Mono blooms are trending in bridal florals, with each bridesmaid’s bouquet composed of one type of flower and the bride’s bouquet incorporating each of those various blooms. Photos: J.Olson Weddings
Discover how florals are becoming the life of the (wedding) party.
From dahlias to delphiniums, lilacs to lilies, ranunculus to roses, there is a seemingly endless array of options when it comes to wedding flowers, and the trends are ever-changing. For those without a vision—or for those looking to bring their vision to life—Lauren Vernon can help.
Vernon is the wedding floral designer at The Wild Orchid, which serves the Maple Grove area. Vernon’s mom, Lisa Minks, opened The Wild Orchid in 2015, and Vernon came on board a few years later. “It was a blessing in disguise,” Vernon says. “I took on the wedding side of stuff, and I loved it. Flowers bring so much life to a wedding.”
Vernon’s creations tend to be airy and organic, with many flowers sourced from her and Minks’ gardens. “People are really loving locally sourcing,” she says.
Since her finger is on the pulse of what’s popular for wedding florals, we asked Vernon to share her insider expertise.
When it comes to the bridal bouquet, blushes, pastels and whites remain a popular choice to convey a romantic look. On the flip side, she says, “We’re also seeing a lot more color, which is great.” Vernon notes that focal flowers are also popular. “Big peonies, proteas and dahlias draw the eye,” she says.
For bridesmaid bouquets, mono blooms are a hot trend where each bridesmaid has a different bouquet composed of one kind of flower. “All hydrangeas or all delphiniums, for example,” Vernon says. Each type of flower is then incorporated into the bride’s bouquet, creating a composite arrangement.
Wearable florals are getting a fresh look with many grooms opting for pocket gardens that feature flowers and greenery. “They are designed on a cardboard sleeve that can be slipped into the jacket pocket,” Vernon says.
For the littlest members of the wedding party, floral crowns make flower girls feel like princesses and can be paired with floral balls that are worn like a purse or with floral wands complete with colored ribbons and lights.
Furry friends can wear flowers, too. Vernon says she has seen floral pieces woven into dog collars and leashes. “We can create something and pin it right into the collar,” she says. Flower crowns are another option if the pet is amenable. Just be sure to pick flowers that won’t harm the animal. “No eucalyptus,” Vernon says. “It is so irritating [for pets]. Italian ruscus is a good alternative.” If a four-legged friend is part of the wedding party, Vernon says she consults a list that highlights toxic plants to avoid.
Flowers can be a gorgeous addition to the wedding cake. Vernon says nontoxic floral creations can be wrapped down the tiers of a cake, or individual flowers can be added in bunches. Vernon generally leaves the application of the flowers to the experts. “What I typically do is bring loose flowers to the venue and ask their baker to add it themselves,” she says.
Photo: Laura Alpizar Photography
Table centerpieces composed of flowers aren’t going anywhere, but Vernon says many couples are opting for one big statement piece. “I’ve seen hanging installations with big pampas grass and clouds made out of baby’s breath,” she says. “I’ve seen some amazing free-standing arches.”
The Wild Orchid
7565 County Road 116, Corcoran; 763.416.0551
Facebook: The Wild Orchid
Instagram: @thewildorchidflorist
