These freshly picked trends and seasonal tips will help you put florals in focus as you set the stage for your love story
What is it about flowers that that give weddings that special magic? We’ll leave that to the poets to ponder. But there is no doubt that blooms—whether minimalist or bold, formal or whimsical—have a unique power to set the mood for both wedding party and guests.
Here, we explore a few timely trends in wedding florals as well as a seasonal starter to help you create the wedding of your dreams and tell your love story one petal at a time.
Be sure to check out our Readers’ Choice Best Of winners for some of the region’s top wedding floral vendors on page 56. Here, we feature some images of flowers created by Jeff’s Flowers of Course, Fluttering Flowers or Virginia Floral Design.
Floral Trends to Watch
More Is More
Maximalism is still hot. Bold colors, florals for days, unapologetically over-the-top statement pieces. And why not? It’s your day. Go ahead and go big.
Pretty Planet
Sustainability is an important consideration for many couples opting for more seasonal or locally sourced flowers and eco-conscious designs.
Creative Shapes
Whether on bouquets, archways or tabletops, cascades, hoops, geometric shapes, stars and more are taking shape at weddings galore.
Wispy and Wild
Ethereal arrangements with soft textures, delicate colors, earthy stems or freshly picked wildflowers are bringing out the nature child in many brides.
Petite Bouquets
Sometimes bold statements can be made in small packages, and many brides are falling for little but lovely bouquets with charming details.
Not Flower Power
Non floral elements—anything from fruits and feathers to herbs and berries—are adding interest and personalization to traditional blooms.
Flowers for All Seasons
While there is no need to stick to any particular set of “rules” when it comes to the seasons and florals—it’s your wedding, after all—some flower species are more readily available (not to mention more affordable) at certain times of year. Certain color palettes, too, tend to match the seasonal vibe more naturally depending on the setting of your wedding. Here are some general suggestions to get your creativity blooming no matter the time of year.
Spring: Get Fresh
Peony Perfection Peonies, with their lush petals and soft fragrance, are a springtime favorite. Their romantic hues, from blush pink to coral, pair beautifully with greenery.
Delicate Sweet Peas Known for their subtle fragrance and ruffled petals, sweet peas add a whimsical touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
Cherry Blossom Branches Cherry blossoms bring an ethereal, garden-like feel to ceremonies. Use them in towering arrangements for a dramatic effect.
Ranunculus Revival With their delicate layers and vibrant colors, ranunculus flowers are perfect for adding depth and texture to arrangements.
Summer: Think Color
Sunny Sunflowers Sunflowers are bold, cheerful and ideal for rustic or outdoor summer weddings. Pair them with wildflowers for a
relaxed vibe.
Tropical Vibes Orchids, anthuriums, and proteas create a lush, exotic feel. Their long-lasting nature also makes them perfect for hot weather.
Dramatic Dahlias Dahlias bloom in a variety of shapes and bold colors, making them a summer favorite for adding a dramatic flair.
Citrus Accents Incorporate citrus fruits like lemons or oranges into floral arrangements for a vibrant, fresh twist.
Fall: Warm Up
Rustic Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums are versatile and come in autumnal shades like deep burgundy, burnt orange, and golden yellow.
Eucalyptus and Pampas Foliage takes center stage in fall weddings. Use eucalyptus and pampas grass for earthy, textural arrangements.
Marigold Magic Marigolds bring warmth and vibrancy to fall weddings, especially when paired with deep greens and copper accents.
Fruits and Berries Incorporate pomegranates, figs, and hypericum berries for a harvest-inspired look that screams fall.
Winter: Go Elegant
Amaryllis Allure Amaryllis flowers, with their striking trumpet shapes, are perfect for winter weddings, especially in red or white.
Frosted Elegance Dusty miller foliage adds a silvery, frosty touch to bouquets and centerpieces, ideal for a winter wonderland theme.
Pinecones and Greens For a cozy, festive feel, pair fresh evergreen branches with pinecones in your floral arrangements.
White on White White roses and baby’s breath are classic combination that exudes timeless elegance for winter weddings.
Leona Baker
Leona Baker is the former Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine. She is a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.
