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When thinking about which greenery to choose to supplement your florals, or maybe to replace them altogether, herbs don’t always come to mind—until now. Herbs come in all shapes, sizes and textures. And bonus: They’re likely to stimulate your guests’ sense of smell, which is typically overlooked, but equally as important as the other senses when it comes to rounding out a memorable party experience.
1. Wedding Party Floral Alternatives
Al Gawlik PhotographyA couple sprigs of lavender bundled with rosemary makes for a natural (and pleasantly fragrant) boutonniere or bouquet arrangement for your wedding party attendants.
2. Aisle Décor
Nicole Haley PhotographyPotted arrangements are perfect for lining an outdoor aisle—the heavy pots anchor the plants so you know they won’t get blown around or fall over, and they can easily be repurposed as reception pieces. And more than that, they can decorate your newlywed nest after the celebrations have come to a close.
3. Bridal Bouquet
Jen Fariello PhotographyThere are so many herbs that can double as beautiful bouquet foliage: parsley, basil, mint, rosemary, oregano—the list goes on and on. You can pick based on an herb’s symbolic meaning, fragrance or shape that complements the other blooms. Just don’t overdo it—you don’t want to sneeze your way down the aisle.
4. Garnishes
From left: Leah Fisher Photography; Wendy LaurelServing some signature sips at the postceremony cocktail hour? Take the presentation (and aromatic experience) one step further with garnishes. Everyone expects mint leaves in cocktails like mint juleps or Moscow Mules, but unexpected options like thyme, sage or (total curveball) lemon verbena are pleasant surprises.
5. Escort Board Arrangement
Jarrad Lister PhotographyTrying to think of a creative escort card display for your rustic or outdoor wedding? A presentation of painted terra-cotta pots with names written on ice pop sticks is totally DIYable and fits the theme. Think about doing something similar for favors to tie it all together, like mini potted succulents or packets of herb seeds.
6. Place Settings
Hilary Grace PhotographyA small spring of rosemary is the perfect accent for a place setting, and especially fitting if the flatware happens to be of the organic nature. It adds just a touch of elegance to an otherwise ordinary-looking dinner plate.
7. Bloody Mary Bar
Alison Conklin PhotographyGive your guests a taste of playing bartender with a DIY garnish station—it’s especially great for Bloody Marys. Think: dill, basil, parsley or cilantro. Doesn’t fit into your reception theme? Save it for a next-day brunch.
