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.
50 Unexpected Ways To Decorate With Greenery
Door Trim(01 of50)
Trim your church door in sage greens for a simple touch that is utterly breathtaking.Photo Credit: Lola Rose Photography
Venue(02 of50)
Embellish your venue with an elegant green swag to easily and immediately transform its look to fit with your wedding theme.Related: 50 Must-Have Photos With Your BridesmaidsPhoto Credit: Chelsea Brown Photography
Window Sills(03 of50)
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
Festive Railings(04 of50)
Spruce up your stair railings with luscious leaves. White candles at the foot of the stairs light up the scene. Related: 25 Ways to Transform Your Wedding With LightingPhoto Credit: Hikari Photography / Designed by: The Style Co.
Curtain(05 of50)
A curtain of greenery and bulb lighting makes a magical entrance to any ceremony.Photo Credit: Bob & Dawn Davis Photography
Aisle Runners(06 of50)
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. Related: 40 Ways to Decorate Your Ceremony AislePhoto Credit: Twig & Olive Photography
Aisle Markers(07 of50)
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.Related: 25+ Gorgeous Ways to Decorate Your ChairsPhoto Credit: Flora + Fauna
Ceremony Seating(08 of50)
Drench your ceremony seating in garlands of green. Combined with throw pillows, this elegantly organic look merges the outdoors with the indoors.Related: How to Bring the Outside In at Your WeddingPhoto Credit: Steve Steinhardt
Canopy(09 of50)
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.Related: 100 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding CeremoniesPhoto Credit: Fabio Azanha Photography
Backdrop(10 of50)
Cascading greens make a stunning ceremony setting — or a fun makeshift photo booth backdrop.Photo Credit: Lauren Fair Photography / Flowers by: Oleander Florals + Design
Fireplace(11 of50)
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
Vignette(12 of50)
An organic vignette elegantly dresses up a bare wall in a modern, unexpected fashion.Related: 20 Eye-Catching Ideas for Your Ceremony BackdropPhoto Credit: Gregory Ross
Arch(13 of50)
This lush, tropical arch of palmetto and monstera leaves is a slice of summer. Related: 100 Ideas for Summer WeddingsPhoto Credit: Ashley Kelemen
Altar Decor(14 of50)
Elegant meets rustic in this magical altar, where eucalyptus leaves, flowing curtains, and a bare wooden gazebo dance together in an eye-catching symphony.Related: 50 Gorgeous Wedding Ceremony StructuresPhoto Credit: The Nichols
Doors(15 of50)
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
Tree Garland(16 of50)
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.Related: 35 Romantic Ideas for Your Wedding ReceptionPhoto Credit: Ashley Ludaescher / Flowers by: Botanic Art Floral and Event Design
Floating Chuppah(17 of50)
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
Framed Initials(18 of50)
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 MonogramPhoto Credit: Erin J Saldana Wedding Photography
Welcome Sign(19 of50)
Frame the welcome sign to your wedding in a single string of greenery that is simple and effortless, yet striking nonetheless.Related: 50 Clever Signs Your Wedding Guests Will LovePhoto Credit: Kate Noelle
Steps(20 of50)
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
Tent Entrance(21 of50)
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 WeddingPhoto Credit: Kristen Weaver Photography
Curtain Ties(22 of50)
Tie back your drapes with swaths of greenery in a look that is both dreamy and charming.Photo Credit: m three studio photography
Menu Display(23 of50)
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
Seating Chart(24 of50)
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 ChartsPhoto Credit: Milkbottle Photography
Dangling Escort Cards(25 of50)
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.Related: 35 Cool Ways to Display Your Escort CardsPhoto Credit: Braedon Flynn
Place Card(26 of50)
Handwritten calligraphy on a deep green leaf adds your own personal stamp to earthy place cards.Photo Credit: Abigail Bobo Photography
Table Setting(27 of50)
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 WeddingsPhoto Credit: Jacque Lynn Photography / Event Planner: Michelle Leo Events
Table Runner(28 of50)
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 Ends(29 of50)
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
Table Number(30 of50)
This topiary table number “sprouts” from the table in a romantically modern way, bringing with it garden delight.Related: 50 Memorable Ideas for Your Table NumbersPhoto Credit: First Mate Photography
Tall Centerpieces(31 of50)
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 CenterpiecesPhoto Credit: A Bryan Photo
Short Centerpieces(32 of50)
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 WeddingPhoto Credit: Amanda Hein Photography
Initials(33 of50)
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
Candle Holders(34 of50)
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 WeddingsPhoto Credit: Elaine Palladino Photography / Flowers by: Anthology Floristry
Chair Accessories(35 of50)
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 SweetheartPhoto Credit: Jemma Keech
Lamp Shades(36 of50)
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
Chandelier Accents(37 of50)
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
Overhang(38 of50)
When coupled with suspended pint-sized mason jars, an overhang of heavy greenery makes a whimsical statement.Related: 15 Weddings That Reignited Our Love of Mason JarsPhoto Credit: Amy Arrington
Abstract Hangings(39 of50)
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
Lanterns(40 of50)
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
Trellis(41 of50)
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
Ceiling Garlands(42 of50)
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
Streamers(43 of50)
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 SwapsPhoto Credit: Depict Photography
Wreath Backdrop(44 of50)
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
Foliage Wall(45 of50)
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 LovePhoto Credit: Aliana Events / Designed by: Celios Design
Bar Décor(46 of50)
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.Related: Stylish Ways to Display Your Food & DrinksPhoto Credit: Brian Tropiano
Cake(47 of50)
The edibles need décor, too! Place sprigs on the tiers of an all-white cake for a sharp contrast.Related: 101 Amazing Wedding CakesPhoto Credit: KT Merry Photography
Moss Tablecloth(48 of50)
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 WeddingsPhoto Credit: Jessica Charles
Cake Display(49 of50)
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.Related: 25 Creative Ways to Show Off Your Wedding CakePhoto Credit: Taylor & Porter / Designed by: The Garden Gate Flower Company
Wedding Favors(50 of50)
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 WeddingsPhoto Credit: Rebecca K Photography
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By Hillary Hoffower for Bridal Guide