As a photographer, I always find it fascinating to see how the creatives in this industry revisit, refresh, and re-interpret the trends within it, and nothing captures my imagination quite like flowers!
I’ve had the joy of photographing the work of so many talented florists, and the stories they tell through their wild and romantic wedding flowers design resonate with me so much. I would say this is a new generation of florists — for a new generation of couples, who prefer loosely constructed, locally sourced arrangements rather than tight, formal bouquets of imported blooms. Although these arrangements may look effortless, it does in fact take tremendous skill to make them look that way, and, in doing so, create a space where nature appears to be blossoming before your eyes.
Florals by Moss and Stone Floral Design, styling Louise Beukes
These untamed arrangements suit weddings wonderfully, granting them a sense of whimsy, calm, and understated luxury. They offer a more relaxed and pared-back look, while not lacking at all in the drama and impact that flower-loving couples seek. Though this style of floristry adapts very naturally to boho, festival, and rustic weddings, it can in fact be taken in any direction, and can just as beautifully embody a more “fine art” or luscious look.
Workshop run by Simply by Arrangement
When it comes to bouquets, this style of floristry suits large, asymmetric arrangements full of texture and variety — bouquets that could fool your guests into imagining you’d simply run your hands through a country garden that very morning. It’s all about playfully incorporating seasonal blooms, and even fruits, to create meadow-style arrangements that feel fresh and grounded.
Mid Summer Night’s Dream styled shoot, at Bignor Park. Florals by Rebecca Avery Flowers and styling by Weddings by Jenna Hewitt
At a time when sustainability, connection, and ethical sourcing is a key value for so many, embracing wild and romantic wedding flowers also typically means using locally grown blooms and foam-free floral installations. Gone are the days of domes of roses – discerning brides are asking for overgrown mantelpieces, hanging meadows, asymmetric arches, and bursting urns, almost as if nature had been allowed free reign to grow for a little while. If you love this look, then at your next venue visit do have a peek around for areas where florals could be framed, suspended, or draped from, and let your florist go wild!
Floral retreat run by Simply by Arrangement, Lucy the Flower Hunter and la Musa de las Flores at Broughton Hall
This celebration of twisted branches and drooping stems is truly a breath of fresh air – every bouquet or arrangement perfectly imperfect, and completely unique. I’ve particularly loved the trend of combining fresh with dried flowers, for added texture and movement, and that little unexpected delight. Dried blooms will last, with no worries of wilting over time or in warm weather, which makes them perfect for handing out to guests as mementos (such as mini posies doubling as favours and place card holders). They evoke nostalgia and warmth, while also being eco-friendly – as they can be enjoyed for years to come. From a styling point of view, they offer a wonderland of textures, from light and feathery to bold and crisp, a beautiful palette of sun-kissed and iridescent whites, pale greens and beiges, and even deep burnt oranges, and an unparalleled variety of shapes and sizes, which means your ceremony backdrop could feature anything from dramatic and spindly stems to barely-there, ethereal clouds.
Floral retreat run by Simply by Arrangement, Lucy the Flower Hunter and la Musa de las Flores at Broughton Hall
Wild arrangements need not to large – with such an array of romantic blooms and complementing colours, less can truly be more, especially when considering florals for your tablescape. Minimalist, asymmetric arrangements can give your place settings rooms to breathe, while emphasising negative space and drawing the eye to thoughtful details. Think about indulging the other senses as well, by asking your florist for blooms with strong scents and unusual textures.
Workshop run by Simply by Arrangement, Hedgerow and Cultivated by Christin
Who could have imagined that the paintings of the Old Dutch Masters of the 1600s would influence floristry to this day – but I, for one, am so glad they do. These wild and romantic wedding flowers celebrate the fluidity, movement, and individuality of each flower, and I have loved playing my part in telling their stories through my photos.
Workshop run by Simply by Arrangement and Moss and Stone Floral Design
Lead image Florals by Blue Sky Flowers, at Butley Priory