Tropical decor is a major wedding trend. Whether you’re planning a beachside ceremony in Bali or a low-key elopement in Kauai, the landscape abounds with inspiration. One of our favorite ways to infuse equatorial flair? Local flora. Think banana leaves, monstera, split leaf philodendron, palms, and elephant ears.
From island-influenced centerpieces to botanical bouquets, there are plenty of ways to showcase tropical foliage. Here are all the reasons to say “I do” to these party-ready plants.
Palm Altar
An altar fashioned out of areca palm fronds, like this one from Xochitl Botanics, is the sublime structure for an ocean-front ceremony in Tulum, Mexico. For a full wedding rundown, visit the bride’s blog, Hannah Shelby.
Photography: Sean Cook Weddings
Venue: Sanará Tulum
Planning and design: Destination Weddings Tulum
Florals: Xochitl Botanics
Decor rentals: Archive Mexico
Hair and makeup: The Styling Trio
Dress: Inbal Dror
Verdant Bouquet
Who says your bouquet has to include blooms? This verdant, all-green arrangement by Tumbleweed Floral Truck proves that you don’t need forals to make a major impact. For more inspo from this exotic editorial shoot, visit 100 Layer Cake.
Photography: Cari Courtright
Venue: The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina
Forals: Tumbleweed Floral Truck
Dress: Lovely Bride
Botanical–Backed Chairs
Paradise found! These beautiful botanical-adorned bride and groom seats are giving us major vacation vibes. Xochitl Botanics was behind the greenery design. And these chic, bamboo chairs are rented from Archive Mexico. Full details are available on Hannah Shelby.
Photography: Sean Cook Weddings
Venue: Sanará Tulum
Planning: Destination Weddings Tulum
Florals: Xochitl Botanics
Decor rentals: Archive Mexico
Island-Inspired Centerpieces
Low-set centerpieces—composed of fresh stems and leafage—serve as the focal point for the table, while ensuring that guests can converse and actually see one another. Silver votive candles amp up the romance.
Photography: Anna Delores Photography
Venue: Calamigos Ranch
Planning and design: Hearts of Gold Events
Florals: Primary Petals
Live Tablerunner
For a less formal affair, consider serving food family style. Add a tropical touch to your tabletop with white fabric runners and glossy monstera leaves a la Sugar & Cloth.
Leafy Cake Toppers
Proof that you can execute this theme in a modern way. Ma Petite Maison Cake Design gave this classic three-tiered wedding cake an equatorial upgrade with local plants.
Photography: Cari Courtright
Venue: The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina
Florals: Tumbleweed Floral Truck
Cake: Ma Petite Maison Cake Design
Tropical Tablescape
Mix-and-match bud vases and a variety of vegetation give this tablescape a laid-back vibe, while still feeling fresh and unfussy—perfect for Vanessa and Kelly’s Palm Springs wedding. See more on Carats & Cake.
Photography: Ashley Kelemen
Venue: Colony 29
Planning and design: Lace and Likes
Florals: Siren Floral Co
Beachy Invitations
Your invitations are an opportunity to set the tone for your special day. The oceanic color palette and watercolor of these Euclid + Jayne invites just scream destination wedding.
Photography: Cari Courtright
Venue: The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina
Florals: Tumbleweed Floral Truck
Invitations: Euclid + Jayne
Seating Chart
If you’re keeping the guest list small, consider swapping escort cards for a seating chart, like this stunner from Highland Avenue Events—complete with palm print inlay and a gold frame.
Photography: Sophie Epton Photography
Venue: The Driskill
Planning and design: Highland Avenue Events
Florals: Botanical No. 9
Palm Place Settings
Fan palms adorned each guest’s place setting at this breezy bash at Sanará Tulum. Read more on Hannah Shelby.
Photography: Sean Cook Weddings
Venue: Sanará Tulum
Planning and design: Destination Weddings Tulum
Florals: Xochitl Botanics
Decor rentals: Archive Mexico
Custom Game Boards
Let the games begin! This custom, Hawaiian-inspired pink and green cornhole board is perfect for an afternoon of lawn games.
Photography: Anna Delores Photography
Venue: Olowalu Plantation House
Planning and design: Belle Destination Events
Florals: Mandy Grace Designs
Calligraphy: Alannah Rae Calligraphy
Dreamy Cake Display
Parisian-meets-tropical chic for this fête at L’Hôtel d’Evreux in Paris, France. Palm embellishments and greenery ensure this Synie’s confection is ready for its 15 minutes (AKA the cutting of the cake).
Photography: Sandra Åberg Photography
Venue: L’Hôtel d’Evreux
Planning and design: Fête in France
Florals: Madame Artisan Fleuriste
Cake: Synie’s
Celebratory Hanging Installation
Set the stage for an evening of fun with signage. This showpiece from Corfu Wedding Planner comes together with lush leaves and a celebratory quote.
Photography: Les Anagnou Photographers
Venue: Pazuzu Corfu
Planning and design: Corfu Wedding Planner
Floating Menu
This Costa Rica destination wedding was all about tropical minimalism. A clear glass menu—accented with gold calligraphy and split-leaf philodendron—beautifully captures the theme. View the full affair on Ruffled Blog.
Photography: W&E Photographie
Venue: Reserva Conchal
Planning and design: 419 Weddings
Florals: Embrujos