It has become popular to give tree seedlings as wedding favors in recent years. This can be especially so if you are having a garden or eco-friendly wedding theme. However, as nice at it sounds to give favors which should be long lasting, there are many things you should consider when it comes to choosing tree seedlings for your wedding.
Size Matters: they may look like a great choice when around a foot tall in a pot but just how big will they grow? Many varieties of pine tree can grow to be tens of feet tall, whilst oak trees grow large and wide. Do think about how big your choice of seedling will be in years to come and the size of your guests gardens, which brings me onto my next point.
How Much Room? Can all your guests accommodate a tree in their gardens? Do all your guests have gardens for that matter? If they only have a window box then you will need to reconsider trees for their wedding favors!
Which Variety? You may want to coordinate your wedding favors with your wedding so if there are trees at your venue then you may want to choose the same variety for your favors. Alternatively you might have a favourite tree species you want to give like birch or ash. Do look into which tree varieties will grow in your locality and those of your guests if they are coming from further afield, some varieties may not thrive at high altitudes, whilst others may need warmer temperatures.
If you are looking a tree wedding favors for an eco-friendly wedding theme then try to source them from sustainable sources where for every tree dug up another one is planted. If you are concerned about choosing the right variety to suit all your guests look at ornamental varieties like Acer trees which grow to around 3 feet and can grow happily in a pot which should suit those guests who do not have very big gardens.
Once you have your seedlings you will need to tend to them to ensure they stay looking their best until your wedding day. Do think about how your guests will get them home as well! A seedling which is a couple of feet tall may not be so easy to transport home as one which is around a few inches! Also make sure you include labels with your wedding favors letting your guests know which variety of tree it is and how to care for it.
Finally, if trees are not suitable or even practical for your wedding favors then consider something small instead like ornamental shrubs, indoor pot plants or simply flower seeds or bulbs.