de Lovely Affair: {DIY Ideas} Mini Succulents: Eco-Friendly, Budget Wedding Decor

Growing up, my dad had succulents in the yard of his California home. And he always watered them, which at 10 years old always struck me as odd. Since then, I have had a secret love affair with these strange, wonderful little plants. They are certainly all the wedding rage these days -- from bouquets and bouts to favors and decor -- mini succulents are popping up on interesting and unexpected places. Another bonus? While succulents are necessarily cultural per se, they do a evoke a sense of desert, dry air, abundant sun found South of the Border.

Photo: This Modern Romance

Project: DIY Mini Potted Succulents

Mini succulents in aged terracotta pots are eco-friendly, super chic, and make a perfect favor or gift for your guests, centerpiece or as a simple, sweet decor piece. The endurance of the succulent plant is unequaled and will leave guests with a lasting and easy-to-care-for reminder of your wedding -- all they need is good drainage and sun.

Source: My One Sweet Day

You'll need:

Succulents - Go for a variety of different types to add some visual interest. Mini succulents are sold at gardening centers all over the place and are usually reasonably priced.
Containers - Mini terracotta pots, small tin pails, or even recycled containers (a great DIY project for used peanut cans) - I found my containers at Family Dollar actually but Home Depot . Your local gardening center (my preference to support local businesses) or craft store will do. Obviously, make sure the size will fit your plant.
Succulent appropriate potting soil
Embellishments - ribbon, note cards, sticks, moss

Source: Santa Barbara Chic

This is a super simple project and a great way to get friends and family members involved in wedding prep. Try to do this about a week or so ahead of your wedding date, enough time to let the plants take hold in their new home. Make a few extra just in case.

Sources: Le Petit Gardenia | Elizabeth Anne Design

Fill your container with potting soil.
Transplant succulent to pot - Make sure to water them three times that first day and then once every following day. It sounds like a lot of water for succulents, but they need it when they’re this small. Keep in an area that allows for drainage, never let them stay in standing water.
Add embellishments: Print or write out your message on card stock, fold around stick and glue or tape together, stick in the pot. Add a ribbon in your wedding color around the rim. You can attach your message to the ribbon or even directly on the container as seen below. Add moss to the top to finish out the look or leave the soil as is.

Source: The Knot

Source: My Ten Thousand Wedding

Mason jelly jars are a great choice! Source: Wedding Chicks

If you decide to go with terracotta - my favorite choice, here is a technique for adding that aged look. It is best to do about a month in advance so give yourself a little time.
Key ingredient: Yogurt! You will also need a foam brush.

Stir yogurt for smooth consistency.
Brush yogurt on your pot in generous amounts. It yields more dramatic results when applied to dry pot. For a subtler look, soak the pots in water for 15 minutes first. For a more natural look, brush on unevenly
Set aside in a shaded place until pot achieves the desired look, at least 1 month.

FYI: The yogurt method attract ants (if outside) and will smell bad for the first few days. Place the pot in a location where this will not create a problem.

What are some other great ways to enjoy succulents at your wedding? Let us a comment and we'll post it on FACEBOOK!

Happy Crafting,