:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__proteus__5968b8ff3706e352728c00e4__11-cfb7bdcde1084526ae1a4ba6e7399a45.jpeg)
Photo by Catherine Coons
If you're saying "I do" in a tropical destination, go ahead and embrace the local flora. We love tropical blooms and leaves—think palm fronds, monstera leaves, elephant ears, and more—on a beach, in lush mountain terrain, in the rice fields of Bali, and beyond. The best thing about this plant is that it can be used as a ceremony backdrop, in a flower installation above your head table, or even as a fun photo prop. We found palms—and all of its tropical leaf friends—as small as your hand and others taller than a person. Another secret: It holds its shape, something your florist will absolutely thank you for.
Palm leaf wedding décor also works in many situations thanks to the leafy green hue, a neutral in the flower world. It's the perfect base for a big installation where you're adding in tropical blooms in pinks, oranges, and yellows, tying together an otherwise interesting mix—or even as the back of a bouquet. A single monstera leaf or pair of palms can give your bridal bouquet an asymmetrical shape, all the while fusing different textures together. And don't get us started on palms on wedding cakes, which can add texture in the form of a sugar flower, dimension as the real thing, or even an artistic touch when watercolored.
Needless to say, we're loving this trend in any and all forms. Take a peek at the photo inspiration below and start pinning what you like for your big day. And remember: You can use this trend even if you're not marrying in the tropics. We included a few pictures below that took place in venues as far-flung as the mean streets of New York City.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19bb2352a05523dc70e_Les20Anagnou20Photographers-a5e0719511d54ab6bea530b8363d2e4b.jpeg)
We love that this hanging installation incorporates many trends. Palms, when combined with a fun quote, make for the ultimate party-ready decor.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__14__5968b8453706e352728c00e1_Lauren20Scotti-ffe9e1f104a24e8eb48997e00e691bd7.jpeg)
Looking for the perfect photo prop? We found it.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19646664068624d218a_Amber20Schoniwitz-4125bee2649542d88cace962c22e13b9.jpeg)
How fun are these palm–backed chairs? The fabric chair works well with the wooden table to avoid linen overkill. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use a palm napkin, too.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__14__5968b84946664068624d2190_Samuel20Goh20Photography20-20Amy202B20James-237-edf3799201ef427388ac9f4fe3340753.jpeg)
For their ceremony, this couple turned a covered patio into one seriously epic canopy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d196b2352a05523dc70c_Boholidays2016-61-1-900330bfaa854d2186891f02b4203090.jpeg)
We’re into this garland of monstera leaves above the bar. One, because it’s the bar. And two, because some are spray-painted gold. Bonus: They even coordinate with the stemware.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d1980005da398b5e8395_IMG_0020-0f040a3879ab40f9877e1e2acb3c919a.jpg)
How modern is this statement cake? We're obsessed with the mix of cool circles and fun pink palms.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19746664068624d218c_CariCourtrightPhotography_tropical2-16f884af46d7461886d696d7f5e45484.jpg)
Behold, a tropical wedding bouquet to admire. The all-green color palette, mixed with different textures, makes the perfect statement.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__14__5968b8939bfbfc27dd186307_ambergress_laurenandben_0578-7da51935798f47ff8fadcaa002817bfc.jpg)
Who says you can’t use palms in New York City? This couple worked with planner Jove Meyer to turn The Foundry—located in NYC’s neighbor Long Island City—into a tropical oasis.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19a0005da398b5e8397_IMG_0675-e07371abca104303a37959085c2c3e68.jpg)
This is our dream palm-inspired table setup, thanks to the clear base that makes the leaves appear as though they're floating.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__14__5968b8319bfbfc27dd186303__DSC6309-de27236c6a364ce291f8bf3ab19f1bfd.jpg)
This mega-palm altar is simply perfection. To re-create, attach two large palm fronds to a plain altar structure. Add the sand and ocean backdrop, and voilà.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d196c9ddec359916b410_Be20Q-24065bd13e9b4cf78e50c06c1afaca74.jpg)
Invitations give your guests the first glimpse of what your wedding will look like. That’s why these watercolored palms are ideal for a Hawaiian destination wedding.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__14__5968b8a346664068624d2192_501-union-wedding-brooklyn-wedding-planner-jove-meyer-events17-b584dbd997024c18981f23b3b9a0ed40.jpg)
At an eight-person table setting, it’s important to think about how the conversation will flow. A tall, focal point arrangement not only looks aesthetically pleasing but when functioning as a centerpiece, it won't block guest's faces. These elephant ears—note the sleek white cylinder vase—are chic and conversation-friendly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19cb2352a05523dc710_Tara20LIbby-6701041671cc4829842253892a23aa6d.jpg)
These monstera leaves set a solid base for pretty pink and red flowers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19ac9ddec359916b414_IMG_0361-5131312a8c9f4e648c5cce434e6e6477.jpg)
This circle installation is covered in palms that have been painted pink for a girly touch.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__13__5967d19d3706e352728c00cc_Meg20Smith-ceb1f92ea1124c389e8720f609962ea0.jpg)
A neutral base lets the palm napkins and flora arrangements shine as the focal points of the table. Meanwhile, the pink flowers and green accents are a match made in heaven.