Crafting Turquoise Wedding Terrariums: A Step-By-Step Guide

Terrariums are a popular choice for wedding decor, adding a chic and natural touch to the overall aesthetic. These miniature glass gardens can be used as centrepieces, hanging decorations, or even wedding favours, and can be customised to match various wedding themes, from desert to boho chic to modern minimalist. When it comes to creating a unique and memorable wedding, terrariums offer endless possibilities.

Succulent and cacti terrariums

Succulents and cacti are a great choice for wedding terrariums as they work with any wedding theme and can withstand high temperatures, making them perfect for summer events. They are also easy to care for and can be adapted to new surroundings, but remember not to overwater them!

• Choose a container: You can use a mason jar, hanging globe, teacup, or vase. Clear glass containers are ideal as they allow you to see the visually stimulating layers. Shorter containers with wider tops are better as they encourage more natural air circulation and allow you to fit in more plants.
• Open vs closed terrariums: Succulents and cacti thrive better in open terrariums as they prefer a hot and dry environment. Closed terrariums are more suitable for humidity-loving plants.
• Layers: Start with a layer of small rocks, pebbles, or gravel to help drain water from the soil. Then add a layer of horticultural charcoal to prevent mould and keep your terrarium from getting smelly. Next, add a layer of moss, followed by succulent or cactus soil. Finally, add your succulents and cacti, being careful not to plant them too deep.
• Care: Succulents and cacti prefer a hot and dry environment, so it's important not to overwater them. Misting them with water can help ensure they don't get waterlogged.

Now, here are some ideas for incorporating turquoise into your wedding terrariums:

• Turquoise is a unique colour choice for wedding decorations but can create a magical and elegant aura.
• Combine turquoise with other colours like yellow, light pink, or white for a fresh and vibrant look.
• Use turquoise drapes, flowers, or canopies to add a pop of colour to your wedding decor.
• Incorporate turquoise through elements like a photobooth or a DJ setup.
• Turquoise-themed mandaps or backdrops can be a unique and stunning choice for your wedding ceremonies.

Terrariums with fairy lights

Terrariums are a great way to add a whimsical and magical touch to your wedding decor, especially when combined with fairy lights. Here are some tips and ideas to create enchanting terrariums with fairy lights:

Choosing the Right Terrarium and Lights:

• Terrariums can be of any shape or size, so select one that fits your wedding theme and venue. Consider a simple greenhouse shape or a more elaborate terrarium table.
• For the fairy lights, opt for LED string lights in warm white or yellow to create a soft and enchanting glow. Battery-operated fairy lights are convenient and safe, ensuring there are no dangling wires.

Preparing the Base:

• Start by adding a layer of small rocks or gravel to the bottom of the terrarium. This provides drainage and prevents root rot.
• Spread a thin layer of horticultural charcoal over the rocks to absorb excess moisture and inhibit mould growth.
• Select the appropriate soil based on the plants you'll be using. For tropical plants, coir, sphagnum moss, or houseplant soil is ideal. Succulents require soil with coarse sand for extra drainage.

Selecting the Plants and Decorations:

• Choose plants that thrive in a closed, humid environment, such as ferns, Pilea (including the delicate baby tears plant and the Artillery Plant), and vines like English Ivy and the Mini Pixie plant.
• Nerve Plants (Fittonia) are excellent choices as they love warmth, moisture, and humidity. The Red Star and Pink Star Fittonia varieties come in dwarf sizes, perfect for terrariums.
• Add colourful accents with plants like the polka dot plant or flowering varieties such as African Violets for larger terrariums.
• To create a magical atmosphere, include miniature fairy figurines, available in craft stores or online. You can also add other whimsical elements like a gazing ball made from a vintage drawer pull or a butterfly decoration.

Lighting and Maintenance:

• Once your terrarium is assembled, carefully water each plant, moistening the soil around them. Don't be concerned if they look droopy initially, as they will recover quickly.
• Monitor your terrarium daily during the first week. A tropical terrarium requires indirect sunlight, humidity, and healthy soil. Observe the plants' response to determine their watering needs and light sensitivity.
• After a few weeks, you'll establish a watering schedule. It's normal for droplets to form at the top of the terrarium, mimicking a rainforest environment. However, if the glass fogs up, it indicates excess moisture.
• To maintain the terrarium's appearance, occasionally clean the glass with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any mineral deposits. Distilled water is preferable for the plants' long-term health.
• Turn on the fairy lights in the evening to create a magical glow, enhancing the whimsical atmosphere of your wedding decor.

Hanging terrariums

Choosing the Right Terrarium

Select a hanging terrarium that suits your wedding theme and colour palette. You can find various options online, such as geometric glass terrariums or hanging glass globes. Consider the size, shape, and material of the terrarium to ensure it complements your wedding decor.

Adding a Touch of Turquoise

Incorporate the turquoise colour into your hanging terrariums. Here are some ideas:

• Use turquoise-coloured sand or gravel at the base of the terrarium.
• Add turquoise-hued plants or flowers, such as succulents or air plants with turquoise foliage.
• Hang turquoise ribbons or strings from the top of the terrarium.
• Place a turquoise-coloured candle or tea light inside the terrarium.
• Decorate the outside of the terrarium with turquoise paint or glitter.

Filling the Terrarium

Once you have chosen your terrarium and added your turquoise elements, it's time to fill it with other decorative items. Here are some suggestions:

• Candles: Place a candle or tea light inside the terrarium to create a romantic ambiance.
• Plants: Fill the terrarium with an assortment of plants or succulents.
• Fairy lights: String fairy lights inside the terrarium for a magical touch.
• Hanging ornaments: Hang small ornaments, such as crystals or beads, from the top of the terrarium.
• Personalised touches: Add personalised details such as your wedding date or initials.

Hanging the Terrariums

Finally, decide how you want to hang the terrariums at your wedding venue. Here are some options:

• Hang them from the ceiling using clear fishing line or string.
• Suspend them from tree branches if your wedding is outdoors.
• Create a backdrop by hanging multiple terrariums at different heights.
• Place them on tables as centrepieces, using stands or hooks to hang them at the desired height.

Remember to plan the placement of your hanging terrariums to ensure they complement the overall decor and don't obstruct the view of your guests.

Terrarium wedding favours

Terrariums are a unique and impressive gift for your wedding guests. They are self-sustaining ecosystems that require minimal care and can last for several years. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own terrarium wedding favours:

Materials:

• Glass container with a wide mouth and no drainage holes (e.g. mason jar, apothecary jar)
• Clean gravel or crushed stone
• Activated charcoal
• Sheet moss or live moss
• Sterile potting mix
• Small plants that thrive in high humidity and low light (e.g. ferns, mosses, baby tears, creeping fig)
• Small garden snips or scissors
• Spray bottle or small watering can with a rose attachment
• Optional decorative elements (e.g. figurines, shells, decorative stones)

Steps:

• Prepare your container: Choose a glass container with a wide opening, such as a mason jar or an apothecary jar. Make sure it has no drainage holes.
• Create a drainage layer: Add a 2-inch layer of gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of your container.
• Add activated charcoal: On top of the stones, add a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer of activated charcoal to help with drainage and odour control.
• Add moss and potting mix: Place a layer of sheet moss or live moss over the stones and charcoal. Then, add slightly damp, sterile potting soil on top.
• Design and plant: Decide on the arrangement of your plants. Remove the plants from their pots and gently tease the roots apart if they are root-bound. Use small garden snips to trim any long roots. Shake off excess soil and use your fingers or a long spoon to dig a planting hole for each plant. Place the plants in the holes and gently pat the soil down.
• Decorate (optional): If desired, add small decorative elements such as figurines, shells, or decorative stones among the plants.
• Water: Use a spray bottle or small watering can to dampen the plants, being careful not to soak them.

Your terrarium wedding favours are now ready! These miniature gardens will be a beautiful and long-lasting reminder of your special day for your guests.

Terrarium table numbers

Materials:

• Terrariums (you can find these at stores like Oliver Bonas)
• Small pebbles/stones in your desired colour
• Foliage such as eucalyptus, ferns, succulents, or cacti
• Flowers of your choice (consider matching your wedding bouquet)
• Printable table number cards (gold ombre effect cards are available for free on Bespoke-Bride)

Instructions:

• Fill the bottom of your chosen glass terrarium with small pebbles or stones. You can choose colours that match your wedding colour scheme, such as bright pink or turquoise. You can also add rocks, soil, or sand for added texture.
• Add your chosen foliage, cutting them down to size if needed. Eucalyptus, ferns, succulents, and cacti are great options to create a natural, vibrant look.
• Place your selected flowers into the terrarium. Choose flowers that complement your wedding theme or match your bouquet.
• Print the table numbers onto white card stock and cut them out. You can find free printable table numbers with a gold ombre effect on Bespoke-Bride.
• Place the table number cards inside the terrariums, rearranging the foliage slightly if needed. You can allow some foliage to wrap around the numbers or hang over the top for a whimsical touch.
• Once you've placed the terrariums on the tables, consider adding extra succulents or pretty plant pots around them to complete the look.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to make the table numbers larger, you can print them out at a bigger size and display them outside of the terrarium.
• Etsy also offers a wide range of ready-made terrarium tables and accessories, such as geometric terrarium containers and live moss terrarium kits, if you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option.

Frequently asked questions