Eras, Elegance, and Quiet Luxury: How to Create a Stunning Garden Soirée

The aesthetic dominating 2025 weddings and events is “quiet luxury,” — a term coined for that old-money vibe or an effortlessly chic and classic look. Quiet luxury is rooted in timeless sophistication and pulls inspo from a variety of decades to achieve a vintage flair with understated elegance. From big events and special occasions to garden weddings and “minorstones” (aka, a small life event that warrants a huge champagne toast), this trend is sure to make you swoon. At Flora D’ Amore, we’re taking a trip through time to explore the best ways to design a quiet luxury garden soiree with details from the past.

1950s: Tennis Fashion Forward

The ‘50s were all about country club cool, where tennis fashion blended sporty and sophisticated flawlessly. Think crisp white pleated skirts, tailored polos, and preppy sweater vests paired with sleek, low-profile sneakers for that effortlessly polished vibe. To bring this aesthetic to your garden party, go for lush floral installations featuring roses, orchids, and dahlias under a breezy outdoor tent. Add fresh greenery runners, crisp linen tablecloths, and glass pitchers of lemonade to channel Martha’s Vineyard meets old-money summer retreat.

Decorated elegant wooden wedding table for banquet outdoor in garden, in the style of rustic with eucalyptus and flowers, porcelain plates, glasses, white chairs. Horizontal

1960s: Palm Springs Chic

The ‘60s were the golden age of effortless glam, where mid-century modern met poolside luxury in the most fabulous way. Think shift dresses, oversized sunnies, and sleek updos—paired with kitten heels or classic loafers for that Old Hollywood touch. To bring the retro-glam energy to your garden party, go for minimalist floral arrangements with ranunculus, roses, and anthuriums. Layer in geometric patterns, warm hues, and—of course—a chic bar cart stocked with martinis — because nothing says Palm Springs perfection like a cocktail in hand and a sunset in the background.

Festive table decor. In pastel pink colors with golden cutlery. With different natural colors roses, peonies, anthurium. Luxury wedding, party, birthday. View from above

1970s: Old Money Goes International

The ‘70s gave old money a first-class ticket to every dreamy destination—think flowing floral dresses, silk scarves tied just right, and gold jewelry that looks like it was collected from summers on the Amalfi Coast. Add a fur stole or a structured handbag for that effortless je ne sais quoi. To bring this jet-set elegance to your garden party, go for loose, romantic floral arrangements with orchids, roses, and wild greenery. Layer in velvet cushions, vintage lanterns, and colorful, patterned table linens for a look that feels straight out of an upscale European summer soirée.

elegantly decorated table at a wedding reception with beautiful sunset

1980s: A Return to the Classics

The ‘80s were all about conservative, classic elegance with a power move, thanks to Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Tailored blazers paired with pleated skirts and pearl necklaces were all the rage. And often, these ensembles were seen in rich shades of navy, cream, and burgundy. Think country club chic, but dialed up a notch. To match the vibe, florals should be crisp and structured—arrange roses, lilies, and carnations in tall, elegant vases for that perfectly polished touch. Keep the garden setting manicured to perfection with trimmed hedges, traditional table settings, and—because more is more—a champagne tower to bring the drama.

Wedding. Banquet. Chairs and honeymooners table decorated with candles, served with cutlery and crockery and covered with a tablecloth. The table stands on a green lawn in the backyard banquet area.

1990s: Princess Diana-Inspired

Princess Diana was the blueprint for quiet luxury, and ‘90s garden parties followed suit—literally. Picture tailored pastel skirt sets, crisp white blouses, and feminine dresses, finished with pearl earrings and a wide-brim hat or fascinator for that regal but effortless touch. For florals, it’s all about soft romance—think roses, hydrangeas, and peonies in delicate glass or pastel ceramic vases. The aesthetic should be elegant, timeless, and fit for a royal-approved afternoon tea. Pinkies up!

beautifully decorated table with flowers

Quiet luxury isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. At Flora D’ Amore, we love curating garden party florals that feel timeless, sophisticated, and straight out of an old-money daydream. Because when it comes to elegance, good taste is forever.

quiet luxury garden party edition through the eras