Your New Jersey wedding is the perfect place to get creative with herbs—adding a fresh, local touch that’s both beautiful and meaningful.
Bouquets full of beautiful flowers are what every bride dreams of to carry down the aisle on her wedding day. If you’re also dreaming of using herbs in your wedding for the romantic things they can symbolize, or simply because you love the amazing smells, or are looking to accent the decorations at your wedding in a less expensive or more Earth-friendly way, here are some of our favorite ideas.
Fresh Ideas to Add Scent, Style, and Symbolism to Your Big Day
Florals:
One of the most obvious places to use herbs is in the floral arrangements. Not just for a bridal bouquet, but for your entire bridal party. Add a fresh twist to your florals by mixing herbs into the bouquets. Go all in with a full herb bouquet or use them as subtle accents—think lavender, rosemary, or sage for their meanings of love, luck, and loyalty. Oregano brings joyful vibes, and wormwood? It’s all about sweet affection. You can even carry the theme into the boutonnieres or flower girl’s blooms for a cohesive, earthy touch.
Herbs can even be used in centerpieces at the reception. Like the arrangements used by the bridal party, a centerpiece can be made up of herbs alone or be used to accent flower choices.
Photo credit: Bishop Farmstead/DMJ Photography
Party Favors:
Herbs are fantastic favors to your guests. You can send them home at the end of your big day with a little pot of your favorites or a package of seeds. Alternatively, think about infusing herbs in mini bottles of olive oil. Is there an herb that symbolizes something important to you? Having trouble deciding? Everybody can use basil! Still having trouble deciding? Your North Jersey wedding vendor may be able to give you other ideas.
You can even decorate your ceremony and reception spaces with herbs. Consider lining your aisle with herbs that represent love, such as balsam, roses, or yarrow.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Miller Catering/Emily Wren Photography
Cocktails:
Finally, you can use herbs in the beverages served at the cocktail hour and reception. Who wouldn’t like water flavored with mint or lavender lemonade on a hot summer afternoon? In addition, think garnishes! They add a little drama to a traditional drink.
