Posted on January 03, 2025 by Julie Gordon
Let the outside into your wedding with local blooms, rustic textures, and even fruits and veggies in your tablescapes.
Here are some expert tips for incorporating nature into your wedding decor.
If you’re getting married between April and October, ask your florist to source from local farms. “Our local flower farmers are passionate about what they do and grow special varieties that pop in a design,” says Meghan Shaw of Sticks and Stones Flora in Central Jersey. If you incorporate local blooms, allow your florist “the creative freedom to source within a color palette, as exact varieties are difficult to commit to based on the nature of local sourcing,” she adds.
Florals with different textures can create interest and movement, says Shaw, adding that “dainty flowers” really bring a natural look. Some of her favorites include locally grown orlaya, covent garden, clarkia and dark knight scabiosa. “Each season I find a new favorite to add to my list,” she says.
Food isn’t just for the plates! “Pull elements of your menu into the table design,” suggests Carey Semprevivo of New Jersey caterer Haute Feast. Cherry tomatoes, string beans on the vine and artichokes could all work well on tables. To find produce in its “natural form,” connect with a local farmer or a farmer’s market, Carey adds.
For example, Haute Feast works with a local organic mushroom farmer who grows incredible king trumpet mushrooms. “In addition to featuring them on the menu, we also included them in their natural cluster form as part of the tablescape,” Carey says. “We wanted to create a feeling of dining in a magical garden.
Tablescapes can showcase a couple’s personality, aesthetic and creativity. “Use florals, fruits, nuts, vegetables, textiles, textured glass, stone and metals to build a layered design that feels effortlessly yet intentionally curated,” says Meghan. “Select details that complement each other but don’t match. Stay inside the color palette range but embrace the eclectic.”
“Ask your caterer to include microgreens, shoots and edible flowers when they plate your menu,” says Carey. “These delicate little elements really bring the artistry of nature right onto your plate. They add rich color, depth, and layers of texture, while also elevating the flavors of each dish.
“Put your vendor team in touch so they can collaborate to guarantee continuity in your design,” notes Carey.
“We like to include greenery and blooms when styling grazing stations, so we’ll often ask our floral vendors to source these items for us to ensure the aesthetic carries through.”
She continues, “Connecting your vendors also helps them to co-create the flow of your service plan. For example, if you’re planning a family-style meal, you’ll want to ensure the table design is carefully thought out to allow enough space for serving platters, florals, styling decor and place settings.”
Photographer: Alyssa Mancini Photo
Hair: Prostyled Bride
Makeup: Gina Ritacco
Florals: Sticks and Stones Flora
Planning & Design: Sarah Montgomery Events
Catering: Haute Feast
Cakes: Honey Bloom Bakery
Rentals: Dovetail Vintage Rentals
Paper Goods & Calligraphy: The Jess Press
