The ultimate wedding-saving tip

 

This week I had the pleasure of spending an entire morning in a décor warehouse. If you are inspired by pretty things, shelves and shelves of them, then this is on my top 3 list of things to do if you are planning a wedding or function. There really is huge value in doing a site visit to your local décor and flower suppliers – you will feel so inspired.

At the décor warehouse, several brides and their event planners were busy trying different layouts and looks, and listening in on conversations one topic stood out – the need to save something somewhere. Getting married is not a cheap exercise, and many of the brides at the décor shop were super-inspired by greenery and foliage for their table decorations, bypassing the more expensive blooms.

In this month’s wedding blog, we look at some budget-smashing ideas for a greener, budget-friendly wedding. And the good news is that you could probably find most of it in your own garden. Or your neighbour’s, if you are on good terms. If you venture into public areas, we take no responsibility!

 

Pave the way

 

At Umthunzi Hotel we are blessed with beautiful tropical surroundings and our beach ceremonies are really popular. Feel like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden as you stroll down the sandy beach aisle with large Monstera leaves showing the way. Palm leaves or large wild banana leaves may be more readily available – speak to your local florist for inspiration. Want to add a bit more glamour, then have a look at one of our previous wedding blogs with stunning bridal beach arch ideas.

Click here for the beach wedding package. https://www.umthunzi.co.za/beach-wedding-package-2024/

 

Hanging greenery

 

 

Greenery is typically sold in bundles and you are not paying per stem as you would with the more delicate flowers. It also tends to cover a lot of space due to its size and even adds some fragrance if you are using Eucalyptus branches. Hanging greenery is a wonderful way to lower high ceilings or decorate exposed beams. Since foliage is in general not that heavy it can easily be suspended by fishing line tied from point A to B or if your wedding is rustic, good old rope or yarn will do the trick. (Disclaimer- always check with your wedding venue what the rules are regarding hanging/fixing items from the walls or roof)

 

The ceremony backdrop

 

 

Bring the outdoors inside with rustic green walls and photo backdrops. Raid your garden for long strands of ivy and celebrate the DIY queen you are. This rustic look is authentic but inexpensive. Add some fairy lights for fun. Plan B is to use artificial ivy strands for your green wall which can be bought or rented online. As much as TEMU is criticised for their entry into the market at rock-bottom prices, they have a vast selection of artificial greenery and I have a beautiful grass bucket filled with hanging ‘eucalyptus’’ which arrived with no fuss.

Since we are advocates of the less-stress-the-better, we cannot sing the praises of greenery walls enough. No more sleepless nights about wilting roses and puny peonies at the end of the day.

 

Naming rights

 

All good wedding planners enjoy a flexible wedding theme with ‘long legs ‘which can be expanded to all aspects of the wedding. Greenery gets a 10/10 in this regard – we love how leaves become name cards and gigantic leaves are used for table seating and numbers. The bouquets, boutonnieres and bridal flowers are all candidates for a flash of green inspiration.

 

 Add a bit of drama

 

Winter wedding season allows for more dramatic décor colours and although I am often reminded that KZN doesn’t really know what winter is, who doesn’t love a touch of black, with the classic green and white? Currently, I have a huge crush on bare wooden tables along with sheer black runners, slightly ruffled for an unassuming look, and loads and loads of Eucalyptus and white candles. Make a bold fashion statement with a wedding entourage in red, and you have wedding photos fit for a wedding publication. Or at the very least Instagram!

 

It’s your turn for some DIY!

Are you ready to do this? Then click on the image for a YouTube tutorial on how to make a greenery chandelier for your wedding. @Lingsmoment breaks it down in a few easy steps and even lists the materials you require. All it takes is some chicken wire, a bit of rope, and long-leaf Eucalyptus branches! Have fun with this and drop pics in the comments box of your trial greenery chandelier!

She knows her Merlot from her Mojito, her hotel from her motel. From craft food to caviar, her innate curiosity about life and wanderlust provide inspiration for her blogs, articles and press releases about the travel, wedding and Spa industry. Over twenty years in the hotel marketing & PR arena with impressive hotel groups, from Dubai to Durbanville, has evolved into the pure enjoyment of freelance projects under the banner of About Branding.