Let’s start with Why
Simply put, when one is using a living tree as a focal point of the ceremony backdrop it is just a more sustainable option. In order to put a wedding arch or a similar backdrop construction you need a lot of pre-ordered or pre-made materials. That more often than not generates waste and pollutes the environment. You also need to transport those building materials to the dedicated location (as well as professionals themselves who will build it up). And then not anyone else but you become responsible for certain CO2 emissions (just saying…).
Moreover, sometimes the tree can be strongly interrelated with your relationship or, in other words, to have a special meaning to you. So why not choose its shadow as a safe shelter for your ceremony? I mean, come on, chances are you can think of plenty of couples who kissed for the first time under a certain tree or men who asked their sweethearts to marry them under a certain tree etc. Oh, how romantic!
Last but not least is mine already mentioned… a refreshing shadow! And that, my dears, is an extremely good thing in the middle of the summer. As the climate is changing, heatwaves are constantly hitting different parts of the world. For example, we just had record temperatures in my home country Lithuania when the thermometers were hitting something around 35 degrees all week long. But no matter how bad we treat our environment, Mother Nature seems to lend her hand again and kindly provide the couple with some rest from harsh sunlight. It’s definitely better than squinting, sweaty foreheads and completely ruined makeup, isn’t it?
But going back to the main topic…
1. Decorate your tree
You can use whatever your heart desires: draperies, ribbons, floral arrangements, floral or greenery garlands, macramé creations, hanging lanterns, string lights, chandeliers etc. Sky is the limit here. Please check out a few different examples below, carefully consider the overall style of your celebration and you’ll be crushing it! I know that.
2. Or… don’t do that at all!
I mean let’s be honest… Nature it’s beautiful by itself and it doesn’t need any decorative adjustments. Although you can not really compromise on some very important elements like, for example, chairs for your dear quests, decorations is just an addition. A truly sustainable approach would be to skip those in general.
3. Two tree(s) are better than one?
Two trees next to each other as the main focal point of your ceremony can also be a choice (why the hell not?). You can decorate those using the same materials as for the solo version, for example, attach a floral garland to the trunks, or just leave the trees as they are.
Let me leave you with this powerful thought:
“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.