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 ritual as a reforestation project. According to a CNN story, newly married couples must plant 10 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!!) Which got me thinking about what couples should think about when choosing a symbolic wedding tree.

Photographer – www.hafizismail.com
2nd Photographer – www.aminrazali.net

1) OK – to satisfy all the super serious gardeners…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 symbolically and design wise. 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 and Oak Tree for English Descent, or a Palm Tree if from a tropical Place, or consider, a peach tree is a Chinese symbol of longevity.

1. Vintage Spring Blossoms, 2. hand in hand

3) Plant the tree it in a place that you would revisit- it might not make sense to plant it outside your first apartment, once you move on, you may never go back.  Perhaps at a parents house, or a favorite destination or public park might be better options.  It is really satisfying to revisit an tree that you had a part in planting.

4) Consider choosing a variety of tree that blooms, or is for whatever reason, at its best right around your anniversary.  It might help to not forget the date.

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).

1. the apple blossom, 2. Ceanothus arboreus flowers
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 three children.  As each child was at least a year old when we did it, we knew something of their personality, favorite colors and temperament.  We weighed all this for each choice.  What tree would you plant for your wedding or child?