Bamboo Plants and Wedding Favors

A Bit about Bamboo

Bamboo comes in many varieties -- there are, in fact one thousand different species of this plant, which is actually a member of the Poaceae, or grass family. While giant species are used for timber, smaller varieties are used as ornamentation and in gardens.

Several myths also surround bamboos that are related in some way to love and/or marriage. These include:

• A Philippine legend that credits the birth of humanity to the bamboo stem -- a creation myth in which a man and woman came from the stem and began the world's progeny.
• A Malaysian legend in which a man finds the love of his life, a beautiful woman, inside a bamboo stem.
• A Japanese legend, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, has a lovely princess emerging from an area thick with bamboo.
• An ancient Vietnamese myth recounts the happy marital union a farmer and a landlord's daughter with the help of an ancient god and a one-hundred section bamboo tree.

Bamboo vs. Lucky Bamboo

While dwarf bamboo varieties can be used as decorative houseplants, a plant commonly referred to when discussing bamboo plants and wedding favors is Lucky Bamboo. Lucky Bamboo, however, is not a type of bamboo at all. This hardy plant with the botanical name Dracaena is actually a member of the lily family.

Small bamboo varieties differ in their appearance, and can be chosen to complement the wedding tone and theme. Leaves and shoots may have:

• Dark green leaves with white stripes
• Slim white leaves
• Large, wing-link leaves
• Light green textured leaves
• Tiny dark leaves

While bamboo can be transplanted quite easily and provide good ground cover, its hardiness also makes transplanted areas susceptible to its overspreading and it can be difficult to fully eradicate.

What a Bamboo Favor Needs

Whether the bamboo favors you purchase are actually dwarf bamboo species or the Lucky Bamboo variety, it will need water and sunlight to survive. Depending on the species, it may need bright, moderate, or indirect light. Be aware that tropical bamboos can end up with rotted roots or disease from over watering.

If the favor does not include them, you may want to consider typing up the specific instructions from the nursery or company where you purchased your bamboo plants for your guests. A two-sided favor can work for this; simply include your names, wedding date, and other text on one wide of the wedding favor tags, and the bamboo care instructions on the reverse.

Bamboo Plants and Wedding Favors: Make or Buy?

Bamboo Shoots in Black Vase

With a bit of creativity and time, you can make your own bamboo plant wedding favors. Small pots, containers, or troughs suitable for holding water and plant matter can be used. Some bamboo varieties can thrive with the container filled with stones and water, while others need soil. Pretty ribbon and an appropriate [{Wedding Favor Tags| favor tag]] can finish off this elegant gift for your guests.

For those who don't have a green thumb or the time to make a bamboo favor, many wedding companies now sell the Lucky Bamboo favors, and select retailers may offer small or dwarf varieties as favors as well.

Buying Bamboo to Make the Favors

Purchasing bamboo plants to make your own favors can be done through select nurseries and plant retailers, such as the following:

• Bamboo garden: Offers a selection of indoor bamboo varieties.
• Bonsai-type bamboo plants are available from select retailers on Amazon.com.
• Bamboo Direct sells a vast number of these plant varieties, from dwarf to giant species.
• Lucky Bamboo sells plants and arrangements.

Buying Ready-Made Bamboo Favors

The majority of bamboo plants and wedding favors packages you'll find will be with the lily-derived Lucky Bamboo rather than the tropical species. The following companies sell these unique favors:

• EasternLeaf.com
• Nature's Perfect Favors
• Kaptivai Imports

Other Inspirations

Bamboo plants can also be the inspiration for many other wedding types of favors. This can allow you to incorporate the beauty of bamboo without worrying about the plants. Small gifts inspired by this plant include: soaps carved like bamboo stems; matchbooks, bookmarks, or coin purses imprinted with an image of bamboo; favor boxes with bamboo pictures; and items such as small baskets fashioned from the hardy, dried stems of bamboo timber.

Beautiful and elegant, a wedding favor inspired by a bamboo plant is a unique and memorable gift that will add a touch of sophistication and a hint of whimsical romance to your special day.