Wedding Garland Care: Overnight Display Tips For Your Big Day

can wedding garlands be left out night before wedding

Wedding garlands are a versatile and impactful way to decorate your wedding ceremony and reception. They can be used to decorate archways, pews, bridal tables, and more. But what happens if you can't set up your garlands on the morning of your wedding? Can wedding garlands be left out the night before?

Characteristics Values
Suggested delivery time frame 2 days before the event
Storage Keep refrigerated or in a cool place
Preparation Garland can be misted with water before using
Timing Set up the garland days before the wedding if necessary, but try not to leave it exposed to the elements

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Choosing the right type of greenery for your garland

Wedding garlands are a versatile and timeless decoration that can be used to elevate almost any moment on your special day. They can be hung, draped, or looped into a wreath, marking the importance of the day and adding a unique style.

When choosing your garland, the type of greenery can impact the final feeling and style of your wedding. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right type of greenery for your garland:

  • Tone of Green: The colour green has many shades, from soft and earthy to vibrant and deep. Choose a shade that complements your wedding colour palette and sets the desired mood. For example, eucalyptus has a soft green tone, while magnolia leaves can vary between dark green and golden brown.
  • Size of Leaves: Consider the size of the leaves in your garland. Larger leaves, such as those of the magnolia tree, can create a dramatic effect, while smaller leaves like those of eucalyptus or bay leaves offer a more delicate appearance.
  • Fullness of the Garland: Decide on the fullness or density of your garland. A fuller garland with abundant greenery creates a lush and romantic atmosphere, while a thinner garland provides a more minimalist and sleek look.
  • Durability: If you're looking for greenery that will last throughout the day, consider sturdy plants like eucalyptus, ferns, or bay leaves. These plants will hold up well, especially if you're using them in outdoor settings.
  • Seasonal Availability: Consider the season in which you're getting married. Certain types of greenery may be more readily available during certain times of the year. For example, eucalyptus is a great choice for summer weddings, while magnolia leaves can add a festive touch to winter celebrations.
  • Combination of Greens: You can create interesting contrast and texture by combining different types of greens in your garland. Try mixing and matching varieties like salal (lemon leaf), bay leaf, nandina, plumosa, and different types of ruscus. Alternatively, using a single variety of interesting greenery, like bay leaf or silver dollar eucalyptus, can also make a statement.

Some popular choices for wedding garlands include eucalyptus, willow leaf, rose banksia vine, and rose leaf garlands.

Remember, the right type of greenery for your garland will depend on your personal preferences, wedding theme, colour palette, and the overall atmosphere you want to create.

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How to store your garland before the wedding

Storing your wedding garland correctly is essential to ensure it looks its best on your big day. Here are some tips to help you store your garland before the wedding:

  • Keep it refrigerated or in a cool place: If possible, store your garland in a refrigerator to keep it fresh. Otherwise, keep it in a cool, dry place.
  • Misting: Misting your garland with water before use can help to perk it up, especially if it is looking a little tired.
  • Delivery time: Aim to have your garland delivered two days before your event. For Sunday events, choose Thursday delivery, and for Monday events, opt for Friday delivery.
  • Avoid exposure to elements: While it is generally best to avoid leaving your garland out overnight, if you must store it outside, try to keep it out of direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.
  • Fluff it up: If you are using artificial garlands, take them out of the box and fluff them up before use, as they may flatten during transit.
  • Set up in advance: If you need to set up your garlands a few days before the wedding, try to avoid leaving them exposed to the elements.
  • Storage for silk flowers: If you are using silk flowers, you can store them in their original packaging until the big day.

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Using garlands to decorate a wedding ceremony

Garlands are a versatile and timeless way to decorate a wedding ceremony, adding colour, texture and style. They can be used to decorate both indoor and outdoor weddings, and can be draped, hung or looped into wreaths.

Wedding Arches

Garlands can be draped over arches, or just over a corner or section of the arch. Multiple garlands of different lengths and fullness can be used to create a unique ceremony backdrop.

Aisle Decor

Garlands can be laid along the ground on each side of the aisle, or hung in the air from chair to chair. They can be used at the beginning of the aisle, or placed at different points to add texture and colour.

Chair Decor

Garlands can be draped over the backs of chairs lining the aisle. This works well if you are going for subtle decor, or to mark the reserved aisles for immediate family.

Centrepieces

Garlands can be used as centrepieces for guest tables. They can be draped along rectangular tables, or turned into wreaths for round tables. They can also be built upon with extra decor such as candles or bouquets.

Sweetheart Table

If the newlyweds are planning on sitting at their own table, a garland is a great way to elevate the sweetheart table and make it stand out. Choose a fuller, longer or more colourful garland to make the most important guests stand out!

Wedding Signage

Garlands can be used to decorate wedding signage, helping them to align with the wedding theme.

Trellis Ceiling

Garlands can be suspended from a trellis ceiling and wrapped with ivy for a whimsical look.

Grid of Garland

A striking effect can be achieved by suspending a grid of lemon leaf garlands to transform the space into a secret garden.

Cake Decor

Garlands can be used to decorate wedding cakes, either around the cake or suspended behind it.

Flower Baskets

A small accent of greenery around flower girl baskets adds a romantic touch.

Photo Table

A garland is a perfect way to decorate a photo table, displaying photos of the couple, absent family members, or even pets.

Hanging Garlands

Garlands can be hung from cables, rafters or suspended lighting to create the illusion of an intimate, cosy space, especially in an open-air venue.

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Using garlands to decorate a wedding reception

Garlands are a versatile and timeless way to decorate a wedding reception. They can be used to decorate almost any part of the venue, from the ceiling to the walls, tables, and chairs. Here are some ideas for using garlands to create a romantic and natural atmosphere at your wedding reception:

Photo Table

A garland is a perfect way to decorate a photo table, which is becoming an increasingly popular feature at wedding receptions. Surround photos of the couple, family members, or even pets with the beauty of faux flowers. This adds a personal and elegant touch to the celebration.

Guest Tables

Garlands can be draped or wound around guest tables to create a unique and romantic atmosphere. For long, family-style tables, consider draping garlands along the entire length of the table to create a cohesive and impactful look. For round tables, garlands can be looped into wreaths, either left as a standalone floral centerpiece or combined with other decorations such as lanterns or candles.

Head Table

A garland can be used to decorate the head table, or sweetheart table, where the newlyweds will sit. Choose a fuller, longer, or more colourful garland to make the table stand out and complement the happy couple. A garland can be draped across the front of the table, adding a decorative touch without taking up too much space.

Hanging Garlands

Hanging garlands from the ceiling or a brand creates a bespoke art installation and makes the space feel cozy and intimate. Consider suspending different sizes of garlands at varying heights to add depth and interest. This works especially well in open-air venues or outdoor receptions.

Cake Table

Wow your guests with a stunning wedding cake presentation by incorporating garlands. Suspend wreaths above the cake table or coordinate the cake decorations with garlands to create a cohesive and elegant display. Fresh flowers or greenery added to the cake itself can also be a beautiful and affordable touch.

Chairs

Adorn the backs of the wedding party chairs with lush greenery and fresh blooms that match the wedding colour palette. This calls attention to the bridal party and adds a touch of nature to the reception.

Walls

If your venue lacks decorative opportunities or you have limited set-up time, a simple garland of lush greenery strung along the perimeter of the room can make a big impact with minimal effort. Garlands can also be used to create a striking grid or lattice pattern on a feature wall, transforming the space into a secret garden.

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DIY garland ideas

Wedding garlands can be a beautiful addition to your wedding decor. They can be hung, draped, or looped into a wreath and placed almost anywhere to mark the importance of the day and add a unique style.

Eucalyptus Garland

Eucalyptus garlands are a great choice for a wedding with earthy, boho vibes or a summer wedding. The soft green colour and famous hardiness of eucalyptus fit right in at a modern desert wedding or an earthy farm celebration. You can buy these at a reasonable price from Costco or Sam's Club, or make your own by buying eucalyptus sprigs and laying them out.

Flower Garlands

Flower garlands can be adapted to any kind of flower. One idea is to create a bouquet of three flowers, with each flower covering the stem of the flower in front of it. Wrap the bundle tightly with floral tape and continue adding flowers, wrapping the stems together as you go. You can also add flowers to a eucalyptus garland for a unique look.

Olive Leaf Garland

Create a crisscross pattern of olive leaves for a fresh escort card display. If you want to be creative, organise the wall into sections using different-coloured flowers. Don't forget to create a 'key' so that guests know which colour belongs to which table!

Magnolia Leaf Garland

Magnolia leaves vary between a dark green and golden brown, making them a good choice for a garland with deeper colours.

Assorted Greens Garland

You can create a beautiful array of fresh evergreens by intertwining Salal, Huckleberry, and Western Bear Grass. Flowers can be added to coordinate with wedding or event decor.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, wedding garlands can be left out the night before the wedding. However, it is recommended that they are stored in a cool place or refrigerated if possible.

It is recommended that you order your wedding garland to arrive 2 days before the event.

Wedding garlands should be stored in a cool, dry place. They can also be refrigerated if possible.

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