By Martha Whitney Butler
As we look ahead to wedding season 2024, the floral forecast reveals an enchanting garden of wedding trends that offer brides a myriad of inspiration. From timeless bouquets to elevated adornments, let’s embark on a journey that promises to infuse romance and elegance into every petal of your celebration.
PETITE BOUQUETS
For a truly dreamy, regal aesthetic, brides and influencers are turning away from larger bouquets and entertaining the prospect of petite bouquets filled with quality, premium florals. While small, these bouquets lend themselves to a classic and elegant look, reminiscent of royal bouquets. Demure as they may be, do not be shocked at their sticker price, as these bouquets take just as much time/labor for designers to create and often are filled with delicate, limited-supply flowers like lily of the valley. If you are startled by the cost of these hard-to-come-by blooms, consider mixing in permanent botanicals with live foliage and florals.
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMES
Following the trend of bridesmaids’ dresses, florals in different shades of one color are all the rage. Various shades of cream and white, purples and lavenders, blues, pinks and earth tones are having their day in the sun for 2024. This look lends itself to a cohesive overall theme while still promoting a diverse range of textures, blooms and greenery.
GROUND FLORALS AND AISLE MEADOWS
We love a grand entrance, and what could be more jaw-dropping than walking down the aisle through a beautiful field of flowers? One of the best parts about investing in ground florals is that your designer can repurpose elements of this over-the-top look as centerpieces, stage florals or sweetheart table florals, or fill in any areas that may need covering. Talk to your planner to see if this option is available, as it is time-sensitive. Ceremony flips can incur an additional cost, but the expense may be worth it to repurpose these arrangements.
WILDFLOWERS
Easily one of the most-requested elements of this year, wildflowers create a natural, organic look and a light and airy feel. “I want it to look like you went and picked flowers from a meadow” is a phrase we hear often. Fortunately for us on the Coast, we have a few local farms with long growing seasons. Your floral designer can procure, condition and design with these very delicate blooms because they can source them nearby, cutting down on shipping costs and damage. Farms like La Terre and Coastal Ridge offer a variety of unique flowers, as well as “you-pick” days that are perfect for DIY brides who want sustainable options.
BOWS, BOWS … AND MORE BOWS
We’ve seen bows trending on dresses for the last couple of years; now we’re seeing them everywhere — and we’re here for it. Bows around bridal bouquets, on garlands, on candlesticks — they seem to be appearing all over in every color. They add an element of interest and a nod to femininity and romance, giving a new meaning to “tying the knot.”
May your wedding be adorned with the captivating elegance of 2024’s floral trends, which will have your big day blooming with everlasting charm and romance.
Martha Whitney Butler (@thefrenchpotager), AIFD SAF, is owner of The French Potager in Bay St. Louis. Reach her at (228) 364-3091.