If you're newly engaged and starting off with a blank slate, or planning your big day for 2020 and looking for floral inspiration, the latest trends make a great jumping off point. Wedding florists are always honing new techniques and developing their style, and with the help of Pinterest and Instagram, floral trends from around the world can be easily adapted by local florists with locally-sourced flowers. So regardless of whether you want a wedding that's cool and unique or timeless and classic, the latest trends can offer you wedding flowers with a more bespoke feel. 2020 is set to be an exciting year in florals, as established trends hit the mainstream, and new ideas start to bloom!
1. Sustainable Options
As with so many aspects of our homes, fashion and food, sustainability is big news in weddings, and in particular wedding flowers. Couples are finding creative ways to be less wasteful with wedding flowers; potted plants are a stylish way to re-use wedding flowers and foliage as gifts, favours or in your own garden at home. Low water options like cacti, air plants and succulents are increasingly popular, and many couples consider renting indoor plants for their reception space. Likewise, locally-sourced flowers and wildflowers featuring more and more, with Irish and British flower farms more popular than ever.
2. Fruits and Berries
Edible decor such as pumpkins, pineapples and pomegranates have been adorning tables for a few years now, but more and more florists are using them in their floral designs too. Dark berries, cherries, figs, mandarins and plums make opulent additions to any arrangements - just watch for stains if you're holding a berry-laden bouquet against your dress.
3. Floral Moon Gates
Floral moon gates were a burgeoning trend in 2019, and we reckon this year, they'll hit the big time, with florists getting more creative with the trend. From minimal half moons made from palms and grasses, to decadent full circles full of flowers, this modern take on the traditional wedding arch makes a statement backdrop for your ceremony and can be used again for the photo booth or top table.
4. Dried Flowers
Another sustainable wedding flower option, dried flowers are officially cool again! Boho brides are opting for faded flower bouquets, table decor and backdrops, either with all dried flowers or some varieties peppered through. Seed pods, dried grasses and a selection of blooms make stunning dried arrangements. Don't believe us? We've plucked a selection of ideas here.
5. Hanging Installations
Hanging installations are a wedding flower trend that has been around for a few years now, and these wow factor pieces aren't budging any time soon - in fact, they've become more accessible than ever. Florists, venues and stylists are using hanging decor more, which means the rigging and set-up is easier and more affordable. Find lots of ideas for working this statement trend into your wedding here.
6. Carnations
Carnations are a wedding flower we thought we'd left in the last century, and while we were reluctant at first, they're officially back, and more stylish than ever. Strung in garlands, hung as individual blooms, or providing fluff, colour and a dose of retro glamour to bouquets, these affordable, versatile florals are set to be everywhere in 2020.
7. Palm Leaves
From lush tropical leaves to fanned dried palms, we've seen all manner of palm leaves feature across weddings of late, and couples are using them to create effortless (and often affordable) decor. Long stems in tall vases make statement centrepieces, monstera, fiddle leaf and banana leaves make cool signage or place settings, while all sorts of varieties can be used in bouquets and on backdrops. Need ideas? We've got lots here.
8. Oversized Bouquets
Oversized bouquets are one of our favourite wedding flower trends of recent years and we just love that brides are continuing to adopt the trend. These opulent bouquets give instant wow factor, but they're all about balance, so talk to your florist about the shape of your dress, the varieties of flowers you like, your budget, and the weight you're willing to carry up the aisle! We've got lots of tip and ideas for oversized bouquets here.
9. (Pink) Pampas Grass
Pampas grass was a trend at cool, alternative weddings for some time, but 2020 is the year when this trend is taking centre stage (we've got some gorgeous real weddings featuring pampas grass coming up in the next few weeks!). Want to go one further? Pink pampas grass will be a floral must-have in the coming months.
10. Hoop Bouquets
Want something a little different from the classic bouquet? Hoop bouquets - and hanging hoop installations for decor - are a big trend among our real weddings, and a great way to change up the bridesmaids bouquets, or create a keepsake with dried blooms.
11. Protea
The national flower of South Africa, protea have been cropping up in bouquets across the Northern Hemisphere in recent years, and our real brides can't get enough of them. A large, statement flower that comes in a variety of colours, protea are hardy and versatile too, making them a great addition to both bouquets and wedding decor.
12. Flower Clouds
A trend spearheaded by superstar florist, Mary Lennox, flower clouds are pretty puffs constructed with just one or two kinds of soft, cloud-like florals and foliage. A few months back we wrote all about this wedding trend, so get lots of ideas for recreating it for your own big day, here.
13. Statement Foliage
Foliage has been coming to the fore for some years now, with lots of couples skipping the florals, and giving greenery a chance to shine. We expect to see this trend expand in 2020 as sustainable decor and minimal style evolve.
14. Single Stems
A particularly popular trend for marquee weddings, we've been seeing this one for a while, with florists getting creative with single stem installations. Sometimes it's rows of upside down flowers hanging from above, other times it's feature walls or backdrops dotted with individual blossoms. The finished result gives a pretty, botanical feel, and when done on a large scale, can create serious wow factor!
15. Sculptural Design
A wedding trend where the most skilled florists get to show off what they can do, floral sculptures create a real show piece for your wedding guests. We've seen these used as ceremony backdrops, wrapped around the bar, stretching up stairways or as a grand entrance to your venue. One to discuss with your florist, bring along lots of examples so they can get a feel for what you like.
Want more wedding flower ideas and inspiration?
We've got a whole section dedicated to all things floral!
Feature image: Flowers by Raven & the Rose, Photo by Kas Richards via Nouba
