Almost everyone imagines at least some part of their wedding outdoors – so the more ornate the gardens, the more magical the garden wedding becomes. Private courtyards are those surrounded by grasses and flowers, but architecture also becomes part of the atmosphere.

Picking the venue is perhaps the most important step. You need to be cautious about picking a public area like a park as public places tend to invite added traffic and onlookers. Many people prefer using a private venue. With a private venue the attendees are limited to the staff and those who were invited. Additionally, you will not be responsible for clean up as you would be with a public venue.

In general, people think of gardens as being limited to flowers and other kinds of plants. But most people are not thinking of European gardens which consist of not only flowers and plants but also hardscapes. These structures are considered to be just as much a part of the garden as are the flowers. They are often made of hand-cut bricks in a herringbone design and other similar styles.

Traditionally, summer and spring are the most popular times to take advantage of the beauty garden weddings can offer. The flowers are in bloom, there is a lovely scent in the air and the weather is more consistent. But there are still things that need to be considered; is there shade for people to use if needed? Are the refreshments consistent with the demands of the weather, such as bottled water before the reception? Does the setting allow for everyone to hear the vows? It is important to make sure guests are comfortable and happy.

How will the bride enter the space? Just because you are having a garden wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t have a red carpet entrance. This is where hardscapes become a great venue. Having a tiled floor, or brick laid floor provides a stable surface for the bride to walk down. On grass, beware of small divots in the grass that can be difficult for the bride to maneuver.

A well decorated fountain can add an attractive look that few things can compete with. If a fountain is available, make sure you fully take advantage of it. Many choose to sprinkle flower petals or to place floating candles in the water. These both will add a delightful splash of color and invitation.

A well decorated arch with the bride and groom standing below has become a classic wedding image, if an arch is available, do what you can to incorporate it appropriately. If an arch is not available, an alter can be used instead.

As the sun sets, even more opportunities arise for garden weddings. Sparklers can be used to say farewell to the happy couple. Lighting can be tricky, but will add a delicate touch to a garden wedding. Think Japanese lanterns or tiny white lights threaded through trees. No matter how you choose to decorate your garden wedding, enjoy the setting and enjoy the day.

Zante Weddings in the Greek Ionian Islands of Zakynthos are organised by Tsilivi Travel to provide the most professionally custom made weddings in the sun. www.zante-weddings.gr Garden weddings are among the many venues that we offer for weddings abroad in the sun. If you are looking for…

Image taken on 2010-04-07 15:57:06 by Passion for Flowers.

Hill Creek Garden, A place where important and most treasured events and occasions are celebrated.

Tips When Doing Wedding Toasts in Wedding Venues

Wedding toasts perform an essential role during the wedding celebration. The wedding toast serves as a link between the formal wedding ceremonies and the less formal atmosphere of the wedding reception at wedding venues in Connecticut.

The wedding toast also allows some members of the family, relatives and closest friends to express their feelings and to wish the couple well.

Having toasts started from the belief that creating some noise, such as ringing a bell, in this case, the clinking of a glass, can cast away evil spirits.

The wedding toast may follow a traditional or a non-traditional order.

In the traditional order, the first toast is the toast to the bride or the toast to the bride and groom. This is done by the best man, a relative or a friend. The groom then responds with a message to his bride, the person who made the toast, the couple’s parents and a toast to the bridesmaids.

The best will then respond to thank the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids. At times, if the bride has spoken after the groom, the best man will thank the bridesmaids.

A close friend or relative may then follow with another toast. After this, the father of the bride thanks the guests on behalf of his wife and himself, and announces that they can begin with the celebration.

The non-traditional toast is done to do something different from the tradition. The order may be changed to suit the guests and the occasion.

The emcee proposes the first toast for the couple. The groom then thanks the emcee and the guests and toasts to his bride. The bride thanks her groom and the guests and proposes a toast to her parents and her in-laws. At times, a special toast may be done for her in-laws.

Here are some tips at wedding venues in Connecticut when proposing a toast.

The bride should be served the beverage first, followed by the groom, the maid of honor, the parents and then the best man.

The toast can be done with a sip of wine, champagne or a non-alcoholic drink except coffee, tea and water.

If you will propose the first toast, make sure that not only your glass, but also all the other glasses are filled before you start speaking.

When proposing a toast, raise your glass with your right hand. The glass should be held in a straight line from the shoulder.

It is better to compose your own wedding toast.

Always remember to end a toast with an invitation to the guests to join you and something that tells them what to say in response.

These are some things that one should remember when proposing a wedding toast. On the other hand, if you received a toast, you do not raise your glass, stand, nor sip your drink.