From the moment I got engaged, and frankly, even before that, I knew that I wanted to have the plantiest wedding possible! My plants are a huge part of me and I wanted to incorporate that aspect into our wedding. I didn’t want my wedding to be houseplant-themed, but I wanted houseplants and nature to be woven into our day seamlessly, in a refined way that felt special. Katie O’Neil of Katydyd Events, our wedding planner, joins me in this episode to talk about the different ways we added plants to our wedding, and some that didn't make it but were totally great ideas! This is one of my most anticipated episodes—I literally waited two years!—and I can't wait to share everything with you.

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Check out this episode's full blog with photos here!

In this episode we learn:

• [00:28] Why Maria wanted a planty wedding
• [04:40] Introducing Katie; Maria and Billy’s wedding angel
• [10:36] Mama Failla’s wedding advice
• [11:53] How Katie became the epic wedding planner she is today
• [14:34] Maria’s biggest wedding advice for everyone!
• [16:56] How plants have developed as a trend in the bridal industry
• [17:58] Hoya kerrii as tablescape and wedding favor
• [21:36] What questions to ask yourself when planning a wedding with plants
• [22:56] Katie’s ultimate wedding planning goal
• [23:45] Finding the balance between a plant-themed wedding and a you-themed wedding
• [26:04] How to pick your wedding venue and Katie’s professional advice
• [31:15] How to incorporate plants into your invitations and signages
• [34:19] Using seed paper for your invitations
• [35:25] Incorporating plants into your wedding dress and suit
• [40:09] ‘Something blue’, wedding shoes, and floral hairpins
• [43:37] Picking out your color palette and bridesmaid dresses
• [44:36] Where to get your seeds for the upcoming growing season!
• [46:58] What you’ll get when you join the Garden Society
• [48:37] How to repurpose your bridal bouquet and your bridesmaids’ bouquet during the reception
• [51:04] How to incorporate plants during the ceremony
• [54:15] Leaf girl instead of flower girl? Yes, please!
• [55:47] Why you should swap your rice toss for a lavender toss
• [58:08] Fresh ideas for garlands at your reception
• [01:00:05] Why it’s important to get the right florist!
• [01:02:19] Other fun, creative ways to add plants into your wedding
• [01:03:40] How to make the wedding green wall of your dreams
• [01:07:11] What to prepare for when you have live plants as wedding favors
• [01:08:11] Katie’s advice when doing DIY wedding pieces
• [01:10:51] How to make your wedding flowers last beyond your big day
• [01:12:35] How to incorporate macrame into your wedding
• [01:16:35] Katie’s biggest advice for incorporating plants into your wedding
• [01:20:53] Where you can hire Katie as your dream wedding planner!
• [01:23:03] Where to get custom wedding timelines
• [01:25:54] Maria’s post-wedding reflections

Mentioned in the conversation:

• Check out the blog for this episode for a deeper dive into all of these ideas
• Kara R. Modliszewski watercolor artist
• BHLDN
• Fiber and Foliage macrame shop
• Lush Magnolia Flower Preservation artist
• Two Sturdy Oaks by Henry David Thoreau
• DIY Wedding Copper Arbor blog
• BAGR Episode: 3 Plant Inspired DIY Wedding Ideas that Live on After the Big Day

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

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Bloom and Grow Garden Society

The Bloom and Grown Garden Society is the premium tier of the Garden Party Platform, rooted in high-quality education and community. I’ve partnered with our Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck to bring monthly “Node of Knowledge” plant science lectures, monthly “Ask our Horticulturist Anything” office hours, and Growing Joy Community Calls with me. Treat yourself to an annual membership for the holidays or gift to your crazy plant friends! Learn more at jointhegardensociety.com.

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