Photo: Liz Banfield Photography
Fact: A bride can never have too many flowers at her wedding. But for the engaged ladies looking to offset their pretty, lush blooms with a more understated and simple vibe, consider a greenery garland. From a photo-worthy backdrop to a getaway car accent, the natural decoration can act as just a simple piece of décor or be the focal point of the reception. Check out a few different ways real brides have used greenery garlands to get some ideas for your own celebration:
Event planner Tara Guerard transformed a standard tent by creating a dramatic lattice weave of lemon-leaf garlands that was suspended above guests as they dined at the reception.
Photo: Lang Thomas Photography
How incredible is this ceremony backdrop? This couple chose a historic warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky, as their venue and created this huge art installation backdrop to fill the space. Different varieties of greenery were pinned to a wooden board to form concentric circles; the couple exchanged their vows in front of this totally unique and modern backdrop.
Photo: Jose Villa
If your venue has high ceilings and cool light fixtures, like this barn at the Santa Lucia Preserve, a venue in Carmel, CA, then it's a smart idea to make them a focal point of the room. Ask your florist to drape several lush garlands of greenery around the base of each chandelier to create a wild, intentionally overgrown look.
Photo: onelove photography
Garlands are also an elegant (and affordable) way to decorate the sweetheart table, if you and your groom have decided to have a cozy table for two at the reception. Choose a neutral-colored linen, like ivory or slate grey, as seen here, and then drape the garland around the edge of the table to create pretty swags.
Photo: Odalys Mendez
Make your getaway a memorable one by dashing off in a vehicle dressed up with greenery and pretty flowers. If you're up for it, this might be something you or your bridesmaids could DIY the day before the wedding, using bunches of fresh greenery (or you can buy a premade garland here), a few bunches of flowers, floral oasis, and floral wire. See the DIY instructions here.