When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, colour themes and seasonality often play a big part in the decision-making. But just as wedding dress styles come and go, floral trends are always developing. For couples getting hitched this year, we spoke to Lavender Green Flowers, the florist behind Pippa Middleton’s wedding, to find out more about what’s in and out.
1. Locally grown
“British seasonal blooms will always be the best!” says Dawkins, who has recently noticed an increase in brides wanting to know where their flowers come from. “Nothing beats a freshly picked garden rose from a specialist grower only 30 miles from your wedding venue,” she adds. “It may not always be the cheapest option but for those conscious of their carbon footprint or wanting to support local and British, this is an increasingly popular request.”
2. Foliage-only
Foliage-only bouquets and draping green tablescapes have risen in popularity in recent years, with many brides favouring a more natural look that is more affordable than the fresh flower option. And gorgeous greenery is here to stay. “This trend is still storming on and not looking to change in 2018,” says Dawkins. “I would recommend adding in soft Eucalyptus and Senecio over the winter months. As spring approaches, brides could introduce lots of fresh fragrances with herbs like mint and lemon thyme.”
3. Ranunculus are the new Peony
Peonies are a wedding classic, but they aren’t the only variety set to dominate this year. “Cloni Ranunculus are the new peony for spring,” predicts Dawkins. “They are from the same family as a Buttercup and are extremely delicate and romantic, they work so well with Sweet Peas and lashings of sage-green foliage and herbs.”
In the summer, Peonies will no doubt continue to make their way into bridal bouquets everywhere, but Dawkins recommends experimenting with different types of the romantic flower. “We especially love the Mothers Choice Peony as it’s such an elegant and classic flower that works perfectly on its own in a bouquet,” she says.
And from September onwards? Look to Dahlias. “They’re amazing for autumn this year; we’d choose them over Hydrangeas,” she adds. “And rather than using berries, why not try using an alternative fruit or vegetable such as big savoy cabbages which look so theatrical and beautiful when dusted with a frosting powder.”
During the winter months, it’s all about the classic rose. “Brides getting married in winter often want to incorporate a sense of warmth and festivity,” Dawkins says. “We love Faith Roses, Sweet Avalanche Roses and Quick Sand Roses, which can create the perfect vintage picture and can look beautiful with the addition of pinecones and berries.”
4. Muted, deep tones are in, ivory and pinks are out
Following 2017’s ivory, blush, pink colour palette, muted and deep shades like plum and sage green will be mixed with lighter tones like lilac. “Think Renaissance still-life paintings in terms of colour contrast and a looser, more natural, romantic style in the design,” Dawkins says. “This sort of style and colour palette is still romantic and soft and is perfect for the bride looking for something a little different.” For brides who aren’t afraid of a pop of colour, clashing candy colours like coral, hot pink, lime green and lilac are set to add “a real wow-factor” to bridal arrangements.
5. Bouquets are getting smaller
“Why go to all the effort of picking the dress of your dreams to cover it up with a ginormous bouquet of flowers?” asks Dawkins. “Smaller bouquets that only enhance your dress are lighter to carry, more flattering on camera and super elegant.” She adds: “Tightly packed, flower on flower designs are being seen less and less with the more natural, textured, loose designs becoming ever increasingly popular.”
6. Stripped back buttonholes
As Dawkins points out, “no groom is happy wearing a garden on his lapel!” She expects “simple and chic” styles to replace elaborate decorations. “Try a single, luxuriously scented Gardenia head. It also won’t droop and will last the length of the wedding day and long into the night!”.
