Bouquets are Temporary, Plants are Forever

By Mamta Khatri, Green Owl

The wedding season is back again as we approach the last month of the year. We can feel the ‘hustle and bustle ‘ in the air. People rushing to send invitations, book banquet halls, caterers, photographers, videographers, music bands, jewelry shopping, bridal wear, makeup parlors and florists. Every sector of the market seems involved one way or the other.

Tradition, ceremonies and the concept of gifts have come a long way since then. Wedding is no more a simple ceremony anymore. Year by year it gets more extravagant, costumes get lavish and what used to be a one-day ceremony is now a compilation of four to five events.

Then comes the difficult part where one has to buy a meaningful gift that matches the occasion. The market is flooded with all varieties of items that can be given as gifts which should be making it easy.
For decades, the easy and accepted gifts were mostly utensils and kitchen items. I remember getting a truckload of plates, cups and trays at my wedding.

Of course, giving money in an envelope has become the normal standard everywhere now and quite frankly it is a much better idea than gifting kitchen utensils.

But there are times when you want to give a gift that is meaningful, practical and something that is sustainable.
The few gifts I depend on and make my choices intentionally are pieces of artwork which will never go out of style, gift vouchers for a good spa or a retreat, specific books if I know the person well enough to know their choice. The favorite for me is always is gifting plants simply because a plant will remain for a much longer period of time. The idea of flowers being thrown away reduced to garbage is a rather painful experience for me.

When it comes to gifting plants, you always have a choice and you also have the chance to convey a message while doing so which makes the gift so much more meaningful.

The first on my list is the Lucky Bamboo. It is perfect for the occasion as it carries a message of good luck and happiness. It is very easy to care for especially the fact that it thrives only on water.
The Peace Lily is another very beautiful and elegant plant that makes a wonderful gift for a wedding. This plant conveys peace, love, purity and togetherness. Just the perfect message for a couple starting a new life together.
If you want to wish the couple good fortune on their special day, grab a pot of Pothos, also known as the Money Plant. They are extremely easy to take care of and looks beautiful as a trailing plant, indoors or outdoors. As the name suggests, they symbolize good luck, wealth and prosperity.

If you want to make it an extra special gift, try a nice collection of small succulents like Echeveria, Aloe Vera, Crassula and Jade. They look extremely beautiful and trendy when arranged in a little basket. Succulents are extremely resilient and can survive very easily if kept at the right place with minimal watering. They are as you can tell, a symbol of resilience and endurance.
To make these potted plants work as elegant wedding gifts, try and put them into smaller pots, attach a small note with the message that you want to convey. On the other side of the note mention briefly how to care for the plant and include your name.
Wrap the pot in a beautiful Dhaka Fabric and tie it with a ribbon and you are good to go.

Sometimes I believe the simpler approach is the best way to go. The thought, the effort adds sentimental value to the gift. It stands out as a meaningful, long-lasting token of love and friendship…and yes you might have just started a new go green trend.
The future of our planet is a shared responsibility and every action, no matter how small, sends a ripple through our communities. We hope this article inspires you to look at your daily routine through a ‘greener’ lens.
Happy New Year to you from The Green Owl Family.