Love in Bloom: Planning Your Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding
Brendan and Ashley began their Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding day by getting ready at the hip Ace Hotel in downtown Brooklyn. Style-forward Brendan rocked a Dior suit and Cartier watch. Meanwhile, Ashley slipped into a chic dress from Allure Bridal. The Ace Hotel offered a great location for their first look with its cool, modern design and hidden lounges. From there, we hopped in a cab to make some romantic portraits on the blossom-rich grounds of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Their ceremony began just as the sun dipped below the horizon, creating the perfect light for an absolutely perfect day.
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Wedding Ceremonies at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Imagine saying your vows surrounded by blossoms, tropical greenery, and tranquil sounds of nature. If you envision an unconventional wedding venue that combines natural beauty and romantic charm, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden & glass Palm House checks every box.
With its stunning landscapes, elegant atrium, and iconic Cherry Esplanade, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers an idyllic setting for your special day. The botanical oasis provides a dreamy backdrop that will leave you and your guests in awe.
If you’re unfamiliar with the venue, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding in this picturesque location. From securing permits and choosing the perfect season to selecting vendors and creating a personalized theme, you’ll be ready to set your dream wedding in motion.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a lush flowering gem nestled in the heart of Brooklyn. With its stunning landscapes and gorgeous glass atrium, it offers a magical setting for your wedding ceremony. Before you can walk down the aisle surrounded by vibrant florals, there are a few things you need to consider.
Permits and Reservations
To ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding day, secure the necessary permits and reservations. (Your planner may handle this for you). The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a popular venue, especially during peak wedding season, so booking well in advance is essential.
As a nonprofit organization open to the public, the booking process differs from traditional wedding venues. First, contact the Garden’s events department for availability and pricing. They will guide you through the process of obtaining the required permits and assist you in selecting the perfect outdoor space or indoor venue for your ceremony.
Guest Accommodations
When planning your wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, consider the comfort and convenience of your guests. Provide information about nearby hotels, transportation options, and parking facilities to ensure loved ones can easily navigate to the venue. If you have guests traveling from out of town, you may also want to suggest local attractions and activities they can enjoy while visiting Brooklyn. Don’t forget to consider the commute in your wedding timeline.
Ceremony Logistics
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers flexibility and various options to suit your preferences. You can have your ceremony outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Or, you may opt for an indoor venue such as the Palm House or the Glasshouse Atrium. Consider factors such as the size of your guest list, weather conditions, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. The Garden’s events team will work closely with you and your wedding planner to handle every detail, from seating arrangements to audiovisual requirements.
Best Seasons for Brooklyn Botanic Garden Weddings
The beauty of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden transcends seasons. However, each time of year offers its own unique charm. Certain seasons may be more suitable than others, depending on your vision for the wedding and the atmosphere you want to create.
Spring: A Burst of Color and Fragrance
Spring is undoubtedly the most popular season for weddings at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and it’s easy to see why. The Garden transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland of color and fragrance as the cherry blossoms and magnolias come into full bloom. The Cherry Esplanade is a picture-perfect location for a spring wedding ceremony. The delicate petals floating through the air create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere for exchanging vows and making portraits.
Summer: Lush Greenery and Warm Nights
If you’re a fan of lush greenery and warm, star-spangled nights, a summer wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden may be just what you’re looking for. The Garden’s various landscapes, such as the Rose Garden and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, offer a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. The vibrant flowers and the tranquil sounds of nature create a serene and romantic atmosphere. However, keep in mind that summer is also a popular time for outdoor events, so be sure to book your desired date early.
Fall: A Tapestry of Colors
As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden takes on a whole new, enchanting aura. Fall weddings are becoming increasingly popular at the Garden, thanks to the stunning display of autumn foliage. The Japanese Garden, with its fiery reds and vibrant yellows, offers a breathtaking setting for your ceremony. The changing colors of the trees provide a warm and cozy natural backdrop.
Winter: A Dazzling Wonderland
A winter wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is certainly not out of the question! The Garden’s indoor venues, such as the glass-walled Palm House and the Lillian & Amy Goldman Atrium, provide a bright and elegant setting for your ceremony. Adorned with twinkling lights and lush greenery, these spaces create a winter wonderland like no other. On rare occasions, you might have the opportunity to listen to a trickling waterfall between palm fronds while snowflakes fall outside the glasshouse! It’s quite the experience.
Creating a Personalized Menu with the Garden’s Catering Team
Food is a favorite part of any wedding celebration, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a variety of catering options to suit your taste and style in collaboration with Union Square Events Culinary. From intimate cocktail receptions to grand sit-down dinners, Union Square Events at BBG will work closely with you to create a personalized menu that reflects your theme and preferences. Their experienced culinary team can create a memorable dining experience showcasing Brooklyn’s best culinary scene.
Signature Cocktails
Add a personal touch to your wedding reception with signature cocktails inspired by the Garden’s botanical offerings. With floral-infused concoctions and refreshing herb-based drinks, you’ll want to keep sipping. The catering team’s expert mixologists will help you create a customized drink menu that complements your meal and delights your taste buds.
Ensuring a Smooth and Seamless Wedding Day at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of excitement and stress. But, with careful preparation and organization, you can ensure that your special day at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden goes off without a hitch. Here are some tips to help you navigate the logistics and make the most of your wedding day:
Hiring a Wedding Planner
Consider hiring a wedding planner who is familiar with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and has experience coordinating events at the venue. Ashley and Brendan hired Dominique Bell Events to help them craft this extraordinary wedding experience.
A professional planner will take care of all the details, from vendor recommendations to timeline management and wedding-day coordination. Having someone with expertise by your side will alleviate stress and allow you to fully enjoy your special day. The venue’s event team is fabulous, but a wedding planner can help tailor a one-of-a-kind wedding to you.
Vendor Selection
Choosing the right vendors can make all the difference in creating a seamless and unforgettable wedding day. Work closely with the Garden’s preferred vendors (or your planner’s selected vendor team), as they have experience working in the venue and are familiar with its unique requirements. From florists and DJs to cake designers and tablescapes, selecting vendors who understand your vision and can execute it flawlessly will ensure your wedding day is everything you dreamed of.
Guest Experience
Consider providing a welcome package or a detailed itinerary to help them navigate the venue and understand the flow of events to ensure everyone feels informed and included. Additionally, offering comfortable seating areas, refreshments, and entertainment during downtime will keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the day.
Weather Contingency Plans
While the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s outdoor spaces provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Consult with the Garden’s events team to discuss available indoor options and rain contingency plans. A backup plan will give you peace of mind and ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly, rain or shine. Even with great weather, Ashley and Brendan opted for a dinner reception in the Palm House, which was simply breathtaking.
From the stunning landscapes to the flexible venue options and delicious catering choices, Brooklyn Botanic Garden can tailor every aspect of your special day to reflect your love story. Embrace the natural beauty of the Garden, incorporate personalized touches into your decor, and trust in the expertise of the Garden’s events team to ensure that your wedding day is everything you dreamed of and more.
Brooklyn Wedding Vendor Team
Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Hotel: Ace Hotel
Planner: Dominique Bell
Flowers: Mimosa Floral
Makeup and hair: Sharon Becker @SB Beauty
DJ & Sound: DJ Othello & Jarrell Entertainment
Ceremony Musicians: New York Chamber Choir
Photo booth: Sharingbox
Invitations Suite: Greenwich Letterpress
Brendan’s suit: Dior
Brendan’s ring and watch: Cartier
Ashley’s wedding dress: Allure Bridals
Ashley’s Reception Wear: Jumpsuit by Adrianna Papell
Jacket & Shoes: Gucci