Do Me a Favor...Plant A Tree

Photo via Seeds of Life

Arbor Day is this Friday, so I have trees on the brain this week.  One great way to incorporate trees into your wedding is with seedling favors.  Seedling favors have become a popular earth-friendly wedding favor in recent years, but they do require some thought on your part before deciding if they are right for your wedding.  Here are some tips for wowing your guests with live tree favors. 

*DO Purchase seedlings from a reputable seller...someone who is taking care to minimize their own impact on the environment, as well as providing healthy plants.  Some of my favorites include:

*DO pick appropriate plants for your climate.  Trees will be more likely to thrive in a native environment, so choose native plants if your guests are local.  If you have guests coming from out of town, factor in their hometown climates before purchasing trees.  Click the photo below to look up plant hardiness zones for your area.

Map courtesy of US National Arboretum

*DO be mindful of guests who are traveling...will a tree make it home with them easily?  Are there any restrictive live plant regulations they will need to be aware of?  (FYI: California, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska have more stringent rules than other states.) Seed packets make a good alternative.

*DON'T feel compelled to give every guest a plant.  One plant per couple or individual guest is a lovely way to say thanks.

*DO have favors do double duty as decor...this saves resources and can save you money if your favors can double as centerpieces.

Photo by Jessamyn Harris

*DO use recycled or reuseable packaging for your favors.  Small terracotta pots, glasses, burlap wraps and plantable peat or coir pots are just a few ideas that can all be found for a song at local garden supply, thrift or craft stores. Some vendors ship plants in plastic tubes that can be converted to bird feeders. 

Photos clockwise from top left: Martha Stewart, Evergreen Memories, "I Do" It Yourself , Wedding Bee Pro

*DO try making your own pots from recycled paper...think newspapers, wrapping paper from your wedding shower or those leftover bridal magazines...

Photos via The Thirty Something Bride, available at Seed and Garden

*DON'T assume that every plant will be taken home.  Guests always forget their favors...and some simply may not wan them.  Have a plan for what to do with the extras.

*DON'T over water the day of the wedding...no one wants to carry around a drippy plant.

*DO be sure to save a few for yourself and do me a favor...plant a tree!

XOXO

Cindi

Comments

[LoveFeast Table]

Love this idea for wedding favors!! So much better than candied almonds! :) Thanks for stopping by our Table and for sharing such kind words!
~kristin and chris ann

[Treebeginnings]

Love to see others promoting the idea of tree seedlings as a wedding favor! Our tree-tubes are made from all recycled materials and finished with raffia ribbon, 100% natural. You're welcome to check us out!