From bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces and ceremony arrangements, flowers are a beautiful staple of the modern wedding. And as with many design elements, they are subject to the changing tide of industry trends — boho flower crowns one year, structured bouquets the next. It can feel like a lot to keep up with for engaged couples, but fortunately, wedding professionals are always tuned into the latest and ready to help.
We asked a few industry experts to weigh in on the floral trends they’re seeing this year, so here’s a glimpse at what to expect as you plan your wedding.
Bright and splashy
We’ve seen all-white everything. We’ve seen neutrals. We’ve seen bundles of greenery. Now it’s time to play around with the brighter side of the color wheel and have some fun.
“Bring on the color!” says Megan Estrada of NSWE Events. “In 2022, we’re seeing much wider color palettes for floral and décor. Instead of just focusing on shades of blue or shades of blush for a wedding, couples are incorporating lots of colors together. They are mixing oranges and yellows with pinks and purples, bringing more variety into the floral palette at once.”
Aisle love
When you think of wedding flowers, you probably think of centerpieces and personal arrangements, like bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages. But now, couples are dedicating more attention to their ceremony space — specifically the aisle. After all, it’s where the magic happens!
As Laura Maddox of Magnolia Celebrates shares, “Aisle decor has been around for ages, BUT, people are finding much more creative ways to make their aisles interesting. Gone are the days of the cute garlands lining the chairs or pew markers. Mirrored runners, arrangements that line the aisles that look to be natural and growing from the ground. People are investing a lot more into this area as a showpiece for the day!”
Go big or go home
While minimalist styles may have been all the rage just a few years ago, it’s clear couples are ready to show out for their weddings. Perhaps it’s a touch of pandemic fatigue, or maybe it’s just an evolving taste for grandeur – whatever it is, we’re here for it.
“The biggest floral trend in 2022 is the wow factor,” confirms Nora Sheils of Rock Paper Coin and Bridal Bliss. “Couples are planning elevated events filled with florals and details tablescapes. They also want to knock their guests’ socks off with larger-than-life hanging floral installations and an over-the-top guest experience.”
Repurposed blooms
Of course, going big with florals can become unsustainable if not planned accordingly. With eco-conscious values driving today’s couples, there is a desire to reduce single-use items – including those beautiful flowers.
“Many couples find the use of florals wasteful,” Sheils explains. “They are enjoyed for such a short time and then thrown away. Instead, repurpose them! Have your florals delivered to your wedding brunch. Or even better, arrange for them to be refreshed and delivered to retirement homes, hospitals, or anywhere else they can bring some extra joy. Just be sure to call ahead first.”
Alternative options
Believe it or not, one of the rising floral trends is actually a shift away from traditional blooms. As Keith Willard of Keith Willard Events reveals, “Due to the rise in floral costs and with an eye on keeping things green, I’m starting to see a move towards alternatives — either silk florals or ones made out of wood.”
But Willard assures that choosing alternatives like silk doesn’t have to feel cheap or tacky. “When it comes to silk florals, most couples are vying to mix them with real flowers,” he says. “One bride summed it up perfectly by saying, ‘it’s like using hair extensions in my wedding updo.’ Silk flowers of the past can’t hold a candle to what is being produced today. They look real!”
Whether you’re trend-forward or prefer to stick with classic styles, your best bet is always to consult with a professional florist with wedding experience. They carry a lot of knowledge about flower types, color matching, seasonal options, arrangement, and care, so they can help you land on the perfect blooms to complement your wedding vision.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
