Make Your Own Lavender Wedding Rice

Throwing rice at weddings has been a long-standing tradition, thought to bring good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds. However, in recent times, couples are moving away from this tradition due to the environmental impact of throwing rice, which can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. A popular alternative that has emerged is the use of dried lavender flowers, which are not only biodegradable and eco-friendly but also symbolic of purity and chasteness, joy, luck, and devotion. In this article, we will explore how to make lavender wedding rice and provide creative ways to incorporate it into your special day.

Using dried vs fresh lavender

Using dried lavender for your wedding has many benefits. Dried lavender is a symbol of joy, luck, and devotion, and it is also easy to work with. You can use it in floral bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, or even as wedding favours. It also has an amazing aroma and can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and fatigue. When you inhale the scent of dried lavender, you can benefit from its calming, relaxing, and sedative properties.

On the other hand, fresh lavender is a beautiful and elegant addition to any wedding. If you are having a summer wedding, you can source fresh lavender flowers that can be stripped from the stems and set out in small baskets for your guests to throw as you exit the ceremony. Fresh lavender is also perfect for bridal bouquets, adding a pop of colour and a relaxing scent for the bride and her bridesmaids to enjoy.

When deciding between dried and fresh lavender, consider the time of year and your wedding colours. Dried lavender is a great option for weddings in early spring, fall, or winter when fresh flower selections may be limited. It also comes in a range of colours, from light to dark purple or even white, so you can choose the shade that best complements your wedding palette.

Another advantage of dried lavender is its versatility. You can use it in a variety of ways, such as wedding toss, centrepieces, sachets, or even as an accent to your bridal bouquet. It can also be used to make lavender-infused cookies, ice cream, or pastries for your wedding cake and favours.

Ultimately, both dried and fresh lavender have unique benefits and can be used in different ways to add a special touch to your wedding. Consider your theme, colour scheme, and the time of year to make the best choice for your big day.

How much lavender to buy

When it comes to how much lavender to buy for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, dried lavender flower buds are similar in size to grains of rice, so you can use them in a similar way by creating little bags or cartons for tossing, or simply providing bowls of loose lavender for your guests to throw. The amount you need will depend on how many guests you are expecting and how much lavender you want each guest to have. A general recommendation is one handful of lavender per person, which equates to approximately 8 to 10 grams.

If you are having a summer wedding, you may be able to source fresh lavender flowers to use instead of dried lavender. Fresh lavender will need to be prepared the day before or the morning of the wedding and kept in a cool location to preserve its freshness and colour. You can strip the flowers from the stems and place them in small baskets near the exit for your guests to throw as you depart.

When deciding how much lavender to buy, consider the other ways you may want to incorporate lavender into your wedding. Lavender can be used in floral arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, and even as a decorative element on the ring bearer's pillow. You can also add lavender to your wedding cake or dessert table, place a sprig in each wine glass, or include it in wedding favours. If you plan to use lavender in multiple ways, you will need to buy a larger quantity.

To estimate the amount of lavender you will need, consider the number of guests you are expecting and the various ways you want to use lavender throughout your wedding. Then, purchase accordingly, keeping in mind that it is always better to have a little extra than to run out!

Lavender wedding rice vs confetti

Lavender wedding rice is an emerging trend where dried lavender flower buds are tossed at the newlyweds as they walk down the aisle or during their grand exit. The buds are about the same size as rice grains, giving off a wonderful fragrance and creating a memorable experience for the couple and their guests. It is a unique way to incorporate the symbolism of lavender, which represents joy, luck, and devotion, into your special day.

Benefits of Lavender Wedding Rice

• Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly: Lavender buds are natural and biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rice or confetti. They require no cleanup and will simply disintegrate over time, leaving no trace behind.
• Aromatic: The fragrance released from the crushed lavender buds creates an enchanting atmosphere and can enhance the overall experience of your wedding. The scent of lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, adding a unique touch to your celebration.
• Symbolism: Lavender has long been associated with purity and chasteness, joy, luck, and devotion. Incorporating lavender into your wedding rituals symbolises these positive traits and adds a layer of meaning to your ceremony.
• Versatility: Lavender wedding rice can be presented in various ways, such as small bags, cartons, or simple bowls for guests to toss. For a summer wedding, fresh lavender flowers can be stripped from the stems and placed in small baskets near the exit for a vibrant and fragrant send-off.

Confetti as an Alternative

Confetti is a popular choice for wedding send-offs and comes in various forms, including traditional paper confetti, biodegradable glitter, dried flower petals, and even heart-shaped paper cut-outs. Confetti provides a festive and colourful touch to your celebration and can create beautiful photo opportunities. Some venues may have specific regulations regarding the use of confetti, so it is essential to check with your chosen venue beforehand. Confetti is often used in combination with other send-off ideas, such as bubbles, flags, or ribbons, to create a fun and memorable experience for the newlyweds.

Eco-friendly alternatives to rice

Throwing rice at weddings is a long-standing tradition, but it has fallen out of fashion due to concerns about birds consuming the rice and the mess it creates. Many venues have banned the practice for these reasons. However, there are several eco-friendly alternatives that can be used instead.

One option is to use dried flowers or flower petals. This is a romantic and colourful choice that is also 100% natural and requires minimal cleanup. If you're worried about birds eating rice, you can also opt for birdseed, which is a festive, environmentally-responsible, and self-cleaning alternative. Simply wrap spoonfuls of birdseed in cheesecloth, tie it with a ribbon, and distribute them to your guests.

Another option is to use lavender, which is the same size as rice, smells wonderful, and is biodegradable. You can create little bags or cartons of dried lavender for your guests to toss, or simply set out bowls of loose lavender. If you're having a summer wedding, you can use fresh lavender flowers instead. Strip the blooms from their stems and place them in small baskets near the exit for your guests to throw.

For a fall wedding, consider using small green leaves instead of rice. They create a rich, autumnal aesthetic and require no cleanup.

Biodegradable confetti is another eco-friendly option. It adds colour to your celebration and will disappear over time if any pieces are missed during cleanup.

If you're looking for a whimsical alternative, soap bubbles are a fun, mess-free choice that children especially enjoy. They create a light and poetic atmosphere and make for amazing photographs.

These eco-friendly alternatives to rice will add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding celebration while being kind to the environment.

Decorating with lavender

Wedding Aisle

Instruct your flower girls to sprinkle dried lavender buds along the wedding aisle as they walk ahead of the bride. The scent of the lavender will be released as the bridesmaids and bride walk down the aisle, creating a wonderful fragrance that will linger even after the ceremony. This idea offers a unique sensory experience for your guests, engaging their sense of smell and creating a lasting memory.

Chair Decor

Adorn the chairs at your ceremony with bunches of dried lavender. You can tie lavender bundles to every row or pew, or incorporate them into floral arrangements for a pop of colour and fragrance. This idea adds a touch of elegance and charm to your wedding decor.

Table Decor

Add a romantic and elegant touch to your reception tables by incorporating lavender into your table decorations. Place small sprigs of lavender in each place setting or scatter lavender buds around centrepieces. You can also use empty wine bottles or glasses to hold lavender sprigs or buds. For a unique twist, place a sprig of dried lavender in each wine glass to infuse the wine with a subtle scent and flavour.

Food and Cake

Enhance the flavour and aroma of your wedding cake and desserts by incorporating lavender. Bakers can create delicious lavender-infused cakes, pastries, cookies, and even ice cream! For a subtle touch, simply sprinkle lavender buds around the wedding cake and dessert table.

Favours and Gifts

Lavender can be a wonderful addition to wedding favours and gifts. Create potpourri sachets, baskets, or loot bags filled with dried lavender. You can also give lavender-scented candles or small plants as favours. Your guests will appreciate the calming and relaxing properties of lavender long after your wedding day.

Confetti

Instead of traditional rice or confetti, consider using dried lavender buds or flowers as eco-friendly wedding confetti. Lavender confetti is romantic, fragrant, and biodegradable, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious couples. One handful per guest is typically enough for a generous toss.

Frequently asked questions