If you thought wedding flowers were going to stay grounded, think again—they’re definitely scaling new heights.
Brides and their floral design teams are feeling very uplifted these days, taking a more elevated approach to floral decor than ever before. And that includes the 80s, when everything from pedestals bearing lots and lots of flowers (and ivy, lots and lots of ivy) to cakes (some coming in at seven layers) seemed to raise the veritable roof.
Not since the 80s has there been such an appreciation for vaulted pedestals and columns that hoist their flowers high, even if the look of the flowers themselves has changed. We’re seeing this gravity-defying aesthetic reflected in two ways in particular. The first will be no surprise, if you’ve looked at a wedding magazine any time in the last year or so.
Floral centerpieces are on the rise, not only elevating their gorgeous blooms but showcasing them in a way that can be seen no matter where you are in the room. Instead of keeping the eye to the table (as we’ve been seeing for the past five years with the trend toward lining tables with greenery and keeping arrangements low), these designs entice us to look up. Centerpieces full of height and drama are also practical; they don’t interfere with the line of sight we need to maintain at the table in order to commune with the other guests and to watch the bridal couple. We’ve seen pedestal containers that are teeming with ferns and feathers as well as flowers in the luxe, edgy style that’s so on trend. On the other hand, some are simply suspending a lush poof of baby’s breath. Granted, you won’t see graceful compositions topping these centerpieces, but otherwise it’s anything goes—as long as that anything is a lot.
And then there is the floral decor that is literally suspended from the ceiling. We’re talking flower clouds, floral and green chandeliers, floating branches with greenery draping from them like shimmering curtains. These un-tethered designs give an ethereal look to a wedding or reception, taking the burden off the table to host all the flowers. In some cases, it can be difficult to know where the table flowers end and the ones above the table begin, and that’s what’s so enchanting about this style.