If You're Having Your Wedding at a...Garden

• By Katie Charles
• Published Winter 2006

Though New Yorkers are a breed of people who have willingly sacrificed lawns and an open horizon line, living and working in a concrete jungle can make the prospect of a country wedding all the more tantalizing. The first surprise is the goodly number of wedding-friendly green spaces available within city limits. Swoon-worthy spots range from Central Park to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and Caramoor and Rhinebeck are both within easy commuting distance. The second surprise is the variety of style options available. Moving the ceremony outside is a great way to help guests relax and to avoid stuffiness, but outdoor weddings aren't just barefoot occasions for the boho bride anymore. The unstructured space allows you to set the tone to be as elegant or informal as you like, and the city's plentiful options mean you can find a romantic vineyard, casual park, or formal English garden that suits your taste. Let Mother Nature (and the landscaper) do the decorating, though a few strategically placed plants and lighting will allow you to personalize the setting. Simplicity comes at a price-the expense and aggravation you will save on flowers and décor will often be matched by the added stress of drafting a rain contingency plan. Wet weather poses the most formidable adversary, but don't underestimate the secondary hazards: animals, insects, grass stains, sunburn, wind, and mud. Planning ahead and providing guests with lifesavers like bottled water, sunscreen, and citronella candles will help you mitigate against intractable conditions. But along with the extra planning and unpredictable variables come a healthy serving of sun and sky, and that makes for a package deal that's hard to resist.