Sustainable Stationary

Being sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics! You can still send out your dream invites, just look for recycled options or plantable seed paper (a great idea for garden party weddings). If physical invites aren’t your priority, consider e-vites (try Paperless Post) or a wedding website (try The Knot).

Locally Sourced Florals

This might be the easiest way to make an eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) switch! Getting local, in-season florals means no long-distance shipping, aka fewer emissions, and generally a lower cost. Seasonal blooms also need less energy to grow. You can also consider making or renting faux florals that can be kept or reused! For gorgeous, rentable florals, you can try Something Borrowed Blooms, which makes premium silk flowers for all your wedding needs.

Eco-Conscious Venues

Opt for outdoor venues such as gardens, beaches, or vineyards, which require less lighting and air conditioning. You can also look for venues that prioritize sustainability through composting, solar power, or zero-waste practices. Any of these options can help to prevent the event’s overall environmental impact.

Pre-Loved or Ethical Fashion

Consider wearing a vintage or second-hand gown, or even rent one! Even getting a pre-loved gown and altering it to meet your vision is a step in the eco-friendly direction. Reusing or renting prevents the production of new garments, which saves water, energy, and reduces textile waste. You can also look for ethical designers who support fair labor and use eco-friendly fabrics that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials.

Minimal Waste Decor

Decorate with fabric banners, lanterns, and thrifted treasures! Vintage is trending, and you can partake while helping the environment. You can also opt for glass, wood, and natural materials to avoid plastic or single-use decor. Everything from vintage china plates, thrifted lace table runners, and collected flower vases can add a beautiful, unique touch to your wedding while making a difference!

Eco-Friendly Favors

Pleasantly surprise your guests with a unique favor such as local honey, jam, or olive oil in glass containers. Or gift plantable items like succulents or seed packets. Edible or plantable gifts are low-waste and useful—no plastic trinkets headed for the trash. You can also consider donations in lieu of favors, which eliminates waste altogether while supporting causes you love.

Let Nature be the Venue

The perfect setting for a garden party wedding is lots of greenery and florals. Look for venues that offer outdoor ceremonies, happy hours, or receptions to tie in that in-the-garden feeling. Vineyards, botanical gardens, and greenhouses are all great options. Keep an eye out for venues with plenty of outdoor photo opportunities and maybe even a sunset view!

Go Crazy with the Florals

One of the most important aspects of a garden party is the inclusion of florals, so we suggest putting them everywhere! Imagine wild flower bud vases intertwined with votives, floating candles, and colorful tablescapes. Have fun with your floral choices and don’t be afraid to get colorful. The goal is to make it look like you picked a combination of every flower from the garden! Consider arrangements for the bar, aisle, guestbook table, etc., to add something extra to the ambience.

Play Around with Accessories and the Dress Code

If you’d like to tie in the garden details to your appearance, you can consider a floral embroidered dress or veil, floral patterned shoes, or a floral hairpiece. These subtle additions can help tie everything together in a very seamless way. You could also do mismatched floral-patterned bridesmaid dresses. If you want to take the theme even further, you can tell guests to follow a colorful and floral dress code.

Don’t Forget about Dessert

Traditional cakes, long rectangle cakes, and everything in between are all fitting for this theme. Even the simplest addition of floral designs or real florals to your wedding cake can perfectly tie it in. Other than florals, we’re seeing an array of gorgeous cake ideas come along with this trend, like fresh fruit, vintage piping, and pastel or bright colors. Whatever style of garden party you’re aiming for, there is a cake style to match perfectly! This is also your opportunity to do an unconventional dessert like mini layer cakes, fruit tarts, or chocolate-covered strawberries.

Get Creative with the Details

Let your guests know to expect before they even arrive, with garden-themed save-the-dates and invites. If you’re doing a wedding website through a platform like The Knot, consider choosing a floral and colorful theme. For the day of, consider adding floral design or real floral pieces to your welcome sign, seating chart, and any other signage. If you want to go a step further, you can even do custom cocktail napkins or wedding favors with a garden theme and your initials.

Before You Arrive

Our team shows up an hour before your arrival to prep your suites and make sure they are perfect for your special day! We stock the bridal suite with water, champagne, orange juice, and glassware. Then we stock the groom’s suite with water, beer in the mini fridge, and glassware as well. If you opt in to coming early, we supply a delicious breakfast assortment along with a coffee bar. If you have a makeup and hair team, they typically arrive around this time to set up!

Once You Arrive

Our team excitedly awaits your arrival and welcomes you to the beginning of your wedding day! Once you’re here, we make sure you have everything you need and give you a moment to soak it in before the fun starts! Throughout the day, we will pop in to see how things are going and if you need anything. We will also bring up any food platters you ordered in advance and drink refills to make sure you are fueled and hydrated for the day ahead. We will also assist with pictures if needed and ensure you get the best photos to capture those priceless moments!

Setting Up

Our team handles everything for you, tables, linens, chargers, glassware, silverware, napkins, ceremony seating, and any decor or special items you bring in. When we meet with you before your wedding we make thorough notes on where everything should be placed. We then refer to those notes throughout the day of the wedding to execute the plan flawlessly. We do our best to set up as much as possible while we are open to the public. Once we close at five we rally the troops and do the finishing touches to make your dream wedding come to life right before your eyes.

Ceremony

Once the crowd starts to roll in, we meet with your DJ or band if you have one and your officiant to go over the plan for the processional one last time. Once it’s go time, we make sure all guests are seated and line up everyone who is walking in the processional. One of our coordinators helps direct everyone down the aisle to make sure the entire process is seamless and timing is perfect! The same coordinator will direct rehearsal if you choose to have one at Chandler Hill. We make sure the bride is hidden up until the very last moment and another coordinator helps carry and fluff the dress right before the aisle. Before you know it you’re walking down the aisle to get married! One of our favorite parts of our job is watching couples say “I do” and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces as you walk back. When you reach the end of the aisle, your coordinator is waiting for you with two glasses of champagne to cheers with as official newlyweds!

Cocktail Hour

During this time we communicate with your photographer to see if you have more pictures to take and assist if needed. If not, you are free to head back up to the suites to hide out before your grand entrance, or you can stay and mingle with everyone during happy hour. Our staff will have appetizers ready to go to keep guests satisfied until dinner. The bar will also be ready to take on the crowd and be prepped for any specialty cocktails you may have. During this time our staff will bring out salads and your coordinator will hand deliver any special dietary or allergy salads. If you are doing a grand entrance, we will then gather just the couple or the whole wedding party once guests take their seats. We work with the MC to make sure your entrance is as grand as you desire. If you plan on doing speeches we also talk with your MC to make sure everything runs smoothly for those as well.

The Reception

It’s time to eat! By this time your coordinator is back in the kitchen ready to serve up your delicious dinner and ensure each plate looks as delicious as it tastes. If there are any kids meals or dietary meals, your coordinator will also hand deliver those to your guests. Our team then runs the rest of the food to your guests in a timely manner and double checks that everyone has been served and is satisfied. After dinner, it’s time for dessert! If you would like to do a cake cutting, we gather your photographers so they can prepare to capture the moment. If you opt in to our smores bar or chocolate fountain, our chef will have that prepped and ready to go out right after dinner!

Dance Floor

It’s time to celebrate and dance the night away! We open up the dance floor and get the music going. If you are doing family dances and a first dance, we gather everyone participating and get your guests around the dance floor to watch. If you choose to have fireworks at the end of your first dance, your coordinator will execute the plan and make sure they go off right on time! If you have any dance floor props like glow sticks or wands, your coordinator will make sure they are by the dance floor and ready to go. If you have plans for a special exit, your coordinator makes sure everything is set up and ready for that as well. The best end to our night is watching you and your guests having a blast dancing and singing your hearts out!

A Message from Us

Thank you for reading about a day in the life of our team! We do everything we can to make your wedding day flawless and relaxing. Our biggest advice is to soak in every moment, small and big. Remember what the day is celebrating—your beautiful love and commitment to each other. Let us focus on the small details and allow yourself to get lost in the moment! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

The Pond and Grey House

Our pond is situated right below the vineyard and surrounded by lush greenery. The water glistening in the background makes for incredible photos and a dreamy atmosphere. Right next to the pond is our historic Grey House. Many couples use this spot for their first look because it has plenty of opportunities to create the perfect reveal. Although the inside isn’t available to the public, the outside boasts enough charm to create the ideal ambience.

Road by the Pond

Between the pond and a line of green trees is a small road that is amazing for couple portraits. It starts at the main road to the venue and stretches to the back of the pond. It’s perfect for candid photos of walking hand in hand and leads to an abundant group of trees for more romantic and intimate pictures.

The Barrel Room

Our barrel room is a great spot for photos, wine tastings, and even getting ready on your wedding day. The space is available for getting ready any day except Saturday and is always a hit among the groomsmen. The wall of barrels and rustic furnishings make the space ideal for photos with the boys.

The Piazza and Cabanas

Right beside our deck are spacious cabanas with lounge seating that overlook the vineyards. Right next to the cabanas is a gorgeous patio space with picnic tables, pergolas, and barrels as decor. The piazza is where we make our delicious hand-made pizzas and occasionally serve drinks from the bar. These spaces are great for simply relaxing and taking in the views or can serve as a unique spot for wedding portraits.

The Field

Right behind the piazza is a small field that is flourishing and green in the spring and summer. This spot is often overlooked, but when couples take advantage of it for pictures, the results are breathtaking! If you want some pictures in your wedding gallery that feel like a fairytale, this is a must-have on your shot list.

Greens and Grapevines

Inspired by vineyard charm, this palette combines dark maroons, soft greens, crisp whites, and grape accents for a rich, romantic feel. It’s a nod to nature and wine country elegance, perfect for couples tying the knot at a winery or garden venue. Picture maroon and olive green bridesmaid dresses, lush green garlands draped across tables, and delicate clusters of grapes nestled into centerpieces. The contrast of deep, velvety hues and fresh greenery creates a sophisticated yet organic ambiance that feels both timeless and enchanting.

Black Tie with a Twist

Classy never goes out of style. Add a pop of green and gold to the traditional black-and-white palette for a modern, elegant feel. It’s timeless yet fresh, perfect for a formal affair or a sleek winery wedding. Imagine white calla lily bouquets tied with ribbon, green floral centerpieces, gold flatware, and black and white signage with pops of green. These small details come together creating a sophisticated atmosphere with just a hint of contemporary flair. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance.

Sunny Citrus and Blooms

If you want your wedding to feel like the ultimate sunny and fun summer day, this could be the palette for you.  Think coral, tangerine, lemon yellow, hot pink, and pops of light blue. Perfect for summer ceremonies, these colors bring energy and a playful twist to your special day — plus, they pair beautifully with outdoor vineyard views. Picture bright floral centerpieces, citrus garlands, and sunny accents in your décor. It’s a vibrant, carefree choice that adds a splash of personality and fun to every moment.

Rose and Sage Romance

Soft, dreamy, and timeless. Blush pink paired with elegant sage green is the ultimate romantic combo. It works beautifully with floral arrangements, rustic venues (hello, vineyard weddings!), and candlelit receptions. This palette exudes a gentle charm, blending effortlessly with natural surroundings while adding just the right touch of elegance. Imagine flowing table runners, soft pink roses, and subtle greenery — pure magic.

Spring

Spring at Chandler Hill will have you thinking you’re no longer in Missouri. As the name suggests, our venue sits on a hill overlooking sweeping green hills, flowing trees, budding grape vines, and a glittering lake. The spring is a magical time here bringing us singing birds in the morning and the most gorgeous sunsets in the evening.

For weddings at Chandler Hill, this means a gorgeous outdoor ceremony with perfect lighting followed by an incredible sunset backdrop for photos. Springtime also makes for a perfect indoor-outdoor happy hour and a dreamy reception. Once you’re ready to hit the dance floor, you can do so under the stars and string lights on our deck. You can even add fireworks to the end of your first dance for the perfect transition to open up the dance floor! 

Summer

Everything is in full bloom at Chandler Hill in the summer, the grape vines, flowers, and romance! Blue skies and sunshine paired with the vineyard and lake not only make incredible photos but also amazing memories. The sunsets just keep getting better as we move into July and August with bold colors painting the sky behind you as you say “I do”.

Even in the Missouri heat, Chandler Hill knows how to make your wedding seamless and enjoyable. Your guests will have access to an always-stocked water station as well as multiple spots to relax in the shade while still getting the full experience. Summer-themed specialty cocktails and cold appetizers can be a fun way to play into the season and keep your guests cool! By the time the sun sets, the weather is ideal for an outdoor dance floor, and don't forget those show-stopping fireworks to start the party!

Fall

If red, orange, and yellow foliage sounds like your dream wedding backdrop, Chandler Hill is the venue for you! The autumnal view stretches for miles off our back deck where some of the most picturesque ceremonies take place. This season presents the perfect opportunity to hold happy hour down in our cabanas with a satellite bar and toasty appetizers. As you watch the sun drift behind the horizon, fire up our bonfire pits to create the ultimate cozy atmosphere. Your guests will also be delighted to roam through the vines and capture some Instagram-worthy photos!

Reception allows your guests to warm up before hitting the dance floor under the night sky! To spice up your dessert experience, you can have a smores bar to really get your guests in the fall mood. In no time you’ll have everyone out of their seats, smores in hand, dancing the night away!

Winter

If a cozy wood-burning fireplace and a candle-lit dinner sounds like the perfect ambiance, a winter wedding at Chandler Hill is right for you! Our tall wooden ceiling, candle-lit bar, and indoor string lights bring warmth to the cold winter weather. A ceremony in front of the fireplace is never forgotten as it makes the moment even more magical and intimate.

Bring happy hour to life with a gingerbread martini or yule mule as your specialty cocktail! Satisfy your hunger until dinner with cocktail meatballs or cranberry brie tartlets and watch the smiles of satisfied guests spread throughout the room. Once reception comes to a close, hit the dance floor as we lower the lights and turn up the music! Add an even sweeter ending with our chocolate fountain along with dippable fruit and treats!

1. Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are growing in popularity and are a great way to add fun and distinction to your theme! To keep your bridal party cohesive, you can provide a color palette, optional patterns, and a Pinterest board for inspiration. Condence looks best on everyone, so giving your bridesmaids the freedom to choose what they wear will bring out the brightest smiles!

2. String Quartets

If elegant romance is the theme you’re striving for, you’ll want to consider incorporating this trend into your wedding. Couples are opting for instrumental versions of their favorite songs for the ceremony and reception, think Bridgerton. This allows you to enjoy the music that means the most to you while maintaining an elevated atmosphere. Even the grandparents will be dancing along to Beyoncé, or Frank Sinatra if that’s more your vibe!

3. Fruits and Veggies as Decor

That's right, your girl dinner is now a centerpiece. Heirloom tomatoes, gs, lemons, herbs, and more are becoming increasingly popular for wedding decor. These unusual props bring a natural and down-to-earth feeling that is perfect if you’re going for an effortless, comforting atmosphere. You can even tie in specialty cocktails that include the fruit and vegetables you’re also using as decor.

4. Candid Film Photography

If you want your pictures to be extremely nostalgic, this is the trend for you! Something about a candid laughing moment captured in a warm, grainy photo makes you feel like you’re reliving the moment over and over again. This photography style romanticizes blurry photos of you running through hallways, messy cake cuttings, and hectic dance floors. Each captured memory looks exactly how it felt - like a dream.

5. Unconventional Desserts

While you can’t go wrong with a traditional cake, an unconventional dessert can be just as delicious while adding a bit of personality to your wedding! Dessert can be a fun way to tie in your heritage and traditions, and maybe even entertainment for your guests. Examples of this include ice cream carts, fresh made-to-order donuts, dessert towers, French millefoglie, and Norwegian kransekake. No matter which unconventional dessert you choose, your guests will be surprised and delighted by the unique experience!