Did you know that newlyweds on Indonesia’s Java Island practice a centuries-old tradition of planting trees during the wedding ceremony? The government encourages the wedding tree ritual as a reforestation project. According to a CNN story, newly married couples must plant ten trees, and if they divorce, they must plant 50 trees more.
Similarly, Scandinavians traditionally plant an evergreen near the front door of a bridal couple’s home as an investment in life and longevity. The evergreen is thought to give strength to the marriage.
I read this morning that the act of planting trees during a wedding event is actually quite trendy at the moment. (yeah for that!!) This got me thinking about what couples should think about when choosing a symbolic wedding tree for their big day.
How to Choose a Wedding Tree
1) OK – to state the obvious…plant a regionally appropriate tree in a logical place for all good horticultural reasons (check with a local nursery or design pro for advice). My point here is not to go into plant science…I want to talk more about symbolisom and design. Ok – that said…
2) Consider where the couple is from and choose a tree that is significant to that heritage or that land of origin. Like an Oak Tree of someone of English descent or a palm tree from a tropical place. A peach tree is a Chinese symbol of longevity.
3) Plant the tree it in a place that you would regularly visit. It might not make sense to plant it outside your first apartment, once you move on, you may never go back. Perhaps at a parent’s house, or a favorite destination or public park might be better options. It is really satisfying to revisit n tree that you had a part in planting and witness it’s growth and change over time.
4) Consider choosing a variety of trees that blooms or is, for whatever reason, at its best right around your anniversary. It might help not to forget the date. Think about spring or winter blooms, fall colors, and summer fragrances — if you notice it at any particular time of year and that coincides with your special day, add it to the list.
5) Plant something rare or precious. It will catch the eye of others and will be memorable to more than just you.
6) Consider all sentimental reasons. Perhaps tie the tree choice in with the colors of the wedding (a Ceanothus tree for a Blue themed wedding) or significantly related to the location of the wedding (an apple tree for a wedding in the Big Apple). Get creative and layer your choice of wedding tree with symbolism, personal stories and meaning.
7) Choose a favorite tree of a lost family member as a way to memorialize them.
I once planted trees for a client to celebrate each of their three children. As each child was at least a year old when we did it, we knew something about their personality, favorite colors, and temperament. We weighed all this for each choice. What tree would you plant for your wedding or child?
Ooh! I just this week tried to convince a bride to use tree/shrubs for her outdoor ceremony decor that they can then plant and enjoy after!
I recently planted a Magnolia tree in the Healing Garden/Labyrinth at a church in memory of one of the congregation member’s grandmother. I just randomly picked it. Lo and behold, the family was estastic with my choice as it turns out that their grandmother loved to watch Steel Magnolias movie. It was a running joke among the family members. The parish nurse told me the Lord must have guided my decision!
I love tying in trees/plants that have special meanings for my clients. Thank you for sharing the tradition of planting trees for wedding/divorce.
Thank you for your blog! I am so inspired by the beautiful images. Where do you find such wonderful things?