Renting Plants For Your Wedding: Is It Possible?

Flowers can be expensive and environmentally unfriendly, so why not rent plants for your wedding? Potted plant rentals are becoming more popular as couples seek sustainable practices for their big day. You can rent anything from succulents to trees, and palms to ferns, to create a secret garden or a lush jungle vibe. You can save money and create a unique, eco-friendly event.

Cost-effectiveness of renting plants

Renting plants for your wedding can be a cost-effective option for several reasons. Firstly, it can save you money. According to Dave Williams, co-owner of Plants Alive!, renting potted plants can be about 50% cheaper than buying cut flowers. This is a significant saving, especially considering that flowers typically account for 8-10% of an overall wedding budget. For example, a couple with a $30,000 wedding budget could expect to spend $3,000 on flowers. By renting plants instead, they could potentially save $1,500.

Another cost-effective aspect of renting plants is their longevity. Cut flowers only last for one day, whereas rented plants can be used over and over again. For instance, Plants Alive! has a 15-year-old plant that has been rented out for numerous weddings and events. This reuse of plants reduces waste and is more environmentally friendly than cut flowers, which will eventually wilt and need to be thrown away.

Renting plants can also be a more budget-friendly option as it allows you to prioritise your spending on other aspects of your wedding. By choosing to rent plants, you can allocate more of your budget to other areas, such as catering, entertainment, or your dream venue. This flexibility can help you create a wedding that aligns with your priorities and budget.

Additionally, renting plants can enhance your wedding venue without breaking the bank. Potted plants, especially larger, mature ones, can create a visually striking impact. They can transform bland or ugly spaces, adding a touch of nature and elegance to the event. Whether you're aiming for a modern, whimsical, or secret garden theme, rented plants can help you achieve your desired aesthetic without exceeding your budget.

Finally, renting plants can be a cost-effective way to add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding. From grand topiaries and orange trees to Monstera leaves and Fiddle Leaf fig trees, you can create a one-of-a-kind experience for your guests. You can even incorporate a small number of cut flowers into the larger live plants, combining the beauty of fresh flowers with the cost-effectiveness of rented plants.

In conclusion, renting plants for your wedding can be a budget-friendly option that not only saves you money but also adds a distinctive and environmentally conscious element to your special day.

Eco-friendliness and sustainability

Renting plants for your wedding is an increasingly popular option for couples who want to make their special day eco-friendly and sustainable.

Flowers are a significant part of any wedding, but they can be expensive and, often, wasteful. Cut flowers are grown to last just one day and will eventually wilt and need to be thrown away. Potted plant rentals, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable alternative. "Everything is renewable, everything is alive," says Dave Williams, Co-owner of Plants Alive!. The oldest plant they rent out is about 15 years old, and it has likely been used at hundreds of weddings and events.

Renting plants is not only environmentally friendly, but it can also be a chic and budget-friendly option for couples. Potted plants are often larger and more mature, creating a more significant visual impact than smaller cut flower arrangements. They can be used to line aisles, as centrepieces, or to create a pop of colour or a lush display of foliage. The most popular rentals are palms and ferns, but couples can also choose from a wide range of options, including cacti, orchids, tropical plants, and evergreens.

Renting plants can also save couples money. Dave Williams estimates that renting potted plants can save couples about 50% compared to cut flowers. This makes it a great option for those looking to stretch their wedding budget while also being environmentally conscious.

Additionally, plant rental companies often provide delivery, pick-up, and staging services, ensuring that the plants are safely delivered, purposefully placed, and elevate the event's look. This takes the stress out of transporting and setting up the plants, making the couple's big day even more memorable.

Types of plants to rent

Yes, you can rent plants for a wedding! It is a great way to save money and be eco-friendly. The cost of renting potted plants is estimated to be about 50% cheaper than buying cut flowers. Plus, you can still incorporate a small number of cut flowers into the larger live plants if you want the best of both worlds.

Palms and Ferns

Palms and ferns are the most popular rental plants, and for good reason. They add a tropical vibe to your wedding and can be used to create a secret garden or lush jungle theme. They are also a great way to soften bland or ugly spaces.

Topiaries

Imagine grand topiaries lining the aisle—they will definitely create a visual impact. Topiaries can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding.

Orange Trees

Not only do orange trees look beautiful, but they also provide a pop of colour with their bright oranges. They are a unique and memorable choice for your wedding.

Monstera

With leaves bigger than your torso, Monstera plants will definitely make a statement. They are a great choice if you want to create a modern and whimsical vibe.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

Fiddle Leaf fig trees are a popular choice for weddings, and your guests might even want to snag one for their living room! They have a sophisticated and elegant look that will add a touch of class to your wedding.

Succulents

Succulents are a great choice for table decorations, adding a touch of greenery to your wedding. They are low-maintenance and long-lasting, so you don't have to worry about them wilting during your big day.

Sourcing and delivery

There are a variety of companies that offer plant rental services for weddings. These companies typically offer a range of plants, from tropicals to blooming plants, in various sizes, from tabletop to oversized. Some companies may also offer bespoke services to transform your space with a selection of trees, shrubs, topiary, and pots.

When sourcing plants for your wedding, it is important to consider your budget, the priority spaces for decor, and the logistics of the venue. Some companies may have a minimum budget requirement, so it is essential to discuss your requirements with the rental company beforehand.

In terms of delivery, some companies offer stress-free plant delivery, handling everything from pick-up to delivery for plant rentals. Delivery fees may vary depending on the number of plants, the distance travelled, and any special circumstances, such as after-hours or weekend deliveries. It is also important to consider the elevator and stair situation at the venue, as this may impact the price of labour for transporting the plants.

To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to have all the necessary information about your venue and event before reaching out to a plant rental company. This includes knowing the rules of the venue, the elevator and stair situation, and the load-in and load-out times.

By following these steps and working with a reputable plant rental company, you can create a beautiful and sustainable setting for your wedding while staying within your budget.

Placement and arrangement

The placement and arrangement of rented plants at a wedding can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the event. Here are some tips and considerations for achieving a beautiful and cohesive look:

• Prioritize spaces: Focus on priority areas that will have the most impact, such as the entrance, aisle, or altar/chuppah. For example, grand topiaries lining the aisle or large plants with mature leaves, such as Monstera, can create a stunning visual effect.
• Transform spaces: Consider using plants to transform bland or ugly spaces. For instance, a pop-up garden can be created to guide guests through a particular area.
• Theme and vibe: Choose plants that fit the theme and vibe you want to create. For a secret garden or lush jungle theme, consider tropical plants like palm trees or ferns. For a softer, more whimsical feel, succulents or blooming flowers can add a touch of elegance.
• Size and scale: Vary the size and scale of the plants to create visual interest. Use a mix of tabletop plants and oversized plants to add depth and dimension to the space.
• Colour and containers: Select containers that complement your colour palette and theme. Black or white containers can be classic and elegant, while woven baskets can add a natural, rustic touch.
• Lighting: Consider adding lighting to your plants, such as pre-hung lights on trees, to create a magical ambiance, especially for evening receptions.
• Budget: When planning your placement and arrangement, be mindful of your budget. Renting plants can be more affordable than cut flowers, but costs can add up, especially for larger plants or custom designs.
• Logistics: Take into account the logistics of the venue, such as elevator or stair access, load-in and load-out times, and any restrictions or requirements, to ensure smooth delivery and setup of the plants.
• Custom design: If you're unsure about placement and arrangement, consider consulting with a professional designer who can create a custom plan that suits your space and event.

Frequently asked questions