Creative Succulent Wedding Favors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Succulents are a unique and memorable gift to offer as wedding favours. They are an affordable, long-lasting memento for guests and can be personalised with tags, stickers, and different types of pots or containers. You can buy them in bulk online or grow them yourself.

Choosing the right succulent

When choosing your succulents, consider the colour and type. Succulents are mainly green, but there are also varieties in purple, pink, blue, and silver hues. You can also find rosette-shaped succulents, which are a unique option for wedding favours. The size of the succulents is another important factor. Most succulents range in size from 2" to 6", so choose the size that best fits your favour containers.

If you're looking for something more unique, you can create your own colourful arrangements by purchasing a set of succulents in assorted colours. You can also add personal touches to your favours by including custom flags, tags, or stickers with your name, custom text, or logo.

Remember to plan ahead when ordering your succulents. While some companies can accommodate rush orders, it's best to order at least two weeks in advance to ensure you receive your succulents on time.

Picking the perfect pot

• Variety of Pots: You can mix and match different types of pots to create a unique and eclectic look. From terracotta pots to glass votives, mini ceramic pots, tin buckets, and even shot glasses, there are many options available. You can also use natural materials such as burlap or wicker baskets for a rustic or bohemian vibe.
• Colour and Theme: Consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding when choosing pots for your succulents. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, opt for earthy tones like terracotta or kraft paper pots. If you're going for a more elegant or modern theme, consider sleek white ceramic pots or glass containers.
• Size and Proportion: The size of the pot should be appropriate for the size of the succulent. You don't want the plant to look lost in a large pot or cramped in a tiny one. Typically, 2-inch succulents are popular for wedding favours, so choose pots that are slightly larger to allow for some growth.
• Personalisation: You can personalise your pots with custom flags, tags, stickers, or ribbons. This adds a special touch and can even double as place settings if you include the guests' names. You can also stamp or print your names and wedding date on the pots as a memorable keepsake.
• Practicality: While aesthetics are important, don't forget about practicality. Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and consider the weight of the pots, especially if your guests will be travelling with them. You may also want to provide care instructions so your guests know how to look after their new plants.
• Budget-Friendly Options: If you're on a tight budget, consider buying pots in bulk or from dollar stores. You can also repurpose containers you already have or find affordable options at thrift stores. Another cost-effective idea is to propagate your own succulents ahead of time and pot them yourself to save on costs.

Remember to order your pots and succulents with enough time to spare before your wedding, and always have a few extra on hand in case of last-minute changes or guests who want to take more than one!

Adding a personal touch

Personalised Mini Box for Succulents

Add a personal touch to your wedding favours by placing your succulents in personalised mini boxes. You can customise these boxes with your wedding details, and even add a magnet. This is a unique way to present your favours, especially for a rustic-themed wedding.

Burlap-Wrapped Succulents

For a rustic or timeless wedding theme, consider wrapping your succulents in burlap. You can add a delicate lace bow in your wedding colours to make these favours stand out. This combination of textures will create a soft and elegant look.

Customised Pots

Add a special touch to your succulent favours by customising the pots. You can use stickers, ribbons, paper tags, or even paint the pots to match your wedding colours. You could also include a personalised message or your guests' names on the pots.

Succulent Seed Packets

If you want to involve your guests in the process, provide them with succulent seed packets. This way, they can plant and grow their own succulents. You can customise the seed packets with your wedding details or a sweet message.

Succulent-Shaped Soaps

For a practical and unique favour, opt for succulent-shaped soaps. You can choose from various scents and even personalise them with your wedding details or a special message. Your guests will appreciate this useful gift.

Felt Succulent Magnets

For a luxurious and long-lasting favour, consider making felt succulent magnets. These will not only decorate your guests' fridges but also remind them of your special day. You can customise the magnets with different colours and sizes to match your wedding theme.

Transporting your favours

Transporting your succulent wedding favours is a delicate task, but with the right preparation, your plants will arrive in perfect condition. Here are some tips to ensure your succulents travel safely:

Packing

Before placing your succulents in a box or container, wrap each plant in three or more layers of tissue paper. This will help to reduce friction and prevent damage during transport. If you're using a box, fill any empty space with packing peanuts, especially for more delicate plants, to minimise movement. For small succulents, plastic bins are ideal as they keep the plants upright and prevent them from shifting during the journey. You can also use Kraft paper, towels, rags, or newspaper to fill in gaps and keep the pots secure. If you have cacti, keep them separate from other succulents to avoid damage from spines.

Timing

Try to order your succulents at least two weeks ahead of your event. Avoid watering your succulents four to five days before the move. Watering can make the pots heavy and, combined with limited airflow in a vehicle, can cause the soil to stay wet for too long, leading to root rot. Water your succulents well in advance so the soil has time to dry out, and they will still be hydrated enough to survive the journey.

Temperature Control

Monitor the temperature inside your vehicle, especially during midsummer or midwinter travel. Keep the plants in a temperate environment, avoiding extreme heat or cold. If you're travelling for an extended period or staying overnight, bring your succulents with you inside rather than leaving them in a closed car, as this can cause damage.

Securing the Pots

For larger pots, use straps to cinch them down tightly and secure them to the vehicle to prevent tipping. You can also place larger pots inside cardboard boxes, which are often more stable than the pots themselves. If you're transporting multiple pots, use nursery flats and trays to prevent them from tipping over.

Post-Travel Care

After your succulents arrive at their destination, they may show signs of stress, such as broken leaves or stems, leaf loss, or wilting. This is normal, and your plants should recover quickly once they settle in. Keep them in a protected area with moderate temperatures and gradually introduce them to more sunlight or heat.

Caring for your succulents

Succulents are a great way to add a touch of nature to your home or event. They are known for their low-maintenance and hardy nature, but there are still some important care instructions to follow to ensure your succulents thrive. Here are some detailed tips to help you care for your succulents:

Watering

Watering is crucial for succulents, but it's important not to overdo it. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and then water thoroughly. The best way to check if your succulent needs water is to insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. When watering, pour water directly onto the soil until it is fully saturated, and then allow the excess water to drain completely. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause rot.

Light

Succulents love bright, indirect light. Place them near a window that receives plenty of sunlight, but avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you don't have access to natural light, you can use artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity. Aim for around 12-14 hours of light per day.

Soil

The right soil is essential for succulents. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, which is specifically designed to provide the right balance of moisture and airflow. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it tends to hold too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. When repotting, make sure to choose a container with a drainage hole to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, typically spring and summer, you can feed your succulents with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to burned leaves and stunted growth. Succulents don't require fertilizer during their dormant period in fall and winter.

Temperature and Humidity

Succulents prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65-85°F (18-30°C). They can tolerate higher temperatures but may struggle in very cold conditions. Most succulents are not particular about humidity, but if the air is too dry, you can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of gravel and water, ensuring the pot is not sitting directly in the water.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning your succulents helps to remove dead or dying leaves and encourages healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut away any damaged or diseased parts of the plant. You can also propagate succulents by cutting off a healthy leaf or stem and allowing it to callous over before placing it in well-draining soil.

By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your succulents will thrive and add beauty to your wedding favors or any other occasion.

Frequently asked questions