inspiration · January · 3 min read
Wedding Flowers With Ornamental Trees — A Six-Step Guide
Japanese cherry blossom, purple smoke bush, wisteria, hornbeam — how to use real trees as show-stopping wedding installations.
Lush greenery and neutrals are a wedding flowers trend that's set to stay. From cascading ivy to a gorgeous Japanese cherry blossom centrepiece right in the middle of the ceremony — whether you're opting for a sleek outdoor wedding or looking to bring the outside in, you can use ornamental trees to create the perfect royal-inspired wedding.
Turn your indoor wedding into a garden oasis for the ultimate celebration with some strategically placed trees. Trees add depth and height to a wedding, filling space that otherwise wouldn't be occupied. Soften corners, add tree-like centrepieces and bring your dream wedding into fruition.
1. Add a show-stopper to your ceremony
If you truly want to wow your guests, get creative and add a show-stopper. Always think about the size before making a final decision. An 8ft tree may sound big but get lost in a huge ballroom-style venue. A gorgeous, natural backdrop for your vows makes for stunning photos and your guests are sure to love the photo opportunity. Think the humble and reserved field maple (Acer campestre) or native hornbeams (Carpinus betulus).
2. Define the entrance
Make the entrance to your venue really stand out by framing it with ornamental trees or hedging. Consider the royal purple foliage of Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea') for a dramatic entrance. With lush greenery and tiered topiary — or even towering trees — your wedding entrance is sure to be memorable. For outside weddings, use trees for your marquee entrance as well as garlands to lead guests in.
3. Use them as centrepieces
Whether you're planning a big wedding or more intimate gathering, using trees as centrepieces is a great way to add natural materials and colours into the venue. You can go as small or large as you think is suitable for your tables. Greenery goes well with an off-white tablecloth and allows for flexibility within the colour scheme. Topiaries made from ivy or boxwood are a great traditional option, but can also be sculpted from olive trees or fresh rosemary for something a little different.
4. Guide the bride down the aisle in style
Inspired by the royal wedding, walking down an avenue of trees and flowers makes for a dream wedding. Whether you're planning a church wedding, outside, or even at a hotel, lining the aisle with trees can transform the day. Whether you use tall, flowering trees or simpler, smaller potted plants — this style isn't going anywhere soon.
5. Cover up unsightly essentials
With all weddings comes the problem of covering up technical details — speakers, cables, tent poles, supporting beams. These essential items are usually unsightly, so finding creative ways to cover them up without distracting from the venue decoration is key. Trees or climbing plants such as wisteria on the sides of a band stage help to soften the look of the equipment and speakers.
6. Create an intimate space
Placing trees around the venue helps define and create a more intimate space for guests. Position them around the perimeter of the room to soften the area and take the eye away from harsh angles and walls. Trees can also define the dance floor or direct guests through the space in a gentle, organic way.
Ornamental trees can create a magical atmosphere. Using two rows of trees flanking a long dinner table makes for a wonderful evening. Depending on what you want to focus on, trees will help direct your guests.
Bringing nature and greenery inside a venue creates a gorgeous display that makes your wedding stand out. Book a complimentary consultation with Roz to explore tree-installation options for your venue.
