I’ve been dreaming of a forest wedding for as long as I can remember, and there’s nothing more romantic to me than a forest filled with warm evening light filtering through the canopy. Soft candlelit paths, wooden decor, and the forest backdrop make for the most beautiful scene to unite your life with someone else’s. Here are some forest wedding essentials if you’re planning your own fern-filled fete.
The cake is a centerpiece for the decor of any wedding, so mastering a forest theme starts with a forest cake. Whether you opt for a simple design that plays off of bark and trees, a more elaborate and leafy design such as the one pictured below, or a floral though still leafy design, find something that reflects the sort of forest wedding you aspire towards. Personally, I like that completely green and plant-based designs foster subtle, romantic sentiments without being obviously floral or overly sweet.
The bouquet is extremely important to a bride, and a forest wedding provides limitless options. A fall or winter wedding can include colorful and rich roses mixed into greenery and wintery shrubs, while a summer wedding can flaunt all white flowers and dewy greenery in the bouquet. Generally, the only staples are heavy reliance on greenery as opposed to strictly floral arrangements and diverse bouquets to reflect the foliage of the woods rather than a one flower fits all look.
No two forest weddings are exactly the same, so don’t underestimate how important choosing your exact location is. Forest weddings can have waterfall backdrops, take place entirely on manicured wooden floors, or truly be in a completely remote and personal spot. Decide what makes sense for your budget, guests, and dreams, whether that means choosing a sentimental location, a particular forest that makes more sense for all of your guests to travel to, or opting for a more established company offering a less wild and DIY forest venue.
The dining table can be a source of stress for couples trying to design their wedding. There are so many factors at play, all competing for your attention and requiring a degree of intricacy as well as a certain cohesion. Keep things simple in nature-inspired event, perhaps lining each guests’ plate with a fern and simple card with their name. Not only is this beautiful to look at it, but it’s also a cost-effective option.
I don’t think forest weddings call for any specific attire from either the guests or the wedding party. That being said, accessories can and should reflect the wedding theme when appropriate. The boutonnieres, for example, don’t have to revolve around a single type of flower. Spice them up with some foliage to fit the wedding colors and don’t be afraid to stray from flowers with acorns, berries, and plant life more generally.
A wedding is all about the details, and one of my forest favorites is this pine cone placeholder idea. The pine cones are easily split down the center and they’re various heights and sizes will make for a visually interesting and endearing display. You can also make them your own with the cards themselves. Whether you go for simple handwritten cards or elaborate script, these rustic placeholders can still be customized to fit your wedding’s vibe.
Hair is another area where a forest wedding gives you a lot of freedom. Long, bohemian styles and elaborately decorated updos can both make sense depending on the rest of your decor and theme. Utilizing more greenery and plant life in your hairstyle continues to tie the whole event together, and you can easily add this into loose updos or wear something closer to a flower crown if your hair is staying down.
Forest related invites are a great way to design something that looks appealing and effortlessly gender-neutral. Many invites either look too sleek and simplistic and lack character, while the more floral ones sometimes seem too feminine for a joint celebration and ceremony. Focusing on greenery, which is timelessly beautiful, creates a stylish, inviting, and neutral wedding look.
Whether you have someone to bring your rings or just want a safe place for them to sit before the ceremony, forest weddings offer many darling options for ring bearing. From a simple, rustic box filled with ferns like the one below, to a completely earthy bird’s nest, or a fancy and polished wooden box, the potential is endless.
Candles complement the surreal, natural ambiance of a forest wedding. Line the aisle, the dining table, the gift area, or all of the above to create a warm, glowy feeling to match the one you’ll be feeling on your special day.
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