Wedding Season is upon us! It all kicked off with the Royal Wedding in May which set the tone for the key trends we are likely to see in 2018. So if you are looking for inspiration for your wedding flowers then look no further, here are the top trends I expect to see this year…
1. Foraged, home grown flowers
The trend for boho, English garden inspired wedding flowers has been going strong for almost a decade now but this year it has evolved in to a far more relaxed, homegrown and foraged look that reflects the foliage found in local hedgerows and flowers you may find in your own garden.
This trend was cemented by the choice of flowers at the royal wedding where almost all of the flowers and foliage were foraged from the royal gardens and the parkland on the Crown Estate surrounding the venue. The large, striking displays included Solomons Seal, lots of garden roses, cow parsley, stocks, phlox and love in a mist. The bouquets were far more delicate and understated and included astilbes, sweet peas, lily of the valley and myrtle.
2. Foliage is king
I am seeing lots of brides choosing to decorate with foliage alone or with very few flowers and a greater influence on foliage as a decoration in its own right.
White or ivory flowers and green are set to be key colours for weddings in 2018, especially given the flower choices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
I personally love foliage and you can create absolutely stunning displays with all the different shapes, colours and scents found in the vast array of foliage available locally in Britain. It is also a far more cost effective way to cover a large expanse of space and foliage tends to be hardier so can be moved easily from the service to the reception venue.
My favourite foliage this year includes Alchemilla Mollis which has a fantastically vibrant citrus green colour and dog rose which is currently covered in the most beautiful delicate pink blooms. I also use a lot of euphorbia, rue, rosemary, fennel, ribes, hebe, beech, hornbeam, clematis and jasmine, all of which I grow myself in my Surrey garden.
3. Wreaths are not just for Christmas
Wedding hoops and wreaths have long been a trend in American weddings but the trend has made its way across the pond and is becoming increasingly popular with British brides. I have done a few weddings now where brides have decorated with wreaths of foliage interspersed with their favourite flowers.
They are perfect if you plan to move your displays from your service to your reception to get more from your flower budget because they are far more sturdy than a hand tied arrangement and can be hung from almost anywhere.
Some brides choose to have wreaths or hoops as pew ends and then hang them on the walls behind the top table or use them as table centrepieces with a church candle in the middle. It is a very cost effective way to decorate your tables and looks incredible with all the candles lit, particularly for an evening reception.
4. Choose potted plants for lasting memories
Potted house plants or potted perennials, are moving from the garden in to weddings with ease as many brides choose to opt for more sustainable, eco friendly wedding decorations. I often use pots in my flower arranging but am increasingly being asked by brides to create potted arrangements for their weddings that can then be kept long term to remind them of their special day.
I recently revisited a mother of the bride who was the proud recipient of the potted perennial plants that adorned the marquee for her daughters wedding. After the big day I planted them in her garden and they are still going strong today, filling her with happy memories every time she sees them from the window.
Particularly popular with Spring brides who choose to feature narcissi, hyacinths and other bulbs in their table arrangements, but there is a potted solution for every season so its worth considering this trend if you would like to enjoy your wedding flowers for longer.
5. Statement designs that enhance the venue
Over the last few years it has been popular for couples to choose one or two large ‘showcase’ arrangements such as a flower wall behind the top table or a large flower arch over the entrance to the church.
In 2018 the trend seems to be moving towards statement designs that enhance the wedding venue or help to create an experience for guests. Wedding magazines are full of pictures of venues decorated in huge swathes of flowers trailing staircases and overflowing from every corner.
Some brides are choosing to create a garden feel for guests to walk through on arrival with trees and large floral arrangements and I have even seen an aisle of flowers. Unfortunately the downside of this trend is that it can get very pricey very quickly but there are ways to recreate the feel of these statement designs on a smaller budget.
I always talk to a bride about their flower budget during our initial discussions because this will dictate how we achieve the look and feel that the couple desires.
Using more foliage or flowers that are in season and available locally for example can make a significant difference to the cost of large displays and arrangements and there is almost always a way to create the look and feel that you are after within your budget.
Get in touch to discuss your wedding flower ideas at francesca@fsflowers.co.uk