How to Incorporate Nature into Your Wedding Theme

Weddings that embrace nature have a unique charm, offering a tranquil, picturesque backdrop and an atmosphere that feels intimate and personal. 

Whether you’re planning an outdoor wedding theme or simply want to weave natural elements into your decor, incorporating nature into your wedding theme is a beautiful way to create a memorable day. 

At North Shore House, our stunning lakefront property and natural surroundings provide the perfect setting for a nature-inspired wedding. Here’s how to seamlessly incorporate nature into your big day.

Choose a Naturally Beautiful Venue

The first step to incorporating nature into your wedding theme is selecting a venue that highlights natural beauty. Outdoor settings like gardens, forests, and lakefront properties provide the perfect canvas for a nature-inspired event.

At North Shore House, we are nestled on the edge of Swartswood Lake, offering breathtaking waterfront views, sprawling greenery, lush gardens, and a picturesque backdrop that requires minimal decoration to feel magical. 

Our wedding packages provide indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to customize your event based on the natural surroundings and your preferences. We only host one event per day, so they have full private use.

Use Organic and Sustainable Materials

To fully embrace nature, incorporate eco-friendly, organic, and sustainable materials into your wedding. This not only supports environmental conservation but also aligns with the theme of nature by using elements that come from the earth.

Sustainable Material Ideas:

• Recycled Paper Invitations: Use recycled or plantable seed paper for your wedding invitations.
• Wooden Accents: Include wooden details in your decor, such as wooden signage, wooden farm tables, or center pieces.
• Linen Napkins: North Shore House includes linen napkins in all reception packages and has 24 different colors to choose from.

Using sustainable materials will help your wedding feel connected to the environment, and your guests will appreciate the eco-conscious effort.

Natural Floral Arrangements and Greenery

Nothing says “nature” like fresh flowers and lush greenery. Use seasonal, locally sourced flowers to minimize your environmental impact while bringing the outdoors into your decor.

Floral Ideas:

• Wildflowers: Incorporate wildflowers for a rustic, free-spirited look.
• Greenery Garlands: Use eucalyptus or ferns as table runners or hanging decor.
• Potted Plants: Instead of traditional cut flowers, consider potted plants or succulents that guests can take home.

At North Shore House, the natural landscape serves as an extension of your wedding theme decor, making it easy to integrate the beauty of nature with minimal effort.

Earthy Color Palettes

Choosing an earthy color palette will help reinforce your nature-inspired theme. Earth tones such as greens, browns, and soft neutrals complement the natural surroundings and create a harmonious aesthetic. North Shore House offers 24 different colored napkins for you to choose from.

Color Palette Ideas:

• Green and Gold: A classic combination that reflects the lushness of nature with a touch of elegance.
• Earthy Neutrals: Shades of beige, taupe, and ivory create a soft, natural ambiance.
• Sunset Hues: For a more vibrant approach, consider the colors of a sunset—warm oranges, pinks, and purples.

The natural beauty of Swartswood Lake at North Shore House provides a serene backdrop for any color palette, adding depth and texture to your wedding decor.

Outdoor Lighting to Enhance Nature

Lighting can transform an outdoor setting into a romantic wonderland. Use lighting that enhances the natural beauty of your venue while maintaining a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas:

• String Lights: North Shore House includes string lights across the cocktail patio and a chandelier hanging from the tree.
• Lanterns and Candles: Place lanterns along walkways or use candles in glass holders on tables to create a soft, ambient light.
• Fire Pits: Incorporate fire pits for a warm, rustic feel that encourage guests to gather. North Shore House includes a firepit on the cocktail patio.

At North Shore House, the setting sun over the lake creates its natural lighting, and adding additional soft lighting can enhance this effect, making your wedding feel even more magical. the sun sets over the cocktail patio, and golden light pours into the reception room overlooking windows.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

Continue your nature theme with eco-friendly wedding favors that reflect your commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Eco-Friendly Favor Ideas:

• Seed Packets: Give guests packets of flower or herb seeds that they can plant at home.
• Reusable Items: Provide reusable items such as bamboo straws, canvas bags, or glass water bottles.
• Potted Plants or Succulents: Small potted plants are a great way for guests to take home a piece of nature.

Eco-friendly wedding favors not only align with a nature theme but also leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Seasonal and Local Catering Through North Shore House

Incorporating seasonal and locally sourced food into your wedding menu is another way to bring nature into your celebration. Seasonal ingredients are fresher and more flavorful, and using local vendors helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Catering Ideas:

• Farm-to-Table: Work with a caterer who specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, focusing on organic, locally sourced ingredients.
• Cake: Seasonal cake options are available
• Seasonal Menus: Create a menu that reflects the season of your wedding. In addition to our full catering menu, North Shore offers seasonal selections. For example, light salads and grilled vegetables for summer, our hearty root vegetables and warms soup for fall.
• Eco-Friendly Tableware: North Shore House uses only real china, no plastic ever, and uses bamboo straws.

At North Shore House, our talented culinary team uses locally sourced ingredients to create unforgettable farm-to-table dining experiences perfectly suited for a nature-inspired wedding. We provide all catering; we don’t allow outside catering. Check out our catering options for more ideas.

North Shore House offers outdoor activities.

• Access to kayaks & paddle boards for guests lodging onsite or utilizing ready rooms.
• Laien games available overlooking the lake.
• Pontoon boat rentals available.
• Bocce ball courts.
• State park with sandy beach & hiking trails

For guests who are lodging onsite for your wedding, NSH offers a variety of outdoor activities both before and after your reception.

Conclusion:

Incorporating nature into your wedding theme not only enhances the aesthetic of your big day but also creates an atmosphere of tranquility and elegance. 

From selecting a naturally beautiful venue like North Shore House to using sustainable materials and seasonal ingredients, these elements will help you craft a memorable wedding that reflects your love for nature.

If you’re planning a wedding in the New Jersey area, contact us to learn more about our stunning lakefront venue, flexible wedding packages, and experienced team. 

Let us help you create the perfect nature-inspired wedding at North Shore House, where the beauty of the natural world is all around you.