14 Reasons Why Tropical Foliage Is the Latest Wedding Trend We Love

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