50 Unexpected Ways to Decorate with Greenery
From cascading eucalyptus and ivy adornments to wreaths of myrtle and swags of fern, foliage is the new flower. Not only does greenery transform the plain to the lavish and lush, but it’s also more cost-friendly than your standard florals. You don’t need a garden affair or a woodland wonderland to bring in the botanicals — this organic look can beautifully accent any wedding theme. Find out how you can transform your wedding with the touch of a leaf.
By: Hillary Hoffower
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Vignette -161127
An organic vignette elegantly dresses up a bare wall in a modern, unexpected fashion.
Photo Credit: Gregory Ross
Venue
Embellish your venue with an elegant green swag to easily and immediately transform its look to fit with your wedding theme.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Photography
Tree Garland
Sometimes Mother Nature itself needs a little help dressing up. Amplify your trees’ greens by enwrapping it with a lavish garland of seeded eucalyptus for a romantic touch.
Photo Credit: Ashley Ludaescher / Flowers by: Botanic Art Floral and Event Design
Tall Centerpieces
Tall, leafy centerpieces echo the view from the windows and for a sophisticated look while popping against an all-white table setting.
Related: 75+ Gorgeous Tall Centerpieces
Photo Credit: A Bryan Photo
Table Setting
Sneak an evergreen leaf into your table settings for some folksy charm. Coupled with a napkin ring of twine and tree stump placemat, this tablescape is nothing but wintry perfection.
Related: 100 Ideas for Winter Weddings
Photo Credit: Jacque Lynn Photography / Event Planner: Michelle Leo Events
Table Runner
Opt for a thick laurel of greens in lieu of table linens for a table runner twist. This simple, classic look is an ideal welcome to the summer solstice.
Photo Credit: Lauren Fair Photography
Table Number
This topiary table number “sprouts” from the table in a romantically modern way, bringing with it garden delight.
Photo Credit: First Mate Photography
Table Ends
Add an element of surprise to the end of your table runner with a leaf sprig tucked inside a bow. It’ll make your table ends pop!
Photo Credit: Blumenthal Photography
Streamers
Streamers of short ivy vines and white paper lanterns not only make for a fun and decadent ceiling but also hide tent poles in a cost-efficient way.
Related: 50 Cost-Cutting Wedding Swaps
Photo Credit: Depict Photography
Steps
Spruce up outdoor steps with a variety of olive leaves and gold mercury candle holders to complement and enhance the natural outdoor setting.
Photo Credit: J. Ashley Photography / Flowers by: Virtu Floral and Event Design
Short Centerpieces
Forgo the traditional floral centerpiece and opt for a basket of leafy greens and naked branches, like this romantically rustic one.
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo Credit: Amanda Hein Photography
Ceremony Seating
Drench your ceremony seating in garlands of green. Combined with throw pillows, this elegantly organic look merges the outdoors with the indoors.
Photo Credit: Steve Steinhardt
Arch
This lush, tropical arch of palmetto and monstera leaves is a slice of summer.
Related: 100 Ideas for Summer Weddings
Photo Credit: Ashley Kelemen
Canopy
This glam garden ceremony is just jaw-dropping, complete with an enchanting custom-made canopy of greenery that seamlessly ties in with the rest of the ambient.
Photo Credit: Fabio Azanha Photography
Candle Holders
These candle holders are pure tropical chic. Place individual leaves in the holders, fill them with water, and add a floating candle for a cost-friendly and unique décor piece your guests won’t have seen before.
Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings
Photo Credit: Elaine Palladino Photography / Flowers by: Anthology Floristry
Cake
The edibles need décor, too! Place sprigs on the tiers of an all-white cake for a sharp contrast.
Related: 101 Amazing Wedding Cakes
Photo Credit: KT Merry Photography
Cake Display
Or go bare when it comes to a tablecloth and opt for a sumptuous bed of botanicals to display your with your cake, ideal for an English country theme.
Photo Credit: Taylor & Porter / Designed by: The Garden Gate Flower Company
Bar Décor
Dress up your bar with a thick garland of greens. When paired with a foliage wall, these elements instantly amp up the bar area in a luxurious and festive way.
Photo Credit: Brian Tropiano
Backdrop
Cascading greens make a stunning ceremony setting — or a fun makeshift photo booth backdrop.
Photo Credit: Lauren Fair Photography / Flowers by: Oleander Florals + Design
Aisle Runners
Candles aren’t the only elements that can light up an aisle. An aisle lined with soft clouds of greens and baby’s breath glows in the sunlight in a purely ethereal ceremony venue.
Photo Credit: Twig & Olive Photography
Aisle Markers
A mix of greens offers a fresh alternative to flowers for accenting the aisle. Tie one — or a few — to center-aisle chairs or pews.
Photo Credit: Flora + Fauna
Wreath Backdrop
Delicate, multi-sized wreaths embody the tree they’re suspended from, making for a unique backdrop, whether for a dessert table or sweetheart table.
Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography / Flowers by: Alicia Jayne Florals
Seating Chart
Potted plants are not only a creative way to display your seating chart, but the perfect nod to the bride with a green thumb.
Related: 50+ Eye-Catching Seating Charts
Photo Credit: Milkbottle Photography
Trellis
Hang a trellis of ivy from your ceiling to add some texture. Suspended miniature vases of flowers add a flash of color.
Photo Credit: Blueflash Photography
Window Sills
Ancient stone walls and old window sills adorned with olive branches, and soft, flickering candles make for a dreamy Italian-style wedding.
Photo Credit: Brushfire Photography
Welcome Sign
Frame the welcome sign to your wedding in a single string of greenery that is simple and effortless, yet striking nonetheless.
Photo Credit: Kate Noelle
Wedding Favors
Little details don’t go unnoticed. Bring the Mother Nature aspects of your wedding full circle by sending your guests home with wildflower seeds to plant. Frame the sign with moss to complete the nature effect.
Related: 30 Favor Ideas From Real Weddings
Photo Credit: Rebecca K Photography
Fireplace
A gorgeous fireplace decked out with smilax vine, eucalyptus, and glowing candles creates a look that is as relaxed and natural as it is alluring.
Photo Credit: Ulmer Studios / Location: Historic Cedarwood
Festive Railings
Spruce up your stair railings with luscious leaves. White candles at the foot of the stairs light up the scene.
Photo Credit: Hikari Photography / Designed by: The Style Co.
Tent Entrance
Festoon the entrances to your reception with a garland of leaves to give your guests a sneak peek of the garden inspiration they’ll find inside.
Related: Charming Ideas for a Garden Wedding
Photo Credit: Kristen Weaver Photography
Doors
Say “I do” in front of an antique set of doors laden with a topping of foliage for a stunning bucolic look.
Photo Credit: Eric Kelley
Dangling Escort Cards
Put a twist on the “leaves as escort cards” idea and, using twine, dangle them from the branches of a lush tree to maximize the foliage effect in an original display. Weave in string lighting to add some twinkle.
Photo Credit: Braedon Flynn
Door Trim
Trim your church door in sage greens for a simple touch that is utterly breathtaking.
Photo Credit: Lola Rose Photography
Curtain
A curtain of greenery and bulb lighting makes a magical entrance to any ceremony.
Photo Credit: Bob & Dawn Davis Photography
Curtain Ties
Tie back your drapes with swaths of greenery in a look that is both dreamy and charming.
Photo Credit: m three studio photography
Chandelier Accents
As if chandeliers aren’t stunning in their lonesome, drape strings of leaves on their arms in an earthy meets glam look to enhance their romantic vibes.
Photo Credit: Paula Andrea Photography
Chair Accessories
Make the happy couple’s chairs stand out from the rest by bedecking them with swags of greens.
Related: 25 Pretty Head Table Ideas: From Big Traditional to Intimate Sweetheart
Photo Credit: Jemma Keech
Ceremony Setting
Elegant meets rustic in this magical altar, where eucalyptus leaves, flowing curtains, and a bare wooden gazebo dance together in an eye-catching symphony.
Photo Credit: The Nichols
Initials
An initial of your last name made of moss and succulents makes a statement table accessory rife with a personalized flair.
Photo Credit: Sarah Murray
Abstract Hangings
Eclectic industrial meets romance in these urban wooden abstracts accentuated with greenery, creating a beautiful aesthetic.
Photo Credit: Jordan Weiland / Flowers by: Yonder Floral + Décor Hourse
Place Card
Handwritten calligraphy on a deep green leaf adds your own personal stamp to earthy place cards.
Photo Credit: Abigail Bobo Photography
Overhang
When coupled with suspended pint-sized mason jars, an overhang of heavy greenery makes a whimsical statement.
Photo Credit: Amy Arrington
Lanterns
Forget candles — copper lanterns overflowing with a variety of greens add a much more personal stamp to your wedding, especially when hanging from a garland as a whimsical accent.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography
Moss Tablecloth
This cake display is what woodland dreams are made of. With moss substituting as a tablecloth and spilling out of dresser drawers, coupled with wooden slabs, this rustic vintage look is perfect for a fall wedding.
Related: 100 Ideas for Fall Weddings
Photo Credit: Jessica Charles
Menu Display
A large anthurium leaf serves as a creative menu display. Elegant, gold calligraphy shines against the vibrant green hues and contrasts with the leaf’s jungle vibes.
Photo Credit: Brandon Kidd
Lamp Shades
Not a fan of the lamps? No problem. Fashion myrtle over the lamp shades to revamp their style and mirror the greens on the table below.
Photo Credit: Giuli&Giordi / Stylist: Say Yep
Framed Initials
Dark green olive branches draw the eye to gold initials for a bold effect against a white brick wall.
Related: Creative Ways To Use Your Monogram
Photo Credit: Erin J Saldana Wedding Photography
Foliage Wall
Make a statement — build a wall of foliage to declare your love like this clever display.
Related: 50 Over-the-Top Wedding Ideas We Can't Help But Love
Photo Credit: Aliana Events / Designed by: Celios Design
Floating Chuppah
Vines, branches, and candles suspend from the ceiling’s beams to create a “floating” chuppah. The result is a bewitching, whimsical atmosphere that beautifully juxtaposes with an edgy urban industrial setting.
Photo Credit: Emily Wren Photography
Ceiling Garlands
Straight out of a fairytale, garlands of ivy and grapevine sweep the tent’s ceiling to meet a sparkling crystal chandelier while overlooking a lush, overgrown tablescape.
Photo Credit: Nancy Neil
