Dreaming of a whimsical outdoor celebration bathed in natural light and framed by lush greenery? Welcome to the ultimate garden wedding inspiration, brought to life by an unforgettable event at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, Tennessee. In this blog, we’ll explore every moment of this stunning celebration, from a serene cocktail hour to al fresco dining with fresh floral place settings. Plus, tips for creating your own elegant garden wedding, including curated rental selections from Southern Events.

A Garden-Inspired Cocktail Hour

Set the tone for your garden wedding with a cocktail hour that encourages mingling beneath the trees, flutes of champagne in hand. At CJ’s Off the Square, guests were greeted by the scent of blooming flowers and the charm of Southern hospitality. Dress your cocktail tables in soft botanical linens, like our Blue Floral or Rosie Bloom for a romantic touch. Alternatively, consider the wood Palmer Bistro Table and matching Barstools, which offer a more tailored, upscale look.

To help guests unwind, consider setting up a shaded lounge area using pieces like our bright and airy Charlotte Sofa and Armchairs. Or, create a modern twist with the rich Fern Velvet Sofa and textural rattan Carter Chairs. Framing the space with a vintage rug and accent tables brings cohesion and warmth to this welcoming garden vignette.

Create a Dreamy Al Fresco Dining Experience

There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco—especially at a venue like CJ’s Off the Square. For your reception, round tables encourage a natural, organic flow. Meanwhile, our Harlin Dining Chairs in wood offer a timeless and graceful silhouette. Linens in soft pastel hues or elegant patterns bring a delicate splash of color. Or, you can play with contrast by pairing neutral tablecloths with bold napkins in tones like Cornflower Blue or Sage from our Costa Nova collection. Whether under twinkling string lights or the soft glow of lanterns, this setup blends elegance with the laid-back charm of an outdoor celebration.

Fresh Floral Place Settings to Swoon Over

Complete your garden wedding tablescape with thoughtful details that speak to your theme. Starting with floral-forward place settings. Subtle and graceful, our Emmie Floral China brings a refined touch. Meanwhile, the Liana China offers a bold pop of green that mimics the surrounding foliage. For golden accents, layer in Vera Floral Dessert Plates and Fresno Matte Gold Flatware. Both of these add a hint of luxury without overpowering your setting.

To enhance the whimsy, bring in colored glassware like our Amalia Glassware in Light Pink or Blue. Or the Monaco Cut Crystal glasses for a sophisticated sparkle. Each element adds to the immersive experience of dining in nature, elevating your event without distracting from the outdoor setting.

From elegant furniture to curated tabletop details, our rentals are designed to complement venues like CJ’s Off the Square and elevate your outdoor celebration. Ready to start planning your perfect garden wedding? Reach out to our team today to reserve your rentals and let’s create something unforgettable together!

Garden weddings are popular themes, especially during the warmer months of the year. As we sit and dream with couples, we hear their love for the romantic feel this theme offers. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of seeing garden weddings come together in a myriad of ways, and we have fallen head over heels for the whimsical palettes and charming event design. Keep reading to get inspired by our take on the modern garden wedding, featuring sleek and sophisticated rentals that make for an incredibly chic celebration!

Sleek and Chic Tables

This modern take on garden weddings can be achieved by bringing in bright rentals featuring geometric shapes that contrast dramatically with the freeform nature of, well, nature. Outfit your tables in colorful linens that will POP against a lush garden setting. For balance, feature our Harlin Dining Chairs or Cross-Back Chairs, made of natural wood. If you prefer an equally romantic but vintage-inspired look, consider our Antique White Bentwood Chairs.

Dreamy Velvet Details

Masculine elements, such as monochromatic color schemes contrast beautifully against soft florals and greenery. All white or all black furniture against a dreamy, floral aesthetic is both masculine and modern! Although, we’re still a fan of lighter palettes that complement whimsical florals. You can achieve a luxe but chic look by featuring textured details, namely in the form of velvet linens! Some of our current favorite colors include bold blue hues and romantic pinks and purples!

Elegant Social Areas

When hosting an event outdoors you tend to have more area to fill – in which case there is no reason not to have a cocktail lounge! Something simple yet elegant and cozy where guests can enjoy a drink and socialize. Take a look at our curated lounge packages, or mix and match our pieces to make your own. Our Bennett Leather Sofa and Adeline Dining Chairs are a fine pair, especially when complemented by a set of Chocolate Poufs and stylish accent tables. Meanwhile a rug will help frame the space!

Love the idea of hosting a modern garden wedding? Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com and our team would be glad to help you plan a memorable outdoor event! Need a lounge for a cocktail hour? Be sure to check out our blog on Natural Luxe Lounge Furniture.

Nothing quite says spring like a garden filled with soft pastels.  Our watercolor themed shoot worked beautifully in the gardens of CJ’s Off the Square.  Known for their full service wedding styling and all-inclusive event packages, this historic venue is a favorite of ours.  Events and weddings here often feature pieces from our Vintage Prop Shoppe – including our Cora couch and Marjorie vintage coffee table below – they just look so perfect together!

The dreamy images are courtesy of Amy Nicole Photography – she also shot last summer’s Nashville Venue Crawl at Houston Station and is fast becoming a favorite of ours.  Enjoy!