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Photo by Kelly Giarrocco
Flowers are some of the most important details when it comes to decorating your wedding, but going green is a tasteful and versatile alternative that will make a huge statement. Featuring greenery in your wedding décor still allows you to bring the outdoors inside, but instead of bright and overpowering hues, the natural shade creates a classic, crisp, and clean look.
From eucalyptus and ferns to ivy and succulents, the choices are limitless. Playing around with greenery gives you the opportunity to add dimension, texture, and shape to your nuptials. Whether you swap vows in front of an arch covered in vines, dine on tables draped with garlands, or serve a cake topped with fresh leaves, the garden-like decorations will enhance every part of your big day.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re hosting a glam, boho, tropical, or modern wedding; lush greens are a gorgeous addition to any theme. There’s also plenty of room for creativity when it comes to selecting just how much greenery you want to include. Keep it simple with a few branches or go all out with a hanging greenery installation. You can also explore seasonal options depending on the time of year you tie the knot. Think fragrant pine for cold weather and eye-catching monstera leaves for balmy temperatures.
Not only is this verdant plant a stunning decoration, but it’s also a budget-friendly option. Greenery is usually sold in bundles, whereas flowers are priced by the stem. Case in point: you get more bang for your buck. And, since greenery extends across your space, you’ll make a powerful impact for less money. If you’re looking for ways to make every head turn without breaking the bank, these fresh greenery ideas will not disappoint.
Incorporate a Botanical Design
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Photo by Harwell Photography
The best way to introduce guests to your wedding theme is through your invitations. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or a garden soirée, embracing greenery right off the bat will hint at your setting in an innovative way. Paint silver-dollar eucalyptus on white cardstock and select forest green envelopes for a cohesive design.
Choose a Garden-Like Gown
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Photo by Valerie Darling
It’s your big day, so you make the rules! Instead of wearing a plain white dress, why not have some fun with your look? This greenery pattern adds another layer of whimsy to an already breathtaking ruffled chiffon gown. Pair with diamond studs and cream heels to tie this look all together.
Ditch the Traditional Floral Bouquet
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Photo by Clean Plate Pictures
Shake up tradition and keep guests on their toes by carrying a bouquet full of greenery. A cascading arrangement of greens is less expected than the typical floral bouquet. Not to mention, the vivid rich hues will pop against a white wedding dress.
Get Creative with Your Bridesmaids’ Bouquets Too
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Photo by Picture Me & U
Match your own lush leaves by having your entire bridal party go green. Combining greenery with sage dresses creates an effortless and elegant look that your best friends will adore. These olive green bridesmaid dresses pair perfectly with the soft vegetation.
Turn It into a Crown
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Photo by KT Merry
A vivacious halo of greens is a sweet and simple way to jazz up any hairstyle. A greenery crown will look especially adorable on your flower girls, but you or your bridesmaids can also sport the hair accessory. Green and white are quintessential wedding colors, so a tiara of leaves will help produce a refreshing aesthetic.
Have Your Pet Get in on the Fun
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Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Your favorite furry friend will be the star of the show when wearing a wreath made of greenery. Having your beloved pup serve as the flower girl or ring bearer is noteworthy enough, but throw on this strand of greens, and your pet will grab everyone’s attention!
Freshen Up Your Programs
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Photo by David Bastianoni
Distributing program fans is a practical and pretty way to keep guests cool and informed during warm-weather weddings. Get creative with your program designs and personalize them with a custom botanical illustration. We love how the hand-painted foliage on these handheld fans matched the jasmine that lined the aisle.
Build an Aisle of Green
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Photo by Cinzia Bruschini
Can you imagine a more striking entrance? This bride waltzed down a soft carpet of grass for her processional. With a vineyard setting and a backdrop of rolling hills, this dreamy ceremony is straight out of a fairytale. If you’re hosting a wedding indoors, you can also build your own aisle of greenery with leaves and garlands.
Transform Your Backdrop
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Photo by James & Schulze
This mandap wrapped in vines creates an epic ceremony spot. The greenery on the wooden structure and the tall trees surrounding it help generate a natural setting. Set your platform on the edge of a cliff if you want to feel like you’re on top of the world. Your guests will also enjoy the panoramic views as they watch you exchange your vows.
Line Your Aisle
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Photo by Margherita Calati
Mark the outline of your aisle by placing arrangements of greenery at the end of every other row. Dispersing your greenery helps add a subtle detail to a minimalist ceremony. Wooden cross-back chairs complete the subdued, nature-inspired look.
Dress Up Your Bar
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Photo by Kyle John
If you’re looking to make a splash during your cocktail hour, convert your bar into a garden. This one-of-a-kind greenery design is a three-dimensional masterpiece that wraps all around the bar. Mix vibrant strands of green with dried flowers for a rustic look.
Greet Your Guests
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Photo by Plum & Oak Photography
Introduce guests to your celebration in an enchanting way by hanging your welcome sign on a hedge. The acrylic material combined with the sleek calligraphy and romantic roses make it perfect for a modern or glam affair.
Set the Scene
Photo by Betsi Ewing
Lush décor can always bring a reception to the next level. If you’re hosting a tented reception, outline the entrance with greenery garlands to give it a more natural feel. Top off the look by framing your entryway with wooden planters.
Make a Grand Entrance
Photo by Norman + Blake
As you make a dramatic entrance into your reception, have fresh greenery (and your significant other!) accompany you. This couple transformed an old barn into a magical dream by outlining the doorframe with plants. Line the entryway with glowing lanterns to up the romance.
Don’t Forget to Look Up
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Photo by Twah Dougherty Photography
Even though this venue is in New York, the ceiling full of dense greens makes it feel like you’re in the middle of a jungle. Decorating your ceiling will also enlarge your space because it adds depth and dimension to an otherwise overlooked part of the room. Your guests won’t be able to take their eyes off of the exceptional display!
Cover Your Walls
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Photo by Twah Dougherty Photography
These ivy-covered walls will almost make you forget you’re inside while dining and dancing during your reception. The white linens and roses here also contrast nicely with the bright green hue. Black chiavari chairs give this fresh setup a modern and industrial flair.
Guide Guests with Potted Plants
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Photo by KT Merry
Help guests find their seats by planting their escort cards in a bed of little greens. For a double dose, you can also write your guests’ names on mini potted plants of moss. The terracotta, green, and white color palette will paint an organic picture and as a bonus, guests can even take the pots home with them as a meaningful keepsake!
Decorate Your Seating Chart
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Photo by Kelly Giarrocco
For another alternative to escort cards, map out your tables with an earthy seating chart display. Jazz up a minimal sign with tropical-inspired greens and print the names of your guests in black ink on a white background to really draw attention to the bright arrangement.
Set the Table With It
Photo by Ryan Ray
Wondering how to make your place settings stand out? Fasten a handful of greens to the center of your white-linen napkins for a clean presentation. A green napkin ring and greenery table runner work together to top off this look. Choose crystal glassware, lucite candle holders, and traditional silverware to accompany the verdant greens.
Use It for Your Centerpiece
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Photo by David Bastianoni
The classic floral centerpiece has definitely been done before. If you want something bigger and bolder, place lemon trees in the middle of your reception table. These plants won't just look pretty and smell fantastic; they’re also practical. Each tree is tall enough, so you can actually see the person sitting across from you.
Rethink Your Runner
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Photo by Lyndsey Anna Photography
If you want to completely transform your tablescape, a statement-making runner will definitely deliver. A garland of olive leaves interspersed with white buds and taper candles gives these white banquet tables a boost. Not to mention, the overhead string lights and views of the Italian countryside create the most romantic and intimate setting.
Suspend It from the Ceiling
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Photo by Lauren Fair Photography
Whether you’re hosting your nuptials on a tropical island or at a nearby beach, choose greenery that sticks with your theme. By hanging a chandelier made of palm leaves, your reception will radiate the tropics. Use palm leaves in your centerpieces and bouquet to help execute the aesthetic.
Combine It with Drapery
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Photo by James & Schulze
Transport your guests to a tranquil garden by using greenery indoors. Wrap green strands around wooden rafters on your ceiling for a party that’s teeming with vitality. Adding soft drapery and grand chandeliers will give your venue a glam and upscale feel.
Adorn Your Seats
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Photo by KT Merry
Instead of stationing your seats at a distant sweetheart table, join the party and mark your spot with beautiful wreaths of greens. Not only will you be able to sit with your friends and family, but you’ll also have an opportunity to further decorate your venue. Affixing your wreaths on the backs of ghost chairs gives “modern” a whole new meaning.
Give Life to Your Cake
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Photo by Lauren Fair Photography
Sure, we love a classic white wedding cake, but why not take it up a notch? Tropical leaves and a mini pineapple give this sweet treat a coastal flair. Select a tropical fruit filling, such as passionfruit, pineapple, or coconut, to really go all out.