32 Ways to Use Dried Palm Leaves in Your Wedding Décor

Updated 01/16/21

floral and dried palm hanging display — Photo by Jana Williams Photography; Wedding design RO & Co. Events; Floral design Of the Flowers

Palm leaves are the perfect addition to a tropical or beach-themed wedding, and they’ve made appearances on everything from wedding stationery to the bridal bouquet and even the cake. Lately, florists have been incorporating palms in their dried form. Once they’re fully dry, palm leaves take on an entirely different personality, becoming more sculptural, wispy, frayed, and textured.

After palms are completely dehydrated, their bright-green color fades into softer, desaturated tones of mint, sage, taupe, and tobacco, which lend a lovely aged, earthy patina to floral arrangements. Dried palms are a beautiful addition to celebrations held in “blank canvas” locations with lighter palettes and surfaces—think stone walls, industrial concrete, or an arid desert.

Use dried palm leaves to add drama to your ceremony backdrop, or ask your florist to incorporate them into your bouquet for a unique pop of texture; mix them in dinner-table arrangements or highlight them in bud vases on their own.

Keep reading for our favorite ways to decorate with dried palm leaves.

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Peach and Mint Bridal Bouquet

Dried, spiky-leafed fan palms are a sculptural addition to this peachy bouquet of garden roses and ranunculus. The preserved palm fronds were spray-painted with a soft shade of mint green.

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Modern Wedding Backdrop

Ceremony backdrop of dried, oversized palm fronds — Photo by Megan Mehan Photography

Floral arch not your style? If your wedding aesthetic is more MoMA than the Met, we love the idea of a modern, statement-making ceremony backdrop for your vow exchange. This dramatic display by Hawthorn Flower Studio is fashioned from a dozen oversized palm fronds that have been dried before being constructed together.

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A Sympathetic Scene

Wedding ceremony tree adorned with baby's breath and dried palm leaves — Photo by KATE DRENNAN; Event Planning by The Butcher, The Baker, The Stylist & Creator; Floral Design by Rose + Bud

In lieu of a traditional ceremony arch, this couple opted to exchange their vows in front of a stately tree decorated with flowing garlands of baby's breath, white blooms, and a spray of dried palm leaves. The floral design remained sympathetic to the venue's surrounding natural landscape while reflecting themes of "planting seeds and growing roots" that were woven into the vows.

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A Modernist Mélange

Backdrop of dried palm leaves and dried flowers — Photo by Forged in the North; Event Planning by Jove Meyer Events; Floral Design by Doan Ly

Playful, modernist authenticity was the inspiration for this sunset rooftop ceremony. The space was outlined with a backdrop of dried palm fronds, fluffy grass, and dehydrated florals for a satisfying mix of textures and desert hues.

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Fall Bridal Bouquet

Bride holding bouquet of autumnal foliage branches, cappuccino roses, phalaenopsis orchids, chocolate cosmos, and dried sago palm leaves — Photo by This Modern Romance

This sculptural bouquet is perfect for fall brides. It includes autumnal foliage branches, cappuccino roses, phalaenopsis orchids, chocolate cosmos, and dried sago palm leaves, which fade from a fresh, vivid green color to a lime, almost mustard-yellow hue.

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Coastal Ceremony Arch

Newlyweds kissing under arbor made entirely of dried palm leaves — Photo by Lyss and Her Camera; Floral Design by Euflorial

Tying the knot on the beach? Mark your ceremony spot with a spectacular arbor made entirely of dried palm leaves. The sculptural palm fronds have a wonderful windswept look that’s perfect for an oceanside ceremony.

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Dreamy Table Runners

Floral table runners of orchids, dusty roses, anthurium, and dried palm leaves — Photo by Briana Mary; Event Planning by Tessa Lyn Events; Floral Design by Best Day Ever Floral Design

A neutral color palette doesn't have to be monotonous or boring. These floral table runners incorporate a captivating mix of orchids, dusty roses, white anthurium, and bleached dried sun palms for a tranquil and dusky aesthetic. "The vibe was dreamy and romantic, yet effortless with a touch of boho-chic," recalls the bride.

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Have Your Cake (and Eat It, Too)

White two-tiered wedding cake with dried palm leaves — Photo by Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Floral Design by Walden Floral LA; Cake by Over The Rainbow Desserts

Stark, contemporary minimalism with just a touch of vintage Palm Springs. This white, two-tier wedding cake was adorned with a restrained touch of dried palm leaves and birds of paradise. (And the inside was just as delicious with a mix of fresh berries and vanilla!)

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Dried Bouquet

Wild, sculptural bouquet of dried strawflower, palm leaves, wheat, and lunaria — Photo by Georgia Westwood

Boho brides, take note: This wild, sculptural bouquet by U.K.-based florist Georgia Westwood is made entirely of dried materials, including strawflower, palm leaves, wheat, and lunaria. Bonus: Since everything in the bouquet is dried, it will last forever on display in your home.

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Dried-Palm Ceremony Backdrop

Ceremony arch made of dried palm leaves, smokebush, and cream-colored astilbes — Photo by Sally Pinera

Imagine saying “I do” in front of an oversized ceremony arch made of dried palm leaves. The towering structure also features tufts of smokebush and cream-colored astilbes, which add just the right amount of softness and romance.

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A Vintage-Inspired Centerpiece

Centerpiece of dried fan palms, Queen Anne’s lace, scabiosa, smokebush, and garden roses — Photo by Honey & Poppies

Add an unexpected touch to your dinner-table centerpieces with a couple of preserved fan palms. Here, the patina of the dried palm leaves perfectly complements the vintage color palette of the florals, which include Queen Anne’s lace, scabiosa, smokebush, and garden roses.

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A Tropical Bouquet

Tropical-inspired bouquet with giant monstera leaves, palms, and anthurium. — Photo by Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Floral Design by Walden Floral LA

Things are seriously heating up with this tropical bouquet of white anthurium, giant monstera leaves, and dried palms. We love that the colors were kept neutral (and minimal) for an intentional and elevated look.

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An Earthy Arrangement

Newlyweds exchanging vows in front of backdrop of dried toffee roses, palms, and pampas grass — Photo by Joey Willis; Floral Design by Nina Gaukrodger

Inspirations of earth tones, whiskey, and warm light permeated this relaxed-yet-elevated wedding theme. An oversized arrangement of dried palm leaves, textured pampas grass, and toffee roses created a deliciously delicate arbor for the nuptial ceremony.

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A Glowing Backdrop

Backdrop of hanging, woven discs and dried palms — Photo by Kami Olavarria; Event Planning by Saguzo Eventos; Floral Design by Addy Florales & Native Poppy

This copper structure held a vibrant display of hanging woven discs, dried palms, pampas grass, and wedding signage to create a stand-out photo backdrop. We love the warmth that emanates from this collection of tones and textures creating a golden (and photogenic!) glow.

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A Namesake Flower Wall

Flower wall with custom neon sign and dried palm leaves — Photo by Alex Lasota; Event Planning by GariAnn Hedquist of Tin Sparrow Events; Floral Design by Simplified Celebrations; Custom Neon Sign by MKNEON

In a refined, natural color palette of ivories, champagnes, creams, and tans, this flower wall is sheer elegance. The addition of bleached, dried fan leaves and sun palms stays true to the theme while incorporating a spiky texture and decidedly boho feel. Not to be forgotten, a custom neon sign of the newlyweds' name adds a touch of cool-factor.

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An Organic Pergola

Newlyweds in front of wedding arch with pampas grass, dried palm leaves, and roses — Photo by Amrit Photography; Event Design by Finesse Décor; Floral Design by Da Fiori Floral Design

A wooden pergola takes on a lush, feminine vibe with powdery-hued roses, wispy pampas, and dried palm leaves. Blush paneling and plush carpets complete this romantic altar, lovingly built by the bride's father.

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A Dramatic Display

a dramatic overhead arrangement of baby's breath and dried palm leaves — Photo by KATE DRENNAN; Event Planning by The Butcher, The Baker, The Stylist & Creator; Floral Design by Rose + Bud

A modern, bohemian theme meets the tropics where guests dine under a dramatic canopy of pale green amaranthus, baby's breath, and dried palm leaves. The washed-out neutral color palette just radiates of a beachy fête.

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Gilded Palms

Rose gold circular installations decorated with lilies, ferns, and gold-painted palm leaves — Photo by Jana Williams Photography; Event Planning and Design by RO & Co. Events; Floral Design by Of the Flowers

It isn't Palm Springs chic without a hint of retro glamour. This dessert table was accented with a hanging installation of a rose-gold hoop bedecked in white flowers, ferns, and dried palm leaves—painted in gold, of course!

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A Spicy Bouquet

Bouquet featured foraged blooms, dried bits, and garden clippings — Photo by Kami Olavarria; Event Planning by Saguzo Eventos; Floral Design by Addy Florales & Native Poppy

Foraged florals in spicy hues of crimson, ruby, and ginger are accented with pale pink anthuriums and organic subtleties of dried palms. After forgoing a traditional dress train, the bride riffed off the idea by adding a 60-inch amber ribbon to the bouquet for a "sense of flow."

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A Trending Arch

Newlyweds standing in front of circular wedding arch of dried pampas grasses and palm fronds — Photo by WHITE ON BLACK STUDIO

Dried palm leaves and pampas grass are two elements of wedding décor that brides just can't seem to get enough of. This statement wedding arch incorporates both in an ultra-modern gradient effect.

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A Statement Centerpiece

Centerpiece arrangements of dried palm leaves and birds of paradise — Photo by Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Floral Design by Walden Floral LA

We're filing this particular centerpiece under statement-making simplicity. An architectural display of dried palm leaves and birds of paradise is the very essence of elevated, tropical modernity.

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A Sacred Ceremony Frame

Nuptial altar of dried palms — Photo by Kami Olavarria; Event Planning by Saguzo Eventos; Floral Design by Addy Florales & Native Poppy

Feminine florals or an over-the-top wedding arch would have been completely out of place in this ancient Guatemalan chapel. This incredible installation of dried palm leaves, local flowers, pink anthuriums, and candlelight preserved the sacred nature of the space while providing a sympathetic frame for the ceremony.

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A Focal Point of Fronds

Monstera palm nuptial ceremony backdrop — Photo by Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Floral Design by Walden Floral LA

A focal point of giant monstera leaves, palm fronds, and dried spear palms doubled as both a ceremony backdrop and photo op for this mid-century-inspired wedding. We honestly can't get enough of the combination of both fresh and dried foliage.

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A Grand Centerpiece

Centerpiece arrangement of dried palms, pampas grass, anthuriums, and flowers — Photo by Kami Olavarria; Event Planning by Saguzo Eventos; Floral Design by Addy Florales & Native Poppy

This centerpiece will definitely not go unseen, nor should it, given the fact that it also houses the signature cocktail signage. The plush arrangement is overflowing with locally foraged blooms, fuzzy pampas grass, dried palm leaves, and anthuriums.

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A Tropical Chuppah

Fresh and dry palm leaf chuppah — Photo by Sidney Bensimon; Floral Design by Designs by Ahn

We've seen a lot of chuppahs, but none are quite as tropical as this beauty. A combination of tropical foliage, saturated florals, pampas grass, and a mixture of both fresh and dried palm leaves outfit this verdant vision.

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A Playful Bar

Tropical bar set up with local fruits and dried pink desert sun palms — Photo by Rebecca Yale; Event Planning by Moana Belle Events; Floral Design by Of the Flowers

A Hawaiian wedding with Costa Rican influences is no place for an ordinary bar. This station plays off all the fun of the tropics with bold prints, local foliage, fresh fruits, bright colors, and dried pink desert sun palms.

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Creative Arches

Arch decorated with pampas grass, quicksand roses, playa blanca roses, and marigolds — Photo by JAMES X SCHULZE; PLANNING BY LOVE THIS DAY EVENTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY LALE FLORAL

Turn the tables by utilizing an arch to decorate the entrance of the ceremony space, and frame the bride's processional instead of as an altarpiece. This stunner incorporated a natural mix of marigold garlands, playa blanca roses, pampas grass, quicksand roses, and dried palm leaves.

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A Romantic Bouquet

Bride holding bouquet of of white, pink and tan roses mixed with sprigs of greenery and pampas grass — Photo by Alex Lasota; Event Planning by GariAnn Hedquist of Tin Sparrow Events; Floral Design by Simplified Celebrations

This elegant boho color scheme is so precise it could be an Instagram filter. Bleached, dried desert palms, tiny sprigs of greenery, feathery pampas, and roses in shades of pink, tan, and ivory are oh-so soft and romantic.

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A Beachy-Boho Chuppah

Chuppah covered in pampas grass, dried palm leaves, and baby’s breath — Photo by Anna Jones Photography; Event Planning by Allyson Joseph and Katie Pincus of Bob Gail Events; Floral Design by Holly Flora

Equal parts beachy and bohemian—and wholly a statement structure—this chuppah is one for the books. Covered in florals of muted shades and sea-centric textures of dried palm leaves, grasses, pampas, and baby's breath, the stand-out design blends effortlessly into the coastal backdrop beyond.

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An Industrial Wedding Arch

A four-post copper wedding arch accented by warm-toned seasonal flowers and dried palm leaves — Photo by Clarkie Photography; Event Planning by Heather Freedman of Delmar Events; Event Design by Sara Beveridge of Golden Poppy Events; Floral Design by Walden Floral

Metal piping and a geometric design outfit a modern wedding arch fit for the industrial vibe of this downtown Los Angeles venue. But industrial doesn't have to mean cold, as dried palm leaves and brooding, autumnal florals play off the natural warmth of the copper installation.

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A Locally Sourced Backdrop

Hanging installation featuring three Guatemalan woven rugs and dried palms — Photo by Kami Olavarria; Event Planning by Saguzo Eventos; Floral Design by Addy Florales & Native Poppy

Destination nuptials really shine when the unique native culture is incorporated into the wedding décor. This backdrop offers a boho mix of locally woven textiles, vibrant colors, and indigenous textures of dried grasses and palms.

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A Boho Approach to Modern Romance

Wedding arch decorated with white, pink and gold flowers, dried palm leaves, and pampas grass — Photo by Alex Lasota; Event Planning by GariAnn Hedquist of Tin Sparrow Events; Floral Design by Simplified Celebrations; Wedding Arch & Side Pieces by Isaiah Ojeda

With bohemian textures, romantic hues, and a modern design, this wedding arch has it all. The creamy white wooden structure is adorned with a grandiose arrangement of dried palm leaves, pampas grass, and matching flowers all framed by miniature arrangements on gilded plinths.

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