Whether you’re planning your big day for 2022 or hoping they pop the question so you can tie the knot soon, we make things easy when it comes to this year’s hottest wedding trend - outdoor celebrations.
What better way to say 'I do' than in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour?
After two years of staying home more than usual and being confined to our states, it’s no wonder wedding experts are predicting the biggest trend for 2022 is an outdoor celebration.
Kick off the heels and forget about the big ball gowns - if simple, understated style in a perfect garden setting is your dream day, now is the time to embrace it.
If you’re worried about the weather, our three Gardens each have wet weather options to ensure you stay dry and your big day isn’t unexpectedly ruined.
Summer weddings are when the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney truly shines with iconic backdrops of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and conveniently five minutes from the CBD so guests can stay close by or get home easily after the wedding.
But if a mountain setting is more your vibe, temperatures are cooler at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, with its picturesque cool, climate providing a great destination wedding or weekend away.
Our indoor venues such as Palm House at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney also provide stunning ceremony settings.
At the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops, where rolling hills meet lush woodlands and vibrant flower beds neighbour splendid lakesides. It also has the largest capacity so is most popular with people looking to have hundreds of guests.
“The Undercroft was an exceptional and unusual venue, very architectural modern building in beautiful native gardens,” says bride Lucy of the popular Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan venue at the PlantBank.
With each garden having its own unique collections and themes, there’s a setting to suit each occasion and backdrop.
The Undercroft at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
WHAT TO WEAR
Often garden weddings mean a more casual dress code and in 2022, wedding planners say the short dress trend is a winner.
“Celebrity couples have been getting married in gorgeous short weddings dresses since the 1960s,” explains Sydney wedding celebrant Janet Lomax.
“Many famous couples have exchanged their vows in a dress that shows a little bit of leg. Since COVID, this trend is now re-emerging and brides all over the world are getting very excited.
“The thinking is that a shorter dress is more fun, more intimate and much more relaxed in style and with elopements and smaller weddings, it fits ‘how you feel’.”
Even though shorter dresses are in, traditional dresses look stunning against the Blue Mountains backdrop.
SMALL TOUCHES
COVID restrictions have also meant many couples have had to reduce guest lists and it seems the new approach is here to stay.
Having a smaller wedding means saving money, only having close family and friends attend and more of a focus on the intimate and personal touches.
The Gardens provide unique locations to exchange your vows, whether they be overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour or inside a ring of trees, representing your eternal commitment and the rings you will exchange.
You can put your own personal touch on an outdoor ceremony at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
Couples can also plan around seasonal bright and bold colours in the garden to get that perfect pic or keep their guests entertained in the gardens.
The rise of outdoor weddings also means more non-traditional food options such as food trucks, pizza ovens or local, artisan caterers.
For many who had to go small the last two years or elope, 2022 will also provide the perfect time to have an “anniversary reception” to get everyone finally to celebrate – garden party style.
So what are you waiting for? Book a visit to one of our Gardens today.
There are so many picturesque ceremony locations to choose from at each of our gardens, like this one at Mount Annan.