Wishing tree ideas

image: www.crystalwishingtrees.co.uk

Wishing trees originate from a Dutch wedding custom to hang good wishes on a tree; they have become a popular alternative to guest books.  Guests write messages of love, wisdom or advice for the couple on small tags.  They then hang or tie the tags on the tree which is decorated to tone with your chosen wedding colours or theme.

Your wishing tree is placed on a table near the entrance to your reception creating a focal point.  The table will contain a tray or basket for the cards, some nice pens and instructions for guests in a frame.  Large trees can work out fairly costly to buy all the components, but lots of companies will hire wishing trees out as a complete package with tags.  Ask your florist if they hire them or have a look for venue dressers that hire them out.

There are several wishing tree options to choose from, pick a style that suits your wedding theme and decorate it in colours to match.  Crystal wishing trees are a popular choice for a glamorous look or a winter wedding.  This style tree can have glittery gold or silver branches dressed with crystal drops or garlands of crystals.  Provide gold or silver pens to write messages for crystal trees.

image: pottingshedpostcards.com

If bling is not your cup of tea, fresh flower wishing trees are a more natural option.  The branches can be made out of cherry blossom and the base decorated with real flowers to match your other floral arrangements.  You could also use plain branches and ask your florist to attach single flower heads to the branches.  Your florist will be able to give you tell you which of your flowers can be incorporated into the design.

image: tracywilliamson.co.uk

For a vintage style wedding, pearls and lace ribbon can be hung from the branches of the wishing tree.  Special themed tags are available from websites like etsy, look for vintage luggage labels or tags printed with vintage drawings.  You can also use shaped tags to complement your theme such as hearts or leaves.  For a lasting design use a real growing tree.  Your florist may be able to source a suitable tree that can be decorated to match your colour scheme and you will be able to plant as a reminder after your big day.

There is a tutorial to make a wishing tree here