About the garden

Award: Gold Medal

Set within a banquet hall, Nice Day for a Green Wedding reimagined the traditional wedding reception through the lens of sustainability and houseplant beauty. The design featured two circular dining tables, each seating eight guests, with lush houseplant arrangements replacing conventional floral centrepieces. At each place setting, a small potted plant doubled as a place card, with the guest’s name written on the pot—offering a personal and eco-friendly keepsake.

Behind the tables, framed by an arch of foliage and surrounded by medium-sized plants, sat a sweetheart table for the bride and groom, creating a romantic and verdant focal point.

A Familiar Yet Fresh Take on Wedding Décor

The design created an atmosphere of joy and celebration, showcasing houseplants as a sustainable alternative to single-use wedding decorations. It championed the idea of “using what we already have”, bringing houseplants—often overlooked in the background of our homes—into the spotlight.

The result was a space that felt both homely and exciting, offering visitors inspiration for their own weddings, events, or home décor, and encouraging a ‘houseplant-foreground’ mindset.

Topical Themes & Environmental Impact

The garden addressed one of the wedding industry’s most pressing issues: sustainability. With the average wedding in 2024 producing around 180 kg of waste, including flowers and décor, this design offered a compelling alternative. It encouraged viewers to reflect on their individual contributions and the positive impact of small, thoughtful choices.

Plant Selection & Symbolism

The garden featured 150–200 houseplants of varying sizes, each chosen for its symbolic meaning and accessibility. Designer Emma Angold selected plants that represent qualities of a successful, long-lasting marriage:

• Majesty palm – peace & abundance
• Monstera deliciosa – longevity, respect & honour
• Aloe vera – health & protection
• Peace lily – peace & tranquillity
• Ferns – sincerity & new beginnings

The design celebrated underrated houseplants, showing them off in familiar contexts to lower the barrier to entry and make the concept feel achievable for all.

Plant lists were provided by the designer as a guide, based on the time of year, location, and client brief. Final plant selections depended on growing conditions and availability, and while updates were made where possible, accuracy could not be guaranteed.

Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability was at the heart of the design:

• All plants were supplied by House of Kojo, who propagate some stock in-house and source others from UK and Dutch nurseries.
• The use of reusable houseplants instead of cut flowers reduced waste.
• The design promoted long-term plant care and repurposing décor, aligning with eco-conscious values.