Hilton Head Weddings | Hilton Head Bridal Show - the Destination Wedding Guide for Hilton Head Island, SC

By SARAH PETERMAN

Angela Mandigo has a fresh idea for weddings. Her company, Circle of Life, offers plants instead of — or in addition to — cut flowers at weddings.

Mandigo, who has worked on more than 1,00 weddings in the past 11 years, said Circle of Life Plant Interior and Rentals offers everything from hydrangeas to palms.

Live plants open up events with a fresh, lush feel, Mandigo said. Just placing plants in the right spaces can "change the size of a room," giving even the biggest ballroom a more intimate feel.

“It gives visual direction to the wedding,” she said. “It fulfills the whole look and creates a scene.”

Mandigo works closely with brides and their vendors, especially the florists, to create exactly what the bride envisions for her big day. “Plants really complement cut flowers,” Mandigo said. “They go really well together.”

There are many aspects to consider when choosing flora and fauna for a wedding: theme, location, formality — even the groom's height.

However, Circle of Life brings more than greenery to a wedding. The company creates arches with ivy, a sense of place with palms and even centerpieces with orchids. Circle of Life also adds a special glow to plants with special lighting.

Mandigo's goal is to take away any stress or work on the bride's part. Circle of Life workers bring and install all of the plants before the event, dismantle and clean up afterward.

“Enjoy your wedding,” said Mandigo. “Use the services that are here for you. Don’t work on your day.”

For budget-conscious brides, Circle of Life offers a unique short-term plant rental system. If an outdoor wedding becomes an indoor ceremony at the last minute because of rain, Circle of Life can save the day. Mandigo said she can pull together a wedding in a matter of hours if a bride calls her with an emergency.

Circle of Life is also budget- and environmentally-friendly. Unlike cut flowers, plants are not a one-time-use product; they are used from wedding to wedding. Additionally, all of the color comes from nature. The plants are not chemically altered or dyed.

For more information, visit www.angelascircleoflife.com.