How to Decorate a Nature Wedding Venue Without Overdoing It
One of the biggest perks of choosing a nature wedding venue like Lake & Wood is that your setting already does half the decorating for you. With towering pines, a sparkling lake, and open lawns that feel effortlessly private, there’s no need to overcompensate with heavy florals or excessive décor. Instead, focus on complementing what’s already there! Think natural color palettes — soft neutrals, organic greens, and warm wood tones that echo the surrounding forest. Rather than competing with the scenery, these hues enhance it. You can also bring texture into the mix with linens that feel airy and unfussy, paired with materials like rattan, stone, or brass for an elevated yet natural look.
Ceremony: Framing the Moment, Not the View
Your ceremony backdrop at Lake & Wood is already breathtaking, especially with the lake glistening just beyond the altar space. When decorating, simplicity wins.
Floral Ground Arches: A low, asymmetrical floral installation can frame the couple beautifully without blocking the view. We recommend textured florals that mimic those of the towering pines surrounding the lake and ceremony site.
Minimal Seating Decor: Add a small bundle of greenery or ribbon detail to chairs on the aisle end. The effect is cohesive and intentional — never cluttered. The same applies for the seating you feature, keep it simple with wood cross-back or solid white resin folding chairs.
Consider the Season: In spring and summer, let the vibrant greenery do the talking. In autumn, lean into warm tones with florals that mirror the surrounding foliage! Keep your florals or decor on theme to minimize contrast that would dramatize the aesthetic.
Cocktail Hour: Subtle Style and Social Comfort
After the ceremony, guests naturally migrate toward the lawn or lakeside patio for cocktail hour. This space doesn’t need a design overhaul, just thoughtful details that enhance the atmosphere. Whether you envision a luxurious lounge set up or colorful cocktail tables, let the setting do the heavy lifting.
Lounge Nooks: Add cozy seating vignettes using velvet sofas, statement chairs, and metallic accent tables for a conversational feel. Frame the space with vintage rugs and add in plush pillows or throws from comfort.
Simple Bar Accents: A linen-draped bar with a few bud vases of local blooms or citrus accents can make a big impression without being overdone. Keep your signage simple with elegant text on flowing linens that billow off the front of the bar.
Lighting: As the sun sets, consider soft string lights or lanterns to keep the glow warm and inviting. Elevate your tables with pillars in hurricane glasses, taper candles in vintage candlesticks, or elegant tabletop lamps.
Reception: Balancing Elegance and Ease
Inside Lake & Wood’s elegant tented reception space, the goal is to blend sophistication with a sense of the outdoors. Open siding keeps guests connected to the scenery while protecting from weather — meaning you can style the space without worrying about the elements.
Tablescapes: Think minimal but lush! Crisp linens in solid colors or subtle pattersns, gold-accented tableware, and a single floral centerpiece that feels organic, not overly structured. Keep the table numbers natural, made with clear acrylic or stone.
Lighting Layers: Pair natural candlelight with soft uplighting or a statement chandelier for a cozy evening glow.
Statement Florals, Simplified: Choose one focal area — like an overhead floral installation or a greenery-wrapped tent pole — instead of filling every corner.
The Little Details That Matter
At a forest wedding venue like Lake & Wood, sometimes the most impactful details are the simplest. Personalized signage, hand-tied napkins, or a locally inspired menu can tie your celebration back to its setting. Encourage your florist and planner to think about textures, shapes, and scents that harmonize with the outdoors — like pine sprigs, eucalyptus, or garden roses.
Host at Lake and Wood, a Forest Wedding Venue
A nature wedding venue offers something truly timeless: a built-in backdrop that doesn’t need to be “improved.” The best designs at Lake & Wood highlight that authenticity — refined, understated, and deeply connected to the setting itself. When couples lean into the natural beauty instead of fighting it, the result is a wedding that feels effortless, intentional, and entirely their own.