Wedding Floral Trends with Dee McMeeking

Dee McMeeking and pro's weigh in in wedding floral trends in 2020

What are your top floral predictions for 2020?

2020 will see floral design become a key story telling device for weddings whether that story is to create a wow and go large, or reflect a more mindful and calmer experience for guests. Floral design will continue to go in two diverging directions. Focal points and wow factor installations will continue to grow in scale and popularity in 2020. We are seeing 4 key areas of growth here. Ceilings and hanging installations such as clouds or swirls where it is all about texture, texture & more texture. Unexpected installations such as ground level installations in those awkward empty spaces in a large venue or an outdoor space. Unusual large scale items being treated top to toe with florals and greenery ? from cars, to phone boxes, bath tubs to grand pianos! And architectural installations where the floral design is literally interwoven with the interior or exterior of the building?s fabric. With all of these trends it?s about the texture, the drama and the story. The beauty of these installations are that they can work with all styles of wedding design and can also be adapted to all budget s.

In contrast, expect to see more Japanese style modern, minimal, elegant and simple arrangements as the Japanese ikebana style and wabi sabi influences begin to adapt into new designs and forms with the increase in popularity of a more naturalistic floral style. The story behind this style is understated, mindful and experient ial.

Top Trends for Wedding Flowers

WITH ELSPETH TULL, FOUNDER, BLUME

What are your top floral predictions for 2020?

The rise of the ugly flower. Think carnations, chrysanthemums and gerberas. The Aussie florists are at the top of their game when it comes to the wedding industry as a whole, and some of the leading florists are using them in their arrangements. I?ve recently become a gerbera convert as they come in so many pretty colours and interesting shapes now. I never thought I?d see the day! Monotone colour palettes ? think all shades of pinks, all shades of reds etc. Sustainable flowers ? the way in which florists approach making of flowers and not using floral foam, but also using flowers which last for couples to put in their houses after the wedding e.g. dried flowers.

What's on the way out in 2020?

Foliage!

What do you think from 2019 will continue to be popular in 2020?

I think dried flowers and foliage will continue through to 2020 but in some more exciting colour palettes. In 2019 is was very bohemian with sandy tones but I think we will see florists play with colour and also add some fresh flowers to move it forward.

Are there any emerging floral trends to watch out for in 2020?

I think florists are starting to add other textures in their arrangements, adding sweeps of beads, ribbon and tulle to make a real statement. I think this will be a big thing in 2020!

What are your top colour predictions for florals in 2020?

Monotone colour palettes

Bright and clashing - think garish and fluorescent

What's Still In

Tyler Speier says...

I think we will continue to see lots of hanging flowers over tables, warm color palettes, and dried florals (especially dried flowers mixed with living flowers for extra texture and drama).

Sarah Richardson of Leafy Couture says...

Floral columns and larger structures will continue to be popular. The de-constructed arch with its natural beautiful feel creates drama and a fabulous backdrop for photographs. Areas for social media continue to be popular and florals to decorate show stopping cake tables continue to be popular. Meadow style arrangements that can be used as aisle decor then repurposed will still be popular as they allow couples to use florals twice thus a cost saving exercise where budgets are tight.

Dee McMeeking says...

The influence of natural landscapes with lots of movement, flow and freeform shapes will continue to influence floral designs for 2020. Expect to see more traditional round shape pomander and posy style arrangements adapt with more elements of flow and less st ructured edges.

Ashley Greer of Atelier Ashley Flowers says...

We have not seen the last of geometric, triangular or other irregular arch shapes. While within the industry, we are already feeling a bit saturated with this look, I expect them to stick around for another 3 or so years. Burgundy will still be on the rise and will continue into 2020, though we will see it combined with a broader range of color including, hot pink, yellow, and brown.

What's Out

Tyler Speier says...

Greenery Garlands are on there way out. We'll be seeing a lot more hanging arrangements, larger centerpieces, and outside- the-box arrangements.

Ashley Greer of At elier Ashley Flowers says...

I think we will see greenery continue to make its way out. This is especially as florists continue to dispel the myth that utilizing only greenery is a cheaper option for flowers. However, greenery will still have a place as we will see a move to the more traditional use of it mixed in floral arrangements.

Dee McMeeking says...

The over use of pastel pink across weddings in general. Fresh floral walls will exit gracefully but expect to see this idea reused in newer more excit ing ways.

Sarah Richardson of Leafy Couture says...

Oversized foliage bouquets are on the way out with more of a focus on flowers. Trailing ribbons on matching bouquets for maids are on the way out and maids blooms to be more individual rather than uniform.

Oleta Collins of Flourishing Art Design Studio says...

All white weddings are a thing of the past. This sort of neutral look will always be classic, but eye-catching color is in.

Joan Wyndrum of Blooms by the Box says...

There will be a major departure from perfection with florals. Bouquets and centerpieces are now being left in their natural state with little to no trimming before placing them into an arrangement. This gives the couple's flowers an overgrown, less- pruned look.