8 Gorgeous Ways to Use Greenery as Wedding Décor

See how garlands, swags, and bunches of leaves can infuse your décor with style.

Whether you have an outdoor wedding or an indoor event, greenery can be used to infuse your décor with character. Leafy branches can lend a rustic touch, while manicured shrubs impart elegant sophistication. Get more ideas here!

By Marilyn Oliveira

las-vegas-wedding-at-the-bellagio-bride-and-groom-portrait-under-arches-of-greenery-white-blooms
Photo: D2 Photography

Whether you have an outdoor wedding or an indoor event, greenery can be used to infuse your décor with character. Leafy branches can lend a rustic touch, while manicured shrubs impart elegant sophistication. Even simple garlands of ivy can convey a romantic ambience.

Greenery can also be used as camouflage, covering up wiring or blocking behind-the-scenes equipment from sight. Whether you’re looking for dramatic impact or simply something to suspend decorative elements from, get inspired to use greenery as wedding décor by reading the list of ideas below.  

1. Wind it around your ceremony structure.

Greenery on wedding ceremony structure

Give a chuppah or canopy a touch of lushness with garlands of greenery wound around the frame of the structure. Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Bridal Gown by Monique Lhuillier

2. Display your initials with it.

Green hedge initials at wedding reception

A topiary designed to reflect your initials or monogram makes for excellent statement décor with extra impact. Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Event Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants and Revelry Event Designers

3. Create a solid backdrop.

Green hedge behind escort card table

Make a display table pop by having your florist place a green wall of shrubbery behind it. Photo by Carasco Photography

4. Drape it on railings.

Green garlands on church pews at wedding

Leafy swags accented with flowers add a romantic touch to galleries, balconies, verandas, and porches. Photo by Aaron Delesie Photographer; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Consulting by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

5. Decorate reception chairs. 

Green garlands on bride and groom chairs

Garlands or wreaths of leaves make beautiful accents for reception seating to set apart the places for the bride and groom. Photo by Catherine Hall Studios

6. Lace it overhead.

Green garlands on lighting at outdoor reception

Hide unsightly wires and riggings with strings of leaves, or simply weave leafy garlands overhead for effect. Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; Consulting by DFW Events; Floral Design by Jackson Durham Events

7. Arch it over reception tables.

Green arches over tables at outdoor wedding

Add drama to your reception space with luxuriant archways of branches or shrubbery. Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Consulting by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

8. Fashion a canopy.

Greenery canopy at wedding reception

Invoke a magical effect by suspending leafy branches overhead and stringing them with lights, hanging votives, or bunches of grapes. Photo by Elisabeth Millay; Consulting by DFW Events; Floral Design by Jackson Durham Events

Looking for more wedding-décor ideas? See how you can incorporate trees into your ceremony and reception décor, and browse hundreds of images from real weddings in our photo galleries. 

Wedding news