Flowers are one decoration that will single-handedly transform your nuptials into a dreamy fairy tale. Fresh blooms are probably the first image that comes to mind when thinking of the lush detail, but the latest wedding flower trend isn’t as traditional.
Right now, dried flowers are having a moment. From bouquets to centerpieces, dried floral elements add a rustic or bohemian edge to your event while playing up the visual intrigue. “Dried florals can bring forth a lot of varying texture to arrangements that fresh flowers often can’t,” planner Kyleigh Stewart says. “This can absolutely help with achieving more voluminous looks for larger pieces or installations.”
Besides the aesthetic appeal, dehydrated blooms have a longer lifespan than their fresh counterparts. “Fresh florals tend to die within a week following the wedding, whereas most dried florals are known to last longer,” planner Melissa Williams notes. By using dried flowers in your wedding design, you’ll have long-lasting arrangements that you can repurpose in your living room long after the wedding is over. Not to mention, you’ll reduce the amount of waste your wedding produces, so it’s an eco-friendly alternative.
Depending on the season and source, opting to integrate dried foliage is usually less expensive than living buds, which makes them a cost-effective option with equally beautiful results.
If you don’t want to go all in, mixing dehydrated blossoms with fresh ones offers a unique design option. You can also combine dried plants with various elements to create the aesthetic you’re going for. Throwing a boho bash? Consider building an installation of pampas grass, dried baby’s breath, and budding roses. Or, you can pair palm leaves with dried carnations to evoke a tropical vibe.
Regardless of your vision, textured blooms are perfect for any season. Bursting in warm hues and eye-catching dimension, they’re a vibrant accompaniment to outdoor vow exchanges in the spring, summer, or fall. For winter celebrations with venues inside, these floral details are still a worthwhile decoration. “I have been able to design a wedding that featured a mix of dry and fresh flowers in an indoor ballroom wedding venue that turn out beautifully,” Williams recounts.
To select the best quality blooms for your soirée, Stewart recommends consulting with your planner and florist. “Some tend to be more fragile than others or can even shed,” she explains. “They may not be right for a bouquet or other arrangement that may see more action on the day of your event.” She also advises sticking with organic and natural options to mitigate any negative effect on the environment. “Many artificially dyed or bleached florals are no longer able to be composted properly when they are done being used, resulting in a product that is not great for the environment,” she shares.
Whether you’re using dried foliage in your bouquet or an elaborate hanging installation, dried flowers are a versatile and show-stopping choice. Here are 16 ways to pull off the trend.
Meet the Expert
- Kyleigh Stewart is a Lake Tahoe wedding planner and the owner and creative director of Audere Events. She’s had eight years of experience planning weddings.
- Melissa Williams is the owner and lead planner and designer of B Astonished Events based in Washington D.C. She’s been working in the event industry for seven years.
