15 Botanical Wedding Theme Ideas for a Perfect Day

We’ve walked you through garden-themed weddings, along with the decorations that would go best, and now we’ll take you along the theme of botanicals.

While they’re in the same earth-friendly category, a botanical theme incorporates more plants and greenery, while gardens evoke a flower power feeling. Of course, there can be overlap, but when it comes to a botanical-themed wedding, think more succulents, eucalyptus, and trees than peonies, roses, and gardenias. Botanicals also tend to last longer, so you don’t have to stress about leaves wilting or drying up under the sun. Another perk: Things like succulent centerpieces, eucalyptus runners, and fern boutonnieres are much easier to DIY than decorations that require the professional touch of a florist, so you can actually end up saving money in the long run.

Here, we’ll walk you through some gorgeous botanical wedding ideas for various parts of your special day:

1. Have Your Wedding In A Botanical Garden...

What better place for a garden wedding than an actual garden?

The most obvious setting is an actual botanical garden which, by definition, is a place that preserves plants for research, conservation, and education. They not only present nature that’s already manicured, but also provide a stunning setting for a ceremony and/or reception. There are plenty of botanical gardens of all sizes across the country (and world) to choose from (perfect if you’re planning a destination wedding!) and many offer their own wedding planning services—so whatever your guest count (for example, an intimate wedding for your nearest and dearest or a beautiful botanical celebration for 300+ guests), there’s a garden out there for you.

2. ...Or An Outdoor Venue Where You Create Your Own Garden

If a botanical garden is too expensive or out of the way, another option is an open air wedding venue with lots of light that you can then fill up with tons of lush greenery. This will create the perfect botanical-inspired backdrop for your outdoor ceremony and reception space.

*Photo Credit * // Whitmeyer Photography

3. Need To Get Married Indoors? Consider A Greenhouse

Alternatively, if an outdoor wedding isn‘t in the cards and you want an indoor location, a greenhouse is an option. It might not have the expanse of the outdoors, but there will be plenty of gorgeous plants to take in and add natural beauty to your big day.

4. Send Botanical-Inspired Invitations

Plant the seed of what the wedding theme is going to be via the invitations. Including pressed flowers is a nice touch, though we also love the idea of incorporating horticultural illustrations of some kind.

5. Tie The Botanical Theme Into Your Bridesmaid Attire...

Floral-printed gowns for either the bride or the bridesmaids are a nice touch, but if you’re just looking for subtle botanical additions, try bohemian crowns or a flattering green dress.

6. ...And Don’t Forget The Groomsmen

As for the guys, a floral or green tie is a nice way to, well, tie the attire to the overall theme. Miniature fern boutonnieres are also a nice touch.

7. Toast With Plant-Inspired Drinks...

Drinks are an easy way to add some greenery into the reception side of things. Garnishes like rosemary, lavender, or mint in signature gin drinks are a nice botanical wink. You can also get creative with spirits and mixers.

8. ...And Food

As far as food goes, a plant-based meal is a fun eco-friendly option. (It will also ensure that any vegetarians and vegans in attendance will be able to enjoy your wedding meal!)

9. Don’t Forget The Cake!

You can also task your cake vendor with creating botanical-themed icing designs. Naked cakes look especially stunning when topped with green leaves or colorful flowers, too.

10. Incorporate Green Into Your Wedding Color Palette

Your wedding color palette dictates a variety of your wedding decor, from floral design to linens to wedding party attire. So, if you want to embrace a botanical wedding theme, make the color green the central color of your color palette—and carry that color throughout your decor.

11. Bring The Botanical Theme Into Your Wedding Ceremony...

*Photo Credit * // Star Noir Photography

From bouquets to centerpieces, there’s ample opportunity to go green when it comes to decorations.

For the ceremony, splurge on a stunning archway with crawling ivy or peppered with leaves. Archways will not only bring life to your vows, but will also act as the perfect ceremony backdrops for any Instagram shots guests or your wedding photographer might want to snap later. For the bouquet, ferns, eucalyptus, and baby's breath are gorgeous options.

12. ...And The Wedding Reception

The reception is where you can really lean into the green theme. Go wild with mini tree centerpieces, olive branch garlands, or eucalyptus table runners. Hang greenery from the ceiling or drape it along the back of chairs, so guests can really feel one with nature. A botanical wedding theme is also great when aligned with the seasons. If you’re getting married in the fall, add in festive pine cones or colored leaves. If you’re having a winter wedding, throw in some mistletoe.

13. Party Favors

Green-leaning centerpieces can double as party favors. In this case, succulents or terrariums make great take-home options for guests. They’re easy to take care of and will last long past your wedding day—green thumb or not.

14. Botanical Photo Booth

Photo booths are typically a guest favorite—so make sure your photo booth is on-theme by incorporating plenty of plants or a plant-inspired backdrop.

15. Plant-Inspired Guest Book

Your guest book is a great place to reflect your botanical wedding theme. Consider using a guest book made from plant-based materials or purchasing a book with pressed flowers and greenery on the cover and/or in the pages.

Botanical-themed weddings are beautiful for the couple who loves the outdoors or just wants some green infused into their big day. There are so many ideas to explore so that your wedding feels tailored specifically to you and your personal tastes.