Top Tips for Planning a Garden Wedding Near Auburn
- mistletoeboughband
- Apr 15
- 7 min read
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of planning a romantic garden wedding near Auburn, from choosing the perfect venue to curating thoughtful details that make your day feel personal and unforgettable.
A garden wedding has a timeless, ethereal quality. Picture saying your vows under beautiful pecan trees, surrounded by blooming flowers, birdsong, and the warm Southern breeze. In the Auburn, Alabama area, this vision is not just possible—it’s surprisingly accessible. With thoughtful planning, you can bring your romantic garden wedding to life in a way that reflects your unique love story.
Whether you're imagining a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering, the Auburn area offers the beauty of the South, convenience for guests, and venues with rich character. Among the best of these is Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast—a historic Victorian mansion just about 35 minutes from Auburn with lush grounds, expansive lawns, and a reputation for creating unforgettable wedding experiences.
Choosing the Perfect Venue: Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast
The foundation of any great garden wedding is the venue itself. For couples searching near Auburn, Mistletoe Bough in Alexander City offers a blend of Southern elegance and natural beauty that’s hard to beat.
Located just under an hour from Auburn, this historic 1895 Victorian mansion sits on a beautifully landscaped property that includes century-old pecan trees, a permanent 3,000-square-foot event tent, and several well-appointed suites. Its intimate scale makes it ideal for weddings where every guest feels like part of the family, while its expansive outdoor space allows room for creativity in layout and design.
Whether you're planning an afternoon ceremony under the canopy of trees or a sunset reception with soft string lights and candlelit tables, Mistletoe Bough offers a beautiful, welcoming canvas.
Why Mistletoe Bough Works for Garden Weddings:
Lush Grounds: The expansive lawn and natural landscaping create an effortlessly romantic setting.
On-site Accommodations: Up to 10 guests can stay at the bed & breakfast, perfect for close family or the bridal party.
Tent Availability: The permanent tent ensures your outdoor wedding can proceed rain or shine without the hassle of last-minute rentals.
Privacy: You get exclusive use of the property, allowing for a truly immersive celebration.
Set Your Date with the Season in Mind
Garden weddings are closely tied to nature, so selecting your date means thinking about local blooms, temperature, and daylight. In central Alabama, spring and fall are ideal.
Spring (March–May):
You’ll enjoy a burst of floral color—dogwoods, azaleas, and early roses come alive. Temperatures are usually mild, and the humidity isn’t at its summer peak yet.
Fall (September–early November):
The foliage starts to turn golden, and the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Autumn light makes for particularly beautiful photos, especially during golden hour.
Summer weddings are possible but can be hot and humid. If you go this route, plan for shade, fans, and plenty of cold drinks for guests.
Design Your Ceremony Setting
At Mistletoe Bough, you have multiple outdoor ceremony site options. Think about how the sun will hit your ceremony spot at the time of day you're saying your vows. A late-afternoon or early evening ceremony is ideal for both comfort and lighting.
Tips for a Stunning Garden Ceremony:
Use the Natural Landscape: Let the beauty of the grounds guide your design. Frame the aisle with greenery or potted flowers that echo what’s already growing on the property.
Consider a Flower-Covered Arch or Arbor: This can provide a focal point and elevate your altar area without overwhelming the garden’s natural aesthetic.
Reception Under the Stars (and Tent)
After the vows, it’s time to celebrate—and nothing says romance like a garden party under the stars. Mistletoe Bough’s permanent tent gives you the flexibility of an outdoor reception without worrying about weather.
Garden Reception Essentials:
Soft Lighting: Use string lights, lanterns, or chandeliers in the tent to create a warm glow. Add votive candles or hurricane lamps on tables for ambiance.
Floral Tablescapes: Incorporate in-season blooms into your table design. Pair flowers with fruits, herbs, or vintage glassware for a garden-party feel.
Lounge Areas: Add a few vintage couches or chairs to encourage guests to relax and take in the setting between dances.
Embrace Local and Seasonal Florals
Incorporating native or seasonal flowers can help tie your wedding into the environment and reduce costs. Central Alabama offers an abundance of floral options—hydrangeas, garden roses, peonies, dahlias, and even wildflowers like Queen Anne’s lace.
Work with a florist who understands garden-style arrangements. You’ll want bouquets and centerpieces that feel organic and unstructured rather than too manicured. Think layers of texture, soft color palettes, and a mix of greenery for a fresh, natural look.
Dress The Part
A garden wedding calls for attire that suits the outdoor setting. Lightweight fabrics, flowing silhouettes, and floral-inspired accessories are all great choices for brides. Grooms can opt for linen or lightweight wool in soft colors like navy, gray, or tan.
Encourage your wedding party to wear attire that complements the scenery—think soft pastels, muted greens, or warm neutrals. Skip the stilettos and go for block heels or flats, especially if the ceremony is on grass.
Plan for Guest Comfort
Even the most beautiful setting won’t matter if your guests are uncomfortable. Planning for their experience is a small detail that goes a long way.
Consider the Following:
Welcome Drinks: Set up a welcome table with lemonade, iced tea, or infused water.
Fans and Parasols: Offer hand fans or parasols for sun protection if your ceremony is during the day.
Bug Repellent: Provide discreet baskets of bug spray wipes or sprays during warmer months.
Clear Signage: Use elegant signs to guide guests to the ceremony, reception, restrooms, and parking.
Keep the Food Fresh and Flavorful
Garden weddings pair beautifully with fresh, seasonal cuisine. Choose a caterer that sources local ingredients and can prepare food that feels both celebratory and light.
Menu Ideas:
Appetizers: Cucumber sandwiches, fruit skewers, mini crab cakes, deviled eggs.
Main Courses: Herb-crusted chicken, grilled vegetables, shrimp and grits, or slow-cooked brisket.
Desserts: Instead of just cake, offer a dessert table with pies, tarts, or a mini cupcake bar.
Mistletoe Bough provides the perfect backdrop for an alfresco dining experience, and the tented area makes layout planning simple.
Curate the Experience with Personal Touches
The magic of a garden wedding lies in its intimacy and personality. Add touches that reflect who you are as a couple.
Memory Table: Display photos of loved ones or heritage wedding portraits.
Custom Signage: Include favorite quotes, your wedding hashtag, or fun facts about your love story.
Guest Book Alternatives: Try a wishing tree, a vintage typewriter, or a polaroid photo station for something different.
Create a Seamless Timeline
A smooth wedding day starts with a solid timeline. Garden weddings often involve moving from one outdoor space to another, so account for transition times. Mistletoe Bough’s experienced staff can help you think through the flow—from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception.
A sample timeline might look like this:
3:00 PM – Guests arrive
3:30 PM – Ceremony
4:00 PM – Cocktail hour in the garden
5:00 PM – Dinner under the tent
6:30 PM – First dances and cake cutting
7:00 PM – Dancing
9:30 PM – Last dance
10:00 PM – Grand exit
Capture the Beauty with Photography and Video
Garden weddings offer endless inspiration for photographers. Be sure your chosen photographer has experience with outdoor events and understands how to work with natural light.
Golden hour (just before sunset) is the perfect time for portraits. Mistletoe Bough’s wraparound porch, staircase, antique interiors, and grounds provide a range of romantic backdrops.
Ask your photographer to scout the property in advance so they can plan for the best photo locations.
Consider a Weekend Wedding Retreat
With its bed & breakfast accommodations, Mistletoe Bough gives you the option to turn your wedding into a weekend getaway. Invite your closest friends and family to stay on-site and extend the celebration.
You can host a welcome dinner the night before, a relaxed brunch the morning after, or even a private vow exchange ahead of the big event.
This kind of immersive experience is what makes garden weddings so special—they aren’t just about the ceremony, but about connection, memories, and being fully present with the people you love.
Final Thoughts
A romantic garden wedding near Auburn is more than just a day—it’s a celebration of nature, love, and togetherness. At Mistletoe Bough, you’ll find a setting that invites you to slow down, savor the beauty around you, and create moments that linger in your heart long after the last dance.
With thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and a venue that feels like an extension of your love story, your garden wedding will be every bit as magical as you imagined.
If you're just beginning your planning journey, take a tour of Mistletoe Bough and let the landscape guide your inspiration. The perfect day is waiting—right outside.
Mistletoe Bough is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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