www.favorideas.com for a huge
selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla\'s weekly adventures,
and free resources for brides. For more on planning your garden
theme wedding, see:
http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-favor-garden-theme.htm
Blake Kritzberg
| 
