What wedding flower trends are going to be big for the year ahead? Our experts Flowers From The Secret Garden and Balla Florists by Judi Roche share their top wedding flower trends for 2018!
Balla Florists by Judi Roche | View Profile
Photo by Gary Barrett
Above photos by Abaca Photography
I love watching the ever-changing tastes and trends in wedding flowers and decor when it comes to what our couples want. It keeps everything so current and fresh year on year. So much so that we have put together a few wedding bloom trends for 2018.
Green with envy – Ah the luscious greens! We have loved the increasing use of greens now for the last few years. Greens are so complimentary with florals, and such a beautiful filler in a bouquet. This year after meeting with so many brides, Greens will play a huge roll again in 2018, they will lead the way in wedding bouquets, with a variation of texture and a woodsy design. The greenery used makes a huge impact. The greens I gravitate towards are:
• Eucalyptus
• Seeded Eucalyptus
• Soft Ruscus
• Lambs ear
• Boston Fern
• Sage
Marsala – One of my personal favourites! Marsala is here to stay for 2018. This year will include lots of eggplant and the reawakening of Marsala. It looks amazing mixed with a contrasting palette of blush, peach and beige like florals such as my top choice, the quicksand rose, as it gives the most wonderfully photogenic outcome.
Colour and a lot of it – I’m seeing a big move also from soft tones to vibrant shades right across the rainbow spectrum from vivid oranges and hot pinks to reds and yellows for an interesting blend of hippy style meets country chic. Bouquets and floral arrangements are leaning towards abundant, eye-catching designs. And don’t forget Copper is also here to stay. It is the perfect colour to mix in throughout your floral colour palette. Metallic elements make a unique, inexpensive statement.
Floral Wreaths – Asymmetric wreaths are trending hugely so far, this year. They create such a wonderful look in any aspect. The smaller hoops are a big hit also and a lot of brides are looking to replace the bridal bouquets with this twist on the flowergirl/bridal bouquet.
Personal Preference – Balla Florists feel that personal preference is a huge trend in 2018. I listen to my couples and then I use my floral knowledge to guide them in creating their wedding dream. I always ask to view their Pinterest boards, so I can get a feel for what direction they are going in. This way I get an insight into their style. 2018 is the year for brides to embrace their personal style – it is so exciting.
Flowers From The Secret Garden | View Profile
When Pantone announced that green was the colour for 2017, it heralded a trend that shows no signs of going away – the use of greenery in wedding flowers, from wild, unstructured bouquets down to wedding favours. It’s growing in popularity, and I expect to see more of it in 2018.
There is a definite increase in interest in the provenance of flowers, and seasonality, and as the Irish cut-flower industry grows, so will the range of Irish-grown flowers and foliage available to the discerning bride. At The Secret Garden, where we grow a variety of blooms and foliage, I am particularly excited by this trend! Whilst there will always be a demand for classics such as peonies, roses and baby’s breath, I have seen an increase in brides looking to express their own personality and style through their flowers, and who are willing to experiment with more unusual blooms and accessories, whether it be seed heads, grasses, ferns, wildflowers, succulents or feathers. This personal style continues through with venue décor, with a willingness to embrace more unusual flower installations and to move away from traditional formal arrangements – think over-sized garlands, hoops and flower balls, providing amazing photo opportunities for couples and their guests!
The wild, unstructured bouquet continues to be popular, with trailing tendrils for added drama. In terms of colour, blush and pastel tones with pops of dark hues continue to be popular, as well as the classic all white and green. Where brides are looking for richer colours, the jewel tones of deep reds and purples (Pantone’s colour of the year for 2018 is Ultra Violet) are really striking, particularly for winter weddings. Ultimately though, it doesn’t matter what Pantone or anyone else dictates, colour is a personal choice, and whatever colour scheme you choose for your wedding, it will be your Colour of the Year.
