Herbal Satchels : Herbal Weddings : Martha Stewart Weddings : Elizabeth Messina

Planning & Inspiration

Incorporating Herbs Into Your Wedding Ceremony

Herbs have held sacred meaning at weddings as far back as Ancient Greece, when Athenian brides wove mint and marigold into their hair as an aphrodisiac, and carried sprigs of wheat and marjoram to symbolize fertility.  In the Victorian era, lovers exchanged coded bouquets, deciphered through floral dictionaries that contained the symbolic meaning of just about any herb and flower imaginable.

For the modern bride, herbs can add a poignant touch of ancient wisdom to the ceremony – herbs also hold up well and dry beautifully as a lifelong keepsake.

Here are five simple ways you can incorporate herbs into your celebration:

1) Herbal Satchels 

Herbal Satchels : Herbal Weddings : Martha Stewart Weddings : Elizabeth Messina

Herbal Satchels : Herbal Weddings : Martha Stewart Weddings : Photo by Elizabeth Messina



Instead of rice, petals, or confetti, try packets or cones of sage, lavender, mint, and rosemary for guests to shower the newlyweds with good fortune and delightful smells.

2) Cake Garnish

Mint Cake : Herbal Weddings : herbal-wedding.com

Mint Cake : Herbal Weddings : herbal-wedding.com


Herbs on your wedding cake?  In the case of this m
int chocolate layer cake with cream cheese frosting garnished with fresh mint and edible violets – yes please!

3) Pew Arrangements 

Lavender Pew Arrangement : Herbal Weddings : Claudia Kay Photography : The Wedding Chicks

Lavender Pew Arrangement : Herbal Weddings : Claudia Kay Photography : The Wedding Chicks


Using bunches of lavender as pew arrangements not only adds beautiful burst of color, but will fill the space with a sweet, calming aroma.

4) Tablescapes 

Sage Tablescape : Herbal Weddings : herbal-wedding.com

Sage Tablescape : Herbal Weddings : herbal-wedding.com


Set an inviting, rustic mood with a beautiful sage tablescape dappled with wild flowers and seeded eucalyptus.

5) Wedding Favors 

Lavender Wands : Herbal Weddings : herbal-wedding.com

Lavender Wands : Herbal Weddings : herbal-wedding.com


These lavender wands, made from sprigs of lavender woven with a satin ribbon, make a lovely, sweet-smelling gift for guests or bridesmaids.  For DIY directions, click here.