What is an Italian garden wedding?
A celebration held in and around a cultivated garden, where the planting provides the colour, scent and structure of the design. In Umbria it typically means an outdoor ceremony among roses, lavender and olive trees, an aperitivo in stone courtyards, and a candlelit dinner outdoors.
Why does a garden wedding cost less to decorate?
Because the elements couples normally buy — colour, scent, greenery, backdrops, atmosphere — are already present. The budget moves to quality: linen, ceramics, lighting, food and a small number of exceptional floral arrangements.
Can the ceremony legally take place in the garden?
Yes. SPAO is officially authorised to host legally binding civil ceremonies in several outdoor settings, including the olive grove gardens and the panoramic terrace overlooking the Selva di Meana park, and the couple chooses the setting together with the wedding planner.
When is the lavender in bloom?
Lavender and roses are at their peak in early summer, when the gardens also fill with butterflies and the scent of pine and Mediterranean forest. For a lavender-led palette, early summer is the moment to aim for.
What is the best season for a garden wedding in Umbria?
Late May to June for fresh green, roses and lavender; September for warm light, harvest tones and comfortable temperatures. July and August are beautiful but require an evening timeline and shaded settings.
What happens if it rains?
The restored deconsecrated church and the elegant interior spaces host ceremonies and receptions for up to 100 guests (SPAO, SPAO). The design principle is to plan the indoor version as a beautiful option in its own right rather than as an emergency.
How many flowers do we actually need?
Flowers remain central; what changes is how they are used. In a garden setting, a smaller number of generous arrangements placed where the light falls, plus buttonholes, table details and reuse across the three days, achieves more than sheer volume — the direction floral design is taking, with few impactful stems and intentional spacing (Los Angeles Times). The exact quantities are defined with the wedding stylists, space by space and week by week.
Can we use flowers grown on site?
Decor can draw on the seasonal flowers and foliage already present at the borgo, and the surrounding area supplies local producers within a few kilometres. The specifics depend on the week of your wedding, which is exactly what the design team plans around.
How many guests suit a garden wedding here?
Up to 300 for outdoor celebrations and up to 100 for indoor ceremonies and receptions, with around 100 guests sleeping on site.
What should guests wear?
Garden and lawn settings with historic stone surfaces mean block heels or flats, and layers for the evening: Umbrian nights cool down even after hot days. Say so clearly in the guest information — it is a design decision as much as a practical one.
