About London
London has long been an iconic global city, and it's a place that people from all over the world love to visit. With its rich history, diverse culture, thriving art scene, bustling nightlife and unparalleled shopping experiences, London is always a hit with travellers and residents alike. But what makes London stand out is its commitment to green spaces and outdoor activities. From wide-open parks to secret gardens hidden away in alleyways and courtyards, Londoners are blessed with some of the most beautiful greenery in the world.
If you're looking for a unique venue to host your next party or event, why not take advantage of the lushness of London's gardens? From small urban oases tucked away in backstreets to grand royal parks sprawling across several acres, there's something for everyone's taste—and budget! Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, you'll find plenty of stunning garden venues throughout the city that are perfect for hosting parties of all shapes and sizes.
You can book outdoor picnic areas with picturesque views of landmarks like Hyde Park or Kensington Palace, rent out historic manor houses nestled among fragrant flower beds, or even check into stylish rooftop bars complete with fire pits and incredible skyline views. Whichever option you choose, hosting a party amidst London's lush greenery will guarantee that your guests have a magical experience they won't soon forget!
Garden Party Options in London
- Bartending Services
Professional bartending services provide expertise in crafting signature cocktails, beer and wine selections, and other non-alcoholic beverages. They can also manage the liquor inventory, mix drinks according to guests’ requests, and provide ice, garnishes, and glassware.
- Decorations
Creative decorations can turn an ordinary garden into a magical paradise for guests to enjoy. Options include hanging lanterns or twinkle lights from trees, colourful paper garlands strung between branches, or setting up a stage with beautiful drapery and florals.
- Music
Live music is always a hit at any party! Hiring live musicians can create an upscale atmosphere that will keep guests entertained throughout the evening. Professionals can provide music genres such as jazz, classical, Latin salsa, rock and roll—whatever style you choose for your garden party!
- Photo Booth Hire
Hiring a photo booth adds a fun element to any gathering. Professional photo booths are equipped with high-quality backdrops and props that will help create memorable moments for your guests. The photos can also be shared online so that everyone can have access to them after the event is over.
Garden Party Vendors in London
- Boelle Events
Boelle Events is an award-winning design and wedding planning service that brings a unique, bohemian flair to your special occasion. Their hire range includes pieces such as table decorations, linen napkins, archways, rugs, soft furnishings, and candle holders, all of which are carefully selected to create a beautifully rustic atmosphere. Boelle Events styling service also promises to transform any venue from ordinary to extraordinary with the help of its expert team. Additionally, they provide delivery and collection services both in the UK and across Europe, paired with a convenient Zero Waste delivery option to make events more sustainable. No matter what the size or theme of your event may be, Boelle Events has everything you need to turn it into a memorable experience.
- The Master Mixologist
The Master Mixologist provides premium bartender services and expertise to clients in London and beyond. Behind the scenes is a team of master mixologists, professional bartenders, flair bartenders, front-of-house staff and experienced event planners who all share a passion for hospitality. Not only are they highly skilled at what they do, but they know how to entertain and make guests feel comfortable. Their state-of-the-art mobile bars come fully stocked with premium spirits and mixers, while their range of LED and garden bars can fit any setting or theme.
- Smartpicsuk Photo Booth
Smartpicsuk is a professional and experienced event photography and photo booth hire business, offering luxury, handcrafted in oak booths featuring DSLR cameras, studio lighting, custom software and a range of premium or bespoke backdrops. Ideal for companies, social media influencers, businesses as well as discerning private individuals and event organisers in the industry, these booths are capable of producing postcard-sized photographs or traditional passport-style strips for all guests within seconds. With a history of working with some of the nation's finest organisations and parties, you can trust Smartpicsuk to deliver the images your event deserves on time and budget.
Pros and Cons of Garden Parties in London
Garden parties in London can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate with friends. However, these events come with pros and cons that should be considered. The following is a list of potential advantages and disadvantages of organising a garden party in London.
Advantages
- A garden setting provides guests with a beautiful backdrop for your event with lush foliage, floral arrangements, and other natural elements.
- Gardens often require less decoration than indoor venues since they already have natural elements that add character to your celebration.
- There is no shortage of activities when it comes to outdoor parties. From lawn games like badminton and croquet to face painting stations for kids and more, there’s something for everyone at your event!
Disadvantages
- The size of your garden may limit the number of guests you can invite or restrict the type of activities you can do depending on how much open space there is available.
- Uninvited bugs and animals may show up unannounced during your event which could make some guests—especially those with allergies—uncomfortable.
- Depending on where your party is located, you may have neighbours who don’t appreciate the noise from your event, especially if it's late into the night. It’s important to be mindful of this when setting up speakers or live entertainment.
Tips on How to Organise a Garden Party in London
Organising a garden party in London can be a delightful and memorable experience when done right. The beauty of nature, fresh air, and the picturesque setting provide the perfect backdrop for any event, from weddings to corporate functions. To ensure your garden party goes off without a hitch, follow these tips:
- Be mindful of the weather: London's famously unpredictable weather can put a damper on your garden party if you're not prepared. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a contingency plan in place, such as a tent or an indoor alternative, to ensure your event can go on rain or shine.
- Set the scene with appropriate décor: The beauty of a garden party is the natural setting, but adding the right decorations can enhance the ambience. Incorporate flowers, string lights, and other natural elements into table settings, seating arrangements, and pathways to create a harmonious and romantic atmosphere.
- Organise appropriate catering: London offers a diverse culinary scene, and that extends to catering options. Select a caterer that can provide a menu suitable for a garden setting, with options for dietary restrictions and preferences. Also, ensure the catering staff is equipped to handle an outdoor event, as this might affect their ability to cook and serve food.
- Provide entertainment: Depending on the nature of your event, various forms of entertainment can enhance the garden setting. Live music, such as a string quartet or jazz band, can create a luxurious ambience, while lawn games or interactive activities can encourage guests to enjoy the outdoor surroundings.
- Communicate with your guests: Inform your guests about the garden setting so they can come prepared. Encourage them to wear appropriate footwear, bring a light jacket, or even pack an umbrella in case of unexpected showers.
Famous Locations in London
- 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street is packed with history, most notably as the official office of British leaders since 1735. The famous address may be plain-looking, but don't let that fool you—it's three houses joined together and boasts over 100 rooms! During Margaret Thatcher’s time, access to Downing St was restricted by a cordoned-off large gate and after an IRA attack in 1991, a blast-proof steel door replaced the stout wooden one. Despite this, some lucky souls can get a peek inside the iconic building via Open House London and Open Garden Squares Weekend if they happen to draw a ballot. It's worth keeping an eye out if you're interested in seeing where some of the country's greatest leaders have worked!
- Temperate House
You haven't seen architecture until you've seen the Temperate House at Kew Gardens. Built in 1860, this incredible masterpiece is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world with 4880 sq m of floor space that allows visitors to immerse themselves in a special kind of beauty. Inside they can experience beautifully rare and exotic plants such as the Chilean wine palm—towering artefacts that make up some of the lush greenhouse's most awe-inspiring features. It's an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Kew area and promises an unforgettable experience for all its lucky attendees.
- Covent Garden Piazza
Covent Garden Piazza is a sight to behold in London! The old market, once home to the city's wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors, now functions as a multi-faceted area for locals and travellers alike. Its Italian-style arcades offer unique shopping opportunities and its Apple Market has become a place of interest with its eclectic stalls. To top it off, this famous square is still home to street performances akin to those seen by Samuel Pepys back in 1662. Even the charming Rent Ceremony takes place here, where five apples and five posies of flowers are paid out like rent to Covent Garden's landlord in June—always accompanied by a town crier and live band! Who could resist visiting such an interesting spot in London?