Garden Wedding Chairs and Decor: What Works Outdoors

A garden wedding already has decor: the plants, the paths and the light. The rentals job is to support it, not compete. That means chairs that sit lightly on the ground, tables and linens in natural tones and lighting that appears at dusk. This guide covers the chairs, the decor and the practical parts that gardens bring, from a Chicago-area botanic garden to a suburban backyard.

Chairs for a garden

• Rattan garden chair (estimated $12 to $16): woven texture and a relaxed look; honey or white wash finishes suit green settings. See rattan chairs for garden parties.
• Cane-back chair ($12 to $16): a woven back panel with a more formal outline.
• Teak garden folding chair ($5 to $7): the easy ceremony chair, simple and light.
• Cross-back chair ($8 to $11): warm wood that echoes tree trunks.
• Ghost chair ($10 to $14): clear, so it disappears among flowers.

Choose finishes that contrast with the greens rather than blend into them. White-wash and natural tones read well; very dark chairs can look heavy among plants.

Ground and weather

Garden ground changes fast: lawn, gravel, mulch, stone. Chairs sink on mulch and wobble on gravel, so test the path and the seating area. See outdoor ceremony on grass and chairs on sand, gravel and grass. Public gardens have their own rules about tents, stakes, candles and vehicles, so ask the garden's event office first. Chicago spring and fall weather changes by the hour, so a tent or pavilion backup is not optional.

Tables and linens

Use farm tables for a natural feel or rounds for a classic dinner. Linen in natural fabrics, such as ivory, oat or sage, softens the lines. See farm tables for weddings and linen fabrics compared. Skip shiny satin outdoors, because it shows wrinkles and picks up breezes.

Decor that suits the garden

Look at the garden in the month of the wedding. A lilac bloom in May is gone by June, and a fall garden has color of its own. Let the plants be the centerpiece and keep table decor low.

Comfort in a garden

Gardens add small discomforts that venues don't: bugs, pollen, sun and uneven ground. Plan a table with bug spray and sunscreen at the entrance, shade over the first rows of chairs, and water stations placed along the route. For guests with allergies, ask the garden what is in bloom that week and let guests know. For guests with mobility needs, plan a firm path, avoid cobblestone and gravel where possible and place a few chairs near the aisle with arms.

Think about footwear too. Heels sink in lawn and catch in stone joints, so a note on the invitation or a basket of flats at the entrance prevents turned ankles. A small sign saying the path is uneven is considerate and costs nothing.

Timing and light

Gardens look best in softer light. Walk the site at the planned ceremony time to see where shade falls and where the sun hits faces. In late spring and early fall, the sun sets earlier than many couples expect, so check the actual time for your date and plan lighting accordingly. Photographers love the hour before sunset, but that depends on your date, so check with your photographer.

Lighting for dusk

Gardens go dark before the venue lights come on. Plan string lights, path lights and candle lanterns, and a light at every step and path change. See lanterns and luminaries and string light layouts. Test the lights at the time of day you will need them.

Plan your garden

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help match chairs to your garden, or request a quote.