Because saying "I Do" under the jacarandas hits different 💐

Move over ballrooms and banquet halls—garden party weddings are blooming across Southern Africa! From Harare backyards to Cape vineyards and lush Lusaka lawns, couples are embracing the charm of nature and turning their weddings into whimsical alfresco fêtes.

Whether you're dreaming of mismatched picnic tables, floating florals, or barefoot dancing under festoon lights, here’s your ultimate guide to curating a magical garden party wedding vibe.

🌸 Why Choose a Garden Party Wedding?

It’s laid-back but luxurious. Garden weddings strike the perfect balance between casual charm and elegant romance. They’re also:

Budget-friendly (venues like family gardens or botanical spaces can be more affordable)

Customisable with DIY touches

Perfect for spring/summer weddings in Zim, SA, Zambia & Mauritius

A dream for diaspora couples wanting to host something intimate and meaningful "back home"

🧺 Seating Goals: Picnic-Style with a Twist

Swap traditional round tables for long picnic benches or vintage wooden tables. Layer them with:

Gauzy linen runners in soft neutrals or floral prints

Mismatched cushions or shweshwe floor seating

Woven mats + low pallet tables for a boho-luxe lounge

🌿 Planning Tip: Use hay bales with colourful throws for extra guest seating—rustic and romantic!

💐 Florals: More Petals, Less Fuss

Garden party = nature as your decorator. But that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate it:

Bougainvillea + Strelitzia installations for tropical flair

Hanging flower jars from tree branches

Floral runners instead of tall centrepieces (hello, more table convo!)

🌸 Trending Now: Herb-infused florals! Add sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or lavender to bouquets + napkin ties for a touch of scent-sation.

✨ Lighting: When the Sun Sets, Let the Magic Begin

Create that twilight enchantment with:

String lights zigzagging across the lawn

Lanterns in jam jars on every table

Fire pits or outdoor heaters for chilly nights (especially in Cape Town or Joburg winters)

🎶 Bonus: Add a local acoustic band or marimba players for that Afro-garden ambience.

🧁 Food & Drink: Grazing Tables and Garden Cocktails

Forget stuffy plated meals. Go for:

Grazing tables with biltong, mini vetkoeks, cheeses, and fruit

Signature cocktails like hibiscus mojitos or baobab-infused gin

A biscuit bar with mahenja, maputi cones, and mini desserts

🍹 Diaspora Tip: Bring in local childhood favourites—your guests from abroad will love the nostalgia!

📸 Interactive Touches Guests Will Love

A flower crown station

An instant photo booth among the trees

Love notes on a washing line for guests to peg their messages

💡 Pro Tip: Use our Plan My Wedding Garden Party Checklist Tool to keep everything on track—from picnic rentals to petal counts!

🎨 Final Touches: Make It You

Don’t be afraid to get quirky. Think:

Custom signs like “This way to the confetti”

A vintage bicycle filled with flowers

A "Just Married" swing hanging from a jacaranda tree

And of course, dress the part—flowy dresses, linen suits, flower crowns, barefoot glam. Garden weddings are your excuse to embrace relaxed romance.

💭 Parting Petal

A garden party wedding isn’t just a trend—it’s a feeling. It’s barefoot kisses, laughter under lanterns, and the scent of jasmine in the air. Whether you’re saying “I do” in your granny’s backyard in Bulawayo or a Franschhoek farm, one thing’s for sure: the petals will fall, and the memories will bloom.

💬 Tell us: Would you host a garden party wedding? Drop your favourite outdoor wedding ideas in the comments below!