15 Charming Ways to Use Succulents in Your Wedding

The trendy, sustainable plants can be featured in a variety of ways.

Succulents can be used in just about every aspect of a wedding. While bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces may be the most common ways to incorporate the desert plants into your day, we have seen couples use them for escort cards, favors, and even on the wedding cake!

trendy-wedding-decor-succulents-in-geometric-terrariums-wedding-decor-rustic
Photo: Karlisch Photography

If you have looked at wedding photos or browsed through Pinterest in the last couple of years, then you know that succulents are having a huge moment as one of the hottest plants for décor. Their popularity can be attributed to several different factors: For one, succulents are generally much sturdier than the average blossom, so there is no fear of them wilting throughout the day. Secondly, they are eco-friendly and sustainable, as succulents are easy to replant and do not require much water. Finally, there’s the simple fact that they look great!

Succulents can be used in just about every aspect of a wedding – the only real limit is your imagination. While bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces may be the most common ways to incorporate the desert plants into your day, we have seen couples use them for escort cards, favors, and even on the wedding cake! The larger plants are also a great place for your ring shots.

Below are some of our favorite examples of succulent décor from real weddings. Be sure to click on your favorites to see further inspiration from each celebration.

Succulent Boutonniere

wedding succulents boutonnieres

If you're looking to give certain members of your wedding party or family members a different-style boutonniere, consider mixing traditional white rose boutonnieres with succulent boutonnieres! Photo by Love and Water Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Hawaiian Wedding with Travel & Vintage Theme in Maui

Glass Centerpiece with Succulents

succulent wedding centerpieces glass trough

If you're a bride who doesn't want a ton of flowers at your wedding, consider mixing unique wood vases with a glass centerpiece filled with stones and succulents. Photo by Braedon Photography; From Real Wedding: Orthodox Jewish Wedding with Outdoor Ceremony Inspired by the Sea

Wedding Ring Backdrop

wedding ring photo in succulent

If you love succulents but they don't match the vibe of your celebration, consider using a large succulent as a backdrop for your wedding-ring photos! If there aren't real succulents around your venue, consider bringing one for your photographer to use! Photo by EDLT Photo; From Real Wedding: An Oceanfront Vintage-Inspired Wedding in Laguna Beach, California

Succulent Wall

succulent flower wall installation at wedding

The wedding trend of flower walls isn't going anywhere, but if you'd rather have a more unique, long-lasting style, consider a succulent wall that can be used as a photo backdrop, a display for escort cards, and more. Photo by Shaun Menary; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Elements in a Lavish Modern Wedding of Childhood Sweethearts

Succulent Bouquet

succulent bridal bouquet

We absolutely love when brides incorporate unique elements into their bridal bouquets! One way to add a touch of greenery is to have your floral designer incorporate succulents into your floral décor and bouquet. Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Wedding: Southern Lake House Wedding with Ivory-and-Green Color Palette

Succulent Escort-Card Display

succulents displayed with escort cards at wedding

Instead of having your escort cards on a table or linen, add a fun element of décor with a bed of succulents! Your guests will love the thoughtful detail, and it will make it even more fun to show them to their seats. Photo by Christian Oth Studio; From Real Wedding: Classic Vineyard Wedding in the Hamptons

Succulent Centerpiece in Wooden Box

rustic succulent centerpieces for wedding reception

Rustic weddings and succulents go hand in hand, so when you're deciding where to incorporate them, look to your centerpieces! Have your floral designer fill a wooden box with florals that fit your design scheme and then accent them with succulents! Photo by Judith Rae; From Real Wedding: Whimsical, Vintage Garden Wedding with Rustic Details

Succulent Wedding Cake

wedding cake with fresh succulent details

Wedding cakes are often decorated with sugar flowers and fresh flowers, but if you're looking for a hearty twist, add some succulents to the mix for a design that will wow your guests. Photo by Regina Hyman Photography; From Real Wedding: A Fairy-Tale Outdoor Wedding in Florida Inspired by Tuscany

Celebrity Wedding Boutonnieres

succulent boutonnieres for groom and groomsmen at wedding

When Nick Carter got married, he and his groomsmen donned rustic-inspired boutonnieres featuring succulents wrapped with burlap. Consider a similar look for your own wedding! Photo by Kris Kan; From Real Wedding: Backstreet Boys Nick Carter's Santa Barbara, California Wedding

Ring Photo Prop

engagement ring, wedding ring photo in succulent plant

Here's another example of a wedding-ring photo backdrop; however, instead of the succulent looking like the full backdrop, have your ring sitting perfectly on top of a succulent of your choice. Photo by Shaun Menary' From Real Wedding: Outdoor Elements in a Lavish Modern Wedding of Childhood Sweethearts

Table Number on Succulent Stand

succulent plant marks wedding table number

Add a fresh element to your table-number stands by having stationery sitting atop a succulent in a pot of your choice. The leaves of the succulent keep the table number in place for both indoor and outdoor events! Photo by Christian Oth Studio; From Real Wedding: Classic Vineyard Wedding in the Hamptons

Succulent Bridesmaid Bouquet

succulents bridesmaid bouquet

If you love succulents but you don't want them in your own bridal bouquet, they would make a fantastic addition to a bouquet for bridesmaids. Photo by Mi Belle Photographers; From Real Wedding: Romantic & Natural At-Home California Wedding

Succulent Wedding Favor & Escort-Card Stand

succulent escort cards, succulent wedding favors

Many couples – including Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt – chose to marry their escort cards with their wedding favors, by displaying guest names and table numbers atop succulents their attendees could take home. Photo by Kris Kan; From Real Wedding: Backstreet Boys Nick Carter's Santa Barbara, California Wedding

Succulent Wedding-Cake Stand

succulent stand for wedding cake

For a rustic-inspired décor element, display your wedding cake on top of a cake stand decorated with succulents, bark, and moss to achieve a natural look. Photo by Carter Rose for F8 Studio; From Real Wedding: Classic Southern Wedding with Movie-Inspired Details in Texas

Succulent Wedding Centerpiece

succulent wedding centerpiece

We've showcased a few options for succulent wedding centerpieces, but this one is a great example of using a succulent as an accent to really let the flowers take the stage. Photo by Steve Steinhardt; From Real Wedding: Rehearsal Dinner Romance: Celebrating Love at a Gorgeous Vineyard

See more floral design ideas, and browse our wedding photo galleries to see the ceremony and reception décor, bouquets, and boutonnieres chosen by real brides and grooms!