Create Hanging Wedding Greenery: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hanging greenery is a beautiful way to elevate your wedding decor. It's an easy way to save on your wedding budget, as greenery is typically sold in bundles, and a little goes a long way. You can bring the outdoors inside by hanging garlands, vines, or leafy branches from the ceiling. Before you start, it's important to ask your venue coordinator about any restrictions and weight limits. You can then decide on the type of greenery you want to use – eucalyptus and olive foliage are popular choices for a grey-green look. With the right tools and some creativity, you can transform your wedding venue into a dreamy, romantic setting that will wow your guests.

Eucalyptus, vines, or big leaves are cost-effective

Hanging greenery is a great way to save money on your wedding budget. It's typically sold in bundles, so you're not paying per stem, and it goes a long way in covering space. Eucalyptus, vines, or big leaves are a cost-effective choice for hanging greenery and can be used to create a beautiful, natural atmosphere for your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas to incorporate them into your special day:

Choosing the Right Greenery

Eucalyptus is a popular choice for weddings due to its versatility, modern colour palette of silvery blues and grayish greens, and variety of styles. Native to Australia, eucalyptus has over 700 species, offering different shapes, sizes, and textures to choose from. It has a relaxing scent with hints of mint and citrus, and its thick, waxy leaves make it a long-lasting option.

Installation Ideas

Hanging greenery can be draped loosely or used to cover statement light fixtures. You can hang garlands, delicate vines, or leafy branches from the ceiling using clear wire or by attaching them to existing fixtures like rafters or chandeliers. This draws attention upwards and creates the illusion of a larger space.

Venue Considerations

Before installing your hanging greenery, be sure to check with your venue coordinator about any restrictions and weight limitations. Conduct a site visit to locate attachment points and discuss your plans with the venue staff. This will help you avoid any issues and build a positive relationship with the venue.

Greenery Combinations

Eucalyptus pairs beautifully with soft, sturdy blooms in dusty, pale colours, such as roses and ranunculus. For a romantic and sophisticated look, pair it with white blooms like peonies, roses, and gardenias. It even complements bold, dark-hued flowers in burgundy, dark purple, and burnt orange.

Creative Uses

In addition to hanging installations, eucalyptus can be used in a variety of ways throughout your wedding. You can decorate each place setting with a single sprig, twist sprigs around chairs, incorporate it into your bridal bouquet, or even use it as a unique alternative to rice or confetti. Eucalyptus is also perfect for creating crowns for younger bridesmaids or flower girls, adding a touch of elegance to your wedding party.

Artificial Options

If you're looking for a more cost-effective and long-lasting option, artificial eucalyptus is also available. Artificial eucalyptus stems, leaves, and bouquets can be purchased online and used to create similar effects, providing versatility in your wedding decor.

By choosing eucalyptus, vines, or big leaves for your hanging greenery, you can create a stunning visual impact while also being mindful of your budget. These options offer beauty, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making them a wonderful choice for your special day.

Use clear wire or attach to existing fixtures

Hanging greenery is a great way to elevate your wedding decor, bringing the outdoors inside and creating a statement installation that draws attention. To achieve this look, you can use clear wire or attach greenery to existing fixtures. Here are some tips and ideas to achieve this:

Clear wire is a subtle way to hang your greenery, allowing you to create the illusion of floating foliage. Clear fishing line or invisible wire can be used to hang garlands, vines, or leafy branches from the ceiling, adding a whimsical touch to your wedding decor. This method is especially effective if you want to create the illusion of greenery floating above your dance floor or hanging from rafters in a barn venue.

When using clear wire, consider the weight of the greenery and choose a wire or line with a suitable weight capacity. For example, a 150-pound-tested fishing line is recommended for installations that hang over people's heads to ensure safety.

Another creative way to incorporate hanging greenery is to attach it to existing fixtures. Look for fixtures such as chandeliers, rafters, or beams that can be accentuated with vines, garlands, or branches. For example, you can wrap garlands of eucalyptus or ivy around chandeliers for a romantic, rustic touch. If your venue has exposed brick walls, consider using brick clips to attach greenery, creating a unique backdrop for your ceremony or reception.

Before attaching anything to existing fixtures, be sure to consult with your venue coordinator about any restrictions or weight limits. It's important to get approval beforehand to ensure you are respecting their space.

Hanging greenery from clear wire or attaching it to existing fixtures is a versatile and eye-catching way to decorate your wedding venue. Whether you're bringing nature indoors or accentuating outdoor features, this trend offers endless possibilities to create a magical atmosphere on your special day.

Suspend wreaths, garlands, or leafy branches

Hanging wreaths, garlands, or leafy branches can add a whimsical, romantic touch to your wedding décor. Here are some ideas to inspire your hanging greenery installations:

Suspend Wreaths

Wreaths can be used to create a unique and modern overhead installation at your wedding reception. Intertwine wreaths of varying sizes and suspend them from the ceiling, adding a fresh approach to displaying greenery. You can also incorporate wreaths in your escort card display by covering hoops with greenery and suspending them from the ceiling or wall with invisible fishing line. This idea serves a dual purpose, acting as a statement backdrop while also providing your guests with their table assignments.

Suspend Garlands

Garlands of greenery can be draped from cables, rafters, or suspended lighting to create an intimate, cozy atmosphere, especially in an open-air venue. For a whimsical look, wrap garlands of ivy around a trellis ceiling. You can also create a suspended grid of lemon leaf garlands, transforming your wedding space into a secret garden.

Suspend Leafy Branches

Hanging full branches upside down from the ceiling of your venue brings a natural element to your wedding décor. This idea works particularly well in an industrial or urban space, creating a gorgeous contrast. To create a floating chuppah, suspend vines, branches, and candles from the ceiling beams for a whimsical, floating effect.

Before committing to your hanging greenery décor, remember to consult your venue coordinator about what you're allowed to hang installations from and the weight they can hold.

Hang greenery from brick, concrete, or drywall

Before you begin, it's important to consider the venue and its rules or restrictions for hanging greenery. It's also important to locate attachment points and discuss the plan and scope of the job with the venue.

Hanging greenery from brick walls

Brick clips are an excellent tool for hanging floral arrangements, like larger foliage pieces and florals on a brick wall. They also provide an anchor point to suspend Oasis cages or attach greenery. In addition, fishing line can be strung between clips to create a vine-like look on the wall. Greenery can be wrapped or strategically zip-tied to the line (4” black zip ties are recommended as they blend in nicely).

Hot glue can also work on a traditional brick wall if you only need to attach a few pieces of greenery or a single rose. It is recommended to use a hot glue gun on high heat and to test it out on a painted brick surface first. The glue will peel right off the brick post-event.

Hanging greenery from concrete or wood walls

For concrete or wood walls, it is recommended to use Uglu dashes, gaffers tape, and Command hooks. These items work well and don't cause any damage. However, it is rare for professionals to use Command hooks as they have been known to pull off paint or wallpaper. Therefore, it is recommended to only use them on hard, durable surfaces like wood or concrete.

Hanging greenery from drywall

There are a few options for hanging greenery from drywall. One option is to use fishing line, which can be wrapped around a nail or ledge and then tied to the greenery. Another option is to use gaffers tape, which won't leave any residue or damage the wall. Simply cross two strips of tape in an "X" pattern on the piece of foliage and then place a leaf over the visible tape.

Use gaffers tape for wallpaper, painted walls, and windows

Hanging greenery is a beautiful way to elevate your wedding decor, bringing the outdoors inside and creating a romantic, natural feel. To create hanging installations, you can use clear wire or attach greenery to existing fixtures.

Now, when it comes to using gaffer tape for your wedding decorations, here are some detailed instructions and considerations to keep in mind, especially if you're concerned about wallpaper, painted walls, and windows:

Using Gaffers Tape on Wallpaper:

Gaffer tape is known for its strong adhesive qualities, which can be a concern when dealing with delicate surfaces like wallpaper. While gaffer tape is designed to be removed without leaving residue, it can still potentially damage wallpaper, especially if left on for extended periods. If you must use gaffer tape on wallpaper, it's advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't lift the wallpaper or leave residue.

Using Gaffers Tape on Painted Walls:

When applying gaffer tape to painted walls, it's important to be cautious as the strong adhesive can sometimes pull off paint, especially if the paint is not fully cured or if the surface is sensitive. Again, testing on a small area is recommended. Alternatively, consider using masking tape, painter's tape, or paper tape, which are designed for use on painted surfaces and are less likely to damage the paint.

Using Gaffers Tape on Windows:

Gaffer tape can be used on windows, and it was originally invented to hold a flat metal plate to a window. However, it's essential to consider the type of window you're working with. For example, older windows with delicate putty or wooden frames might be more susceptible to damage. If you're concerned about residue or damage, test on a small area first or opt for a less aggressive adhesive tape like painter's tape.

General Tips for Using Gaffers Tape:

Gaffer tape comes in various colours, including matte black, fluorescent, and custom colours. Choose a colour that blends in with your decor or surfaces to make it less noticeable. Additionally, gaffer tape can be easily torn by hand, so no cutting tools are required. It can also be ripped into narrower strips if needed. When applying the tape, ensure the surface is clean and dry for the best adhesion and to reduce the risk of residue.

In summary, while gaffer tape is versatile and useful for creating hanging installations, it should be used with caution on delicate surfaces like wallpaper, painted walls, and certain types of windows. Always test on a small area first, and consider alternative types of tape designed for specific surfaces to avoid potential damage.

Frequently asked questions