Create A Wedding Wishing Tree: Guide To Making Yours

A wedding wishing tree is a Dutch wedding custom where guests write their well wishes to the couple on a piece of paper and hang it on the tree. This creates a spectacular wedding centerpiece, especially when placed at the entrance to the reception. To make a wedding wishing tree, you will need a tree branch, a foam base, moss, envelopes, paper, cloth ribbon, scissors, and a hot glue gun. You can also add crystal garlands and vases to decorate the tree. The tree branch is firmly pressed into the foam base and secured with hot glue. The moss is then used to cover the base and pinned in place with moss wire. The cloth ribbon is cut into strips and attached to the envelopes so that they can hang on the tree branches. The wishing tree is then set out with envelopes and paper for guests to write their well wishes.

Sourcing materials

Tree Branches

You can use either natural or preserved tree branches for your wishing tree. If you opt for a natural branch, take a walk in your local area and look for branches with nice, thick trunks and lots of upward-reaching branches. These will provide a good base for your tree and allow for plenty of hanging wishes. Alternatively, you can find preserved branches at craft stores or online. Manzanita branches are a popular choice and can be left natural or spray-painted gold or silver for a more glamorous look.

Base and Cover

To secure your tree branch, you will need a sturdy base. A half-sphere of dry foam is an excellent option, providing a stable foundation for your tree. Once you have the foam base, you can cover it with moss to create a natural, rustic look. Preserved moss is readily available at craft stores, and you can use moss wire to pin it securely in place.

Wishes and Envelopes

The wishes that your guests will write can be created using cardstock or paper. If you want to incorporate your wedding theme or colours, choose cardstock in your desired style and colour. Don't forget to get a few extra notes for unexpected guests or mistakes! For a more rustic look, consider using paper or cardstock in the shape of leaves. Provide your guests with pens so they can write their well wishes. If you wish to use envelopes, you can find small ones at craft stores or online.

Ribbons and Embellishments

Ribbons are a great way to add colour and variety to your wishing tree. Cut cloth ribbons into strips of about 4-5 inches, varying the lengths to create a beautiful hanging effect. You can also add crystal garlands to your tree for a touch of sparkle. Drape them through the branches, filling in any gaps. If you wish to incorporate your wedding flowers, you can tuck some blooms into the moss or adorn the branches with them.

Most of the materials you need can be found at local craft stores or online retailers. Happy sourcing, and enjoy creating your beautiful wedding wishing tree!

Tree assembly

The first step in assembling your wedding wishing tree is to prepare the hurricane glasses. Wrap the crystal garland inside each hurricane glass in a circular direction to create a stable base for the manzanita branches. Place the glasses about a foot apart from each other on the table. If you'd like your tree to sparkle, place it near a light source or add a few votive candles around it.

Next, firmly press the manzanita branches into the base. If you're using a found tree branch, secure it with hot glue if needed. Ensure the branch is straight and can stand on its own. Adjust as necessary.

Now, it's time to bedazzle the branches! Drape the remaining crystal garlands throughout the branches, taking your time to ensure there are no large gaps.

For the next step, you will need to prepare your wish cards or envelopes, pens, and, optionally, a serving platter. If using wish cards, punch a hole in each card, and attach an ornament hook. If using envelopes, cut cloth ribbons to a length of 4-5 inches, and vary the lengths slightly to allow the envelopes to hang differently on the branches. Test the envelopes with the ribbons to ensure they hang well. Place the pens and wish cards or envelopes on the table or a serving platter, and you're almost ready to go!

Finally, add some simple instructions for your guests. Frame a piece of cardstock with instructions and place it in the centre of the two hurricane glasses. If you want your guests to be able to write wishes from both sides of the table, place two frames back-to-back.

Decorating the tree

For a rustic wedding, you could use a found tree branch, or a preserved branch, to tie in with the natural surroundings of your venue. Cover the base with preserved moss, secured with moss wire, to give the impression of a tree stump. You can then adorn the branches with wedding florals or tuck them into the moss to further the rustic theme.

For a more glamorous wedding, you could spray-paint the branches gold or silver. Place the tree in a large glass hurricane or a floral vase, and wrap the inside with crystal garlands. Drape the remaining crystal garlands throughout the branches, placing them carefully so that there are no gaps.

Place the tree near a great light source, or add some votive candles around it, to make it sparkle. You could also use fairy lights to decorate the tree and make it sparkle.

For a more natural look, you could use a white artificial tree, or a Japanese artificial cherry blossom tree, to create a beautiful centrepiece.

Guest instructions

Welcome, and thank you for sharing our special day with us! We invite you to take part in a Dutch wedding custom, where you will write your well wishes for us on a piece of paper. These can be shaped like leaves or made of cardstock, and you can hang them on our wishing tree. The tree will be placed at the entrance to the reception, creating a beautiful centrepiece.

Please take a moment to write your heartfelt message to us. You can then place it in an envelope, or hang it directly on the tree. We will cherish your kind words forever, and they will serve as a reminder of our wedding day.

Feel free to add some wedding florals to the tree or its branches to further incorporate it into our rustic wedding theme! We encourage guests of all ages to participate and make this a fun activity for everyone.

Well-wishes keepsake

A wedding wish tree is a Dutch wedding custom where guests write their well wishes to the couple on a piece of paper, either shaped like a leaf or made of cardstock, and then hang it on the tree. This creates a spectacular wedding centerpiece, especially when placed at the entrance to the reception.

To create a well-wishes keepsake, you can follow these steps:

Choose your materials:

• Tree branches: You can use manzanita branches and spray-paint them gold or silver, or leave them natural. Look for branches with thick trunks and upward-reaching branches.
• Paper: Choose cardstock in any shape or color you prefer. Ensure there is enough space for guests to write their messages.
• Pens: Have 2 or more pens available for guests to write their well wishes.
• Display tray: Use a large serving tray to display the wish cards before guests hang them on the tree.
• Frames: Place a frame between the display trays with instructions for guests to write their well wishes and hang them on the tree.

Assemble the wish tree:

• Prepare the display area: If using hurricane glasses or vases, wrap the inside with crystal garlands in a circular direction to create a base for the branches.
• Place the display trays about a foot apart from each other on a table.
• Position the tree branches: Arrange the manzanita branches in the center of each display, ensuring they are secure and straight.
• Decorate the branches: Drape crystal garlands throughout the branches to add sparkle. You can also add ornaments or wedding florals to enhance the rustic theme.
• Prepare the wish cards: Punch a hole at the top of each card, and attach an ornament hook or ribbon so they can be hung on the tree. Test the cards on the branches to ensure they hang well.
• Provide instructions: Frame a piece of cardstock with simple instructions and place it near the display trays.
• Invite guests to write their well wishes: Place the pens next to the display trays and enjoy reading the sweet sentiments from your guests!

Create a keepsake:

After the wedding, you can create a scrapbook with the wish cards to cherish the well wishes from your guests forever. You can also save them to open on special occasions, such as your first anniversary.

Frequently asked questions