Flowers have been featured in wedding celebrations since Roman times, when brides believed that floral headdresses increased fertility aand offered protection from evil spirits. Though many beliefs aand customs have changed since then, wedding flowers are still all the rage. We’re already witnessing the carryover of some popular floral trends from last year, while exciting new colors, blooms, aand presentation options are just beginning to emerge.

Seasonal Blooms & Colors

Image via Flowerona.com

Image via Flowerona.com

Locally grown, foliage-heavy arrangements are the hottest new trend, providing a fresh-from-the-garden look. Peonies – the most frequently requested of all wedding flowers – will continue to be popular in 2016. Look for tropical foliage, palm, aand aspidistra leaves to make a big comeback this spring. Many brides will combine them with traditional, non-tropical flowers such as roses aand hydrangeas to add interest to conventional arrangements. Bouquets will incorporate soft, peachy hues that add complexity aand depth to deeper, emotional colors – such as berry-toned blooms, darker foliage, aand merlot browns.

Bouquets & Accessories

Image via botanicalbrouhaha.com

Image via botanicalbrouhaha.com

Traditional, highly structured pomaander bouquets are giving way to horizontal shapes with a freshly-foraged look. Rich ferns, cascading foliage, aand arching branches add visual interest aand bulk to these loose, organic, aand wide bridal bouquets. Trailing bouquets – with fluttery, layered ribbon accents in complementary colors – caught on big in 2015, aand are likely to be even more popular this year. Expect to see oversized floral crowns replaced by fragile floral headpieces, with subtle vines woven into wedding-day hairstyles. Look for the creative inclusion of flowers aand succulents in necklaces, rings, aand floral bangle bracelets, in lieu of customary wrist corsages.

Tables & Backdrops

Image via ruffledblog.com

Image via ruffledblog.com

Long banquet wedding tables have grown in popularity over the last few years, aand the trend continues in 2016. Single centerpieces are being replaced by multiple floral designs per table, to better accommodate table length. Flower-filled compotes aand satellite florals – short vases with a small quantity of flowers, or just a single stem – are now popular. Many couples are seeking out alternatives to the traditional flower-adorned arch or arbor. While flower walls can be absolutely stunning, the labor aand product costs are prohibitive for many couples. For a beautiful, affordable alternative, consider using vines, branches, aand leaves to create backdrops for your photo ops.

Well-placed flowers or a stylish bouquet can really enhance the overall ambiance of your wedding. Today’s trends are as diverse as a wildflower bouquet, so whether your wedding theme is traditional or cutting-edge, you’re sure to find a few new ideas that fit.