New Trends Bloom in Wedding Bouquets

Posted October 6, 2022

When it comes to wedding flowers, industry professionals often classify bridal bouquets into two categories – traditional and non-traditional – with most brides following suit in their choice. Traditional bridal bouquets have typically included a pastel-colored palette of flowers such as roses, lilies, and peonies (among others), designed and created as the perfect complement to the bride. In comparison, non-traditional bridal bouquets have often included designs with more unique floral choices, which may also include garden stems in surrounding greenery. While both styles of bridal bouquets still remain popular, modern bouquets are also trending toward a preference for more textures and vibrant colors.

According to The Wedding Report, 2022 is projected to be the busiest year ever for weddings, with a record 40-year high of 2.6 million weddings expected to take place by year’s end. Industry experts attribute the increase in ceremonies to a decrease in post-pandemic restrictions on gatherings of family and friends for special events. After many COVID-related wedding cancellations, anxious brides are now able to resume plans for the wedding of their dreams, and literally embrace who and what was unavailable to them for the last two years. As such, many couples are influencing current floral wedding trends by focusing on more personalization in all the details of their special day.

Among emerging trends with today’s brides is a move away from traditional flower choices and textures in wedding bouquets, especially for brides looking for a memorable bouquet that represents their personality. These brides are opting to use unique and non-traditional floral choices, varieties that may offer increased availability year-round, at a decreased cost. As another hot trend for 2022, the combined use of dried flowers and fresh flowers in bridal bouquets serves to provide a balance of texture and color. Many wedding florists have suggested the reason behind the recent popularity of this design style is its nod towards the environment and sustainability, and an expanded color palette from which the bride can choose.

Other current trends in the wedding industry are the use of vintage flowers in bridal bouquets, as well as a preference for non-standard bouquet shapes. Wedding florists have noted that many brides are finding appeal in “garden-style” bouquets that appear more gathered from nature, versus meticulously arranged in a shop. This trend has made its presence known in small, handheld bouquets, as well as cascading bouquets that include a mix of vines and greenery. Wedding Wire reports currently trending flower choices are as common as daisies, hydrangeas, and Queen Anne’s lace, added to by a few stems of roses or lilies in minimalistic bouquets.

As post-pandemic couples strive to regain wedding planning momentum, many are rethinking the choices they made pre-COVID. While traditional bouquets in neutral or pastel colors serve to create the perfect wedding ceremony for many couples, others are choosing bold colors and textures to begin their marriage. However, regardless of wedding choices, established traditions and changing trends both offer many options to create the first steps on a path to happiness.

Photos courtesy of Jo Bradbury Photography / Kelli Boyd Photography

Brenda Silva

Brenda is a contributing writer located in Vero Beach who has written about the floral industry and weddings for many local and national publications.