Hi peeps! I've been wanting to share a post for a little while now on a trend I'm seeing emerge for the use of succulent plants on your wedding day. I've categorised this post within Bridal Inspiration Boards, because I've had a fun time creating some boards specifically for this feature - though I include lots of beautiful stand-alone imagery that has been loaned to me by some very kind Florists and Photographers.
A succulent plant is basically a water retaining plant, adapted to survive very arid climates. Think the Aloe plant or cactus. I know, who the hell would want a cactus in their wedding bouquet? But wait a minute, not all succulents are harsh spikey things. Some of them, like the 'houseleek' {Sempervivum tectorum} produce the most beautiful star shaped flowers that look absolutely wonderful as a focal point within a bridal bouquet...
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Exhibit Emotions
See the full 'Eco Chic Wedding Competition' Feature here.
I got chatting this week with several Florists about succulents, and how they can be used to create a statement on your wedding day. Florist Gayle Evans of Bloomingayles explains...
"Succulents are a fantastic way to inject interest and texture in to your Bouquet. They can give that little quirky edge to a seemingly normal run of the mill hand tied posy and are a big hit with Grooms when offered as an option for their buttonhole {they see them as being far more masculine you see than a rose!}"
"There are so many pros to these perfectly plump plants that it’s a bit hard to know where to begin! Due to their draught resistance they can survive for weeks when cut and certain types are incredibly easy to root and cultivate therefore giving you an option of replanting after your wedding day as a living memento..."
Inspiration Board Copyright (c) 2011, Love My Dress Wedding Blog
1. Succulent wedding bouquet via Pinterest, 2. Blue echeverias succulents bouquet via Pinterest, 3.Pink succulent bouquet via The Wedding Tree, 4. Ivory wedding dress & succulent bouquet via Green Wedding Shoes, 5. Green Dress & Succulent Bouquet via Pinterest, 6. Billy Balls Succulent Wedding Bouquet via the Owlies & Oranges Blog
Florist Karen from Passion for Flowers says...
"Succulents can be bought well in advance of the wedding day and as they are potted plants can be kept as a reminder of a special day - a great eco-friendly option for those discerning brides. They are also a great price!
Succulents are very hardy and thrive on neglect! They only need minimal care. Succulents can be grown either inside or outside in the warmer months. They like natural light. They need little water in the winter but shouldn't be allowed to completely dry out in summer..."
Below Left: Image Copyright (c) 2011 Exhibit Emotions
Below Left: Image Copyright (c) Sarah Gawler - see the full 'Uptown Bohemian' real wedding feature here.
You see? It's not all spikey sharpness and hurty fingertips! :) The succulent can transform a simple wedding bouquet into something head turning. And this little plant has a mighty reputation too, as Florist Miss Pickering explains...
"By their very nature are relatively indestructible, which always bodes well. a minimal amount of water every once in a while and some sunlight is all they need. My home is full of them, their lack of neediness is very appealing..."
A beautiful succulent wedding bouquet, designed by Miss Pickering...
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Miss Pickering
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Anneli Marinovich, Bouquet by Bloomingayles
"A very short root system, means that you can shake off the soil and put them in any container, however small. Wired with a heavy gauge wire, they can be used in bouquets, or tied into buttonholes..."
Miss Pickering very fabulously ullustrates the short root system of said succulents...
Talking of buttonholes, here is a little inspiration I knocked up earlier for you...
Inspiration Board Copyright (c) 2011, Love My Dress Wedding Blog
1. Succulents + Burlap 2. Succulent boutonniere via Style Me Pretty, 3. Succulent buttonhole via Karen McGowran Photoraphy 4. Succulent boutonnierre via Pinterest 5. Succulent buttonhole prepared & photographed by Miss Pickering 6. Billy Balls and succulents boutonniere via Pinterest
Miss Pickering also told me that mixed with cacti, and aloe vera, succulents can also make interesting tablecentres...
"They come in all sizes, some are very tiny which when placed in terracotta pots make unusual and attractive place card holders..."
Inspiration Board Copyright (c) 2011, Love My Dress Wedding Blog
For the DIY Bride...
Florist Karen from Passion for Flowers provides readers with some inspiration for 'DIY'ing' your own wedding day succulents...
{1} Pot up tiny succulents in mini terracotta pots and tie with lace or ribbon. This can be done well in advance of your wedding day. Add a lollipop stick with guests name on to double up as a place setting or tie on a cute luggage tag. These mini favours can then be taken home by your guests.
{2} Succulents are great added to table centres for a rustic look. They are an inexpensive way to add texture to your arrangements and a touch of quirkiness.
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, My Heart Skipped Photography
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Exhibit Emotions
See the full 'Eco Chic Wedding Competition' Feature here
{3} Mix with another textured flower ie astrantia for a great look. The subtle green and cream of the astrantia looks pretty against the glaucous green of the succulent...
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Carlie Statsky Photography
Image Source 'An Earthy Tablescape Photoshoot' on 'Somewhere Splendid'
{4} Try different containers, this blackboard bucket looks brilliant - add the table number or name with chalk and there you have a perfect and simple table centre. Blackboard buckets are available from our sister company The Wedding of our Dreams...
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Passion for Flowers
{5} For rustic, autumn or seaside inspired wedding try potting the succulents into a bark vase or container.These can be displayed on tables or around the venue, Add bark tea light holders and lanterns to complete the look.
{6} Succulents are also great added to bridal flowers, they make a great button holes teamed with lavender, tied with twine for a rustic look - in mixed bouquets succulents add great texture and a touch of fun.
{7} Succulents look perfect for outdoor ceremonies and weddings.
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Miss Pickering
Rather beautiful Autumnal yumminess from Miss Pickering above there - swoooon!
Are any of you Brides planning on incorporating the mighty succulent in to your wedding day? I'd love to hear from you if so :)
Huge love and thanks to all those who contributed towards this feature - please visit their blogs and websites:-
♥ Bloomingayles
♥ Miss Pickering
♥ Exhibit Emotions Photography
♥ Passion for Flowers
♥ My Heart Skipped Photography
Much love all,
Annabel xXx
♥
