Crafting Succulent Wedding Favors: A Creative Guide

Succulents are a great way to add a natural touch to your wedding and make adorable wedding favours that your guests will love. They are easy to care for and can be personalised with cute pots, ribbons, and tags. You can buy succulents in bulk online or from your local garden centre, and plant them in terracotta pots, glass containers, or even tin buckets. Add some soil, rocks, and a bit of twine, and you're good to go!

Sourcing the succulents and containers

The containers you use are completely up to you. You can choose glass containers, or clay or terracotta pots. If you're going for the latter, make sure they have a hole in the bottom for drainage. You can buy these in bulk online, or from your local craft store.

If you want to add a decorative touch to your containers, you can line the top of each pot with lace, or wrap the pots with hessian and use brown twine to tie a label around the middle. You can also add pebbles to the top of the soil for a typical succulent style.

Preparing the containers

Choosing the Right Containers

Select containers that complement your wedding theme and style. Consider glass containers, terracotta pots, clay planters, or even plastic pots with removable bases for easy drainage. Ensure the containers have holes in the bottom for adequate drainage. You can find these containers at craft stores, garden centres, or online.

Lining the Pots

To prevent soil from falling out and manage water drainage, line the pots with a suitable material. Avoid using plastic at the base, as it may come off easily when filled with soil. Instead, opt for heavy-duty mesh wire, gardening mesh, or thin netted fabric. Cut the fabric into squares and line both the bottom and the insides of the pot.

Adding Decorative Elements

Enhance the appearance of your containers by gluing lace or hessian around the top rim. Measure the outer circumference of each pot and cut the lace accordingly. Use craft glue to carefully adhere the lace, creating a neat finish.

Final Touches

Add a layer of pebbles or gravel on top of the soil to give your succulents a polished look. Choose pebbles that complement your wedding colour scheme. You can find these at garden stores or home improvement stores. To secure the pebbles and prevent them from spilling, use a porous glue that will still allow for watering. Apply a few layers of glue and let it dry completely before final assembly.

Now that your containers are ready, it's time to pot your succulents and add personalised touches like flags or labels!

Adding soil and succulents

Choosing the Right Soil

Select a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti. This type of soil will ensure your plants have the right balance of moisture and drainage, promoting healthy root growth. You can find this type of soil at your local garden centre or plant nursery.

Preparing the Containers

Before adding soil to your containers, it's a good idea to create a drainage layer at the bottom. This can be done by adding a thin layer of pebbles or gravel to the container. This layer will help prevent overwatering and ensure your succulents don't sit in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.

Potting the Succulents

Now, it's time to add soil to your containers. Fill each container about two-thirds full with the succulent or cacti potting mix. Gently remove the succulents from their current pots and loosen the roots slightly. Place each succulent in the centre of a container and add more soil around it, filling the container to just below the rim. Lightly pack the soil around the plant to secure it in place.

Watering and Care

After potting, give your succulents a light watering to help them settle in. Succulents don't require frequent watering, but they do need bright light and adequate airflow. Place your potted succulents in a bright, sunny spot, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Adding Decorative Touches

To enhance the appearance of your wedding favours, consider adding some decorative touches. You can top the soil with a layer of coloured gravel, small pebbles, or sand. This will give the plants a finished look and help keep the soil in place. You can also add a decorative ribbon or twine around the container, along with a personalised tag or label.

Transporting and Care Instructions

If you're transporting the succulents to your wedding venue, package them securely to prevent tipping or damage during transit. It's a good idea to water them a few days before the event and allow the soil to dry slightly before transport. Provide care instructions for your guests, including information on watering, light requirements, and any special care tips for succulents.

Decorating the containers

Container Options

First, you'll need to choose the type of container you want to use. Here are some options to consider:

• Glass containers: These can be found at most local stores or online. Look for 4 oz. quilted jelly jars, which are the perfect size for succulents and offer a modern and chic look.
• Clay succulent planters: White planters with bamboo trays can add a touch of elegance to your wedding favours.
• Coloured glazed clay pots: These colourful pots can bring a fun and playful element to your décor.
• Terracotta succulent pots: Terra cotta pots are a classic choice and can be easily found at local craft stores or online.

Lining the Pots

If your chosen containers don't have drainage holes, you may need to line them with fabric or mesh to prevent waterlogging. Here are some tips:

• Use heavy-duty mesh wire or gardening mesh to line the bottom of each pot.
• Alternatively, cut thin netted fabric into squares and line the inside of the pot to absorb excess water.

Adding a Personal Touch

To make your wedding favours even more special, consider customising the containers with these ideas:

• Labels: Create small flags with toothpicks or wooden sticks that include your names, the date, and a cute message like "I grow with love."
• Lace: Wrap the top of each pot with subtle lace to add a delicate touch. Measure the outer rim of each pot to determine the length of lace needed.
• Pebbles: Top the soil with white or earth-coloured pebbles for a classic succulent look. Ensure you have enough pebbles to cover the soil in all the pots.

Transporting the Plants

When transporting your DIY succulent wedding favours, here are some tips to keep them safe:

• Use trays and sturdy cardboard boxes to transport the plants, packing them tightly to prevent tipping.
• Use bubble wrap and old rags to cushion the pots and absorb any spills.
• Transport the plants in a car, placing them in the boot, on the floor, and even on your lap if necessary.

Guest Take-Home Bags

Provide your guests with sturdy gift bags so they can safely take their succulent favours home. Consider decorating the bags with a personalized message or your wedding date.

Transporting the wedding favours

Now that you've crafted your DIY succulent wedding favours, it's time to think about how to get them home safely with your guests. Here are some tips for transporting your succulent wedding favours:

• Use small cardboard boxes: Place each succulent in a small cardboard box with minimal wiggle room to protect the plant during transport. You can also add crinkle paper for extra padding and a decorative touch.
• Personalise the packaging: Have fun with rubber stamps, decorative washi tape, or stickers with your initials to add a personal touch to the boxes.
• Consider your guests' travel plans: If many of your guests are travelling by plane or other means where carrying a plant may be challenging, consider offering an alternative favour or arranging for the succulent to be delivered to their homes.
• Provide care instructions: Include easy care instructions with your favours so your guests can keep their succulents healthy. Instructions should cover sunlight, watering, and rotation.
• Transport with care: Succulents can handle transportation better than most houseplants, but it's important to handle them with care to ensure they arrive safely.

Frequently asked questions