If you’ve ever been to the South of France, I’m sure you were as impressed as I was with the starring role that the humble olive plays in the culture down there. Olive trees seem to grow wherever you look- not just in groves and gardens, but in schoolyards, along roads and even in supermarket parking lots. The markets in Provence are literally overflowing with hundreds of varieties of olives, olive oils, savory cakes and tapenade, as well as rich soaps and fragrant body creams. For generations, the olive tree has been an enduring emblem of the South of France, possessing a wealth of symbolism like peace, fruitfulness and purification.
Besides the super-romantic significance of the olive tree, their modern silvery gray-green color and fresh scent are also great reasons to consider incorporating them into your French themed or eco-friendly destination wedding or reception. Take a look at a few of these easy “green wedding” deco ideas from Marie-Claire Idées:
a warm welcome for out of town guests: a market basket with a bouquet of olive branches and luxurious soaps and creams from the South of France
chunky pillar candles tied with olive leaves and white ribbon to decorate an alter or mantlepiece.
delicate paper cones filled with olive leaves and lavender to scent the ceremony space and decorate the aisle.
diy french wedding decoration idea: small olive branches and paper hearts to decorate a sweetheart table.
french wedding favor: wire-strung olive leaves and white ribbon tied around a porcelain saucer of French lemon cookies (or macarons!)
a string of white party lights intertwined with olive branches for a simple, DIY French centerpiece idea.
All images © Frédéric Lucano, Marie Claire Idées
I love how versatile olive leaves can be with decorating!
My friend is getting married in December and would like to use the Olive leaves as her main decoration, we went to a florist yesterday and she has never used them, told us she didn’t know if she could even get them… Any suggestions on where or who we can order these from in December??
Thank You!
Hi there! I love these ideas but where do you buy olive leaves in bulk?
Hi Zoe,
I just assumed to get them from an olive tree… You find them easily here in France…