The foliage trend is still in full force.
Eucalyptus is hugely popular and compliments all colour schemes. If no florals being added then its all about the texture. I always add different varieties of eucalyptus with some soft ferns… it’s gorgeous! One thing to remember is eucalyptus isn’t at its best in June.
Many couples think the foliage option will be cheaper but many gorgeous foliage, like eucalyptus, are not cheap. Of course, if you go into your garden and cut greenery it’s free and can fill a space but it’s not the same. The foliage you use at your wedding has to be perfect and grown in the ideal conditions.
Using greenery in your wedding arrangements can add texture, volume, and colour to bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral designs.
Why Use Foliage in Weddings?
Cost-Effective: Foliage is generally more affordable than flowers, making it a great option for couples looking to save on floral expenses.
Adds Volume: Greenery can bulk up floral arrangements, allowing you to create large, lush displays without needing a huge amount of flowers.
Natural Aesthetic: Foliage brings an organic, wild, and rustic feel to a wedding, especially for garden, bohemian, or outdoor themes.
Versatility: Foliage works well in bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, arches, and other décor elements. It’s versatile in both formal and informal settings.
Popular Types of Wedding Foliage
Here are some popular types of greenery used in weddings:
Eucalyptus
Varieties: Silver dollar, seeded eucalyptus, baby blue.
Appearance: Soft, round leaves with a silver or bluish-green tone.
Use: Popular in bouquets, centerpieces, and arches. Its elegant draping look makes it a favorite for garlands.
Scent: Mild, fresh fragrance.
Italian Ruscus
Appearance: Thin, trailing stems with small, pointed green leaves.
Use: Great for cascading bouquets and table runners. It’s also a favorite for adorning arches or hanging installations.
Olive Branches
Appearance: Long, slender leaves with a gray-green color.
Use: Perfect for Mediterranean-style weddings or rustic themes. Olive branches are commonly used in garlands, wreaths, and table décor.
Ferns
Varieties: Leatherleaf, maidenhair, sword fern.
Appearance: Feathery, delicate leaves.
Use: Ferns add texture and a tropical or woodland feel. They’re great for bouquets, centerpieces, and backdrops.
Ivy
Appearance: Vining plant with large or small leaves.
Use: Ideal for draping or creating a trailing effect in bouquets and arches. Ivy can be woven into garlands or wrapped around columns or staircases.
Magnolia Leaves
Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves with a copper-brown underside.
Use: Adds a dramatic and bold look. Magnolia leaves are often used in wreaths, garlands, and as table runners.
Dusty Miller
Appearance: Soft, velvety silver-gray leaves.
Use: Popular for adding a soft, romantic touch to bouquets and arrangements. Its muted color complements pastel or neutral color palettes.
Lamb’s Ear
Appearance: Fuzzy, silvery-green leaves.
Use: Adds a soft, delicate touch to bouquets and boutonnieres. It’s great for rustic and garden-themed weddings.
Salal (Lemon Leaf)
Appearance: Large, broad leaves with a rich green color.
Use: Often used as a base foliage to create full, lush bouquets or arrangements. Works well in garlands and centerpieces.
Ways to Incorporate Foliage in Your Wedding
Bouquets: Incorporate foliage into bridal and bridesmaid bouquets for a lush, natural look. Greenery can either serve as the base for the flowers or take center stage in minimalist, foliage-only bouquets.
Centerpieces: Greenery table runners or arrangements with foliage can create beautiful, earthy centerpieces. You can combine different types of greenery for texture or mix them with candles for an elegant effect.
Arches and Backdrops: Foliage-covered wedding arches, canopies, or backdrops are popular for ceremonies, adding a touch of greenery to outdoor and indoor settings.
Garlands: Long garlands of greenery are a beautiful and versatile decoration. They can be draped across tables, used on chairs, or hung around doorways and windows.
Hanging Installations: Suspended greenery installations over reception tables or dance floors create a dramatic and enchanting look. This trend is especially popular for boho or garden-themed weddings.
Cake Decor: Foliage can also be used as part of the wedding cake décor, with small sprigs of greenery adding an elegant, minimalist touch.
Foliage is often less expensive than fresh flowers, but the overall cost depends on the types of greenery you choose and the scale of your arrangements. Some foliage, like eucalyptus, may be more costly if used in abundance or if sourced out of season. Discuss with your florist how to maximize foliage within your budget.
Some couples are opting for foliage-only weddings, where greenery takes center stage and flowers are used sparingly or not at all. This creates a minimalist, eco-friendly, and often budget-friendly design, with plenty of texture and natural beauty.
Always chat with me about all the foliages if this is the look that you are going for.
