Wedding Floral Trends in Bloom
Goodbye shabby chic and hello country chic, cascades, and flower walls!The latest ideas in floral design favor everything from dreamy romance to laidback luxe.The wedding floral trends taking place right now are exciting as the industry is starting to embrace more unique floral design ideas. Here are a few of the trends that are sure to be a hit in 2016—and one trend to which I hope we can finally say, “Goodbye!”Cascading bouquetsEver since Princess Diana carried a 42-inch bouquet of white roses, orchids, and myrtle, cascading bouquets have been a waxing and waning trend in the floral industry. People either love them or hate them, but they are on-trend for weddings in 2016, because they’re dreamy, romantic, and a nice departure from the structured, ribbon-wrapped bouquets to which we’ve become so accustomed. Typically more voluminous and lush than traditional bouquets, this gives them a wild, freshly picked feel. Cascades can be modified to fit any wedding theme, including glamorous, rustic, and modern. Use of greenery contributes to the overgrown feel of these bouquets. Something about a long piece of eucalyptus, ivy, or an extended orchid stem helps cascades flow beautifully. If a bride wants to be more traditional, but still loves the cascading trend, it can be mimicked with long ribbons instead of flowers and greenery. These bouquets are a floral designer’s dream because there are so many ways to interpret the trend and infuse it with his or her own creativity. 
Flower wallsA major trend in the luxury wedding industry right now is flower walls. They bring incredible style and glamour to an event. They can be used as a ceremony backdrop, cake display background, or as a photo opportunity for couples and their guests. My favorite way to adorn a flower wall has been with hundreds of roses in different shades of ivory and pastel pink. Hydrangea is also a great way to fill the wall space since they have big blooms and are less expensive than other floral varieties. Truly, almost any type of flower that can lay flat against a wall can be used. Why? Because, typically, there is no space between each of the blooms. Tall walls work well as a ceremony backdrop or photo backdrop since they’re taller than the people standing in front of them. You can also create a smaller wall and suspend it so it’s still at eye level, but doesn’t have quite the same amount of square footage to fill.Flower walls are still somewhat rare, so they’re a great way to add an unexpected element to your wedding décor. They are unique and show-stopping structures. Each wall offers a way for florists truly to be creative and make something different every time. The possibilities are endless, and they’re all gorgeous no matter how they’re interpreted. Guests will swoon!
Country chic décorNot to be confused with shabby chic, country-themed décor is coming back in a big way for 2016 weddings. Think bow ties, gray-washed wood, and patterned linens. Country chic themes are perfect for outdoor spring and summer weddings, and go well with white blooms, or pops of a fun color like bright yellow. Mixing elements like antlers, raw wood, and even feathers into arrangements adds variety and texture. To keep it feeling rich, include larger blooms and use luxurious containers like gold vases and glass bottles. Even ballroom brides are gravitating toward more natural choices. With the right elements, even the most classic hotel ballroom can be transformed into a country chic paradise. White and pastel blooms look perfectly at home on a long, raw wooden table with gray-washed wood chairs. Country chic weddings try to balance classic wedding glamour with touches of western-inspired details. The bright and pastel colors and natural elements fit perfectly in a warm outdoor environment, making this trend perfect for spring and summer weddings.
Adios burlap and Mason jars!Shabby chic, burlap-wrapped, and mason-jar-infused weddings have their place in the wedding industry, but it’s time to see this trend pushed to the wayside. There are many elegant ways to incorporate country or outdoor elements into a wedding. Hopefully, 2016 brides will go for more stylish details. Instead of burlap, try lace or patterned linens, and instead of mason jars, try mercury glass or a mix of white and gold vases.Use the New Year as an opportunity to advise couples on the latest trends, transform tired ideas into fresh ones, and let a few new ideas bloom! __Amy Child Marella, The Hidden Garden, Los Angeles
