Wedding flowers becoming larger than life

Couples in Snohomish County who are getting married are favoring a more organic look when they are choosing flowers for their wedding.

“We have some brides wanting a more natural look of going into a field and picking a bouquet,” said Jodi Sugg, owner of What’s Bloomin Now, in business for nine years and operating in the Smokey Point area. She is seeing a lot of brides want to see a fuller bouquet with fewer flowers and more greens.

Couples are also using arbor-based pieces that feature such eye-catching details as wooden arches.

Instead of long piece of fabric as a table runner, Sugg said she will hand tie greenery, such as eucalyptus that has a pleasing aroma, along the length of the table. Such natural-looking details often help complement the wedding locale. “A lot of venues are so beautiful to begin with.”

A traditional cascading bouquet remains popular, Sugg said. Such bouquets feature bolder colors and jewel tones such as purples and blues. During the holiday season in December, she designed a Christmas-themed bouquet with reds and greens.

Since the start of the pandemic, she is seeing smaller weddings with couples sometimes having two ceremonies; the first is a small ceremony in front of a justice of the peace and the second being a larger one.

Sugg encourages couples to “not think about individual flowers, but an individual look.”

Like other industries, during the pandemic, Sugg said the floral business is experiencing supply chain issues and it’s uncertain what flowers are available.

The blooms brides and grooms choose and how they decide to display them can say much about the couple’s style. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing. In fact, floral designer Tom Uberuaga says traditional hurricane vase centerpieces are outdated and only focus the eye on the middle of the table. He prefers guests enter the wedding and have their senses stimulated by flowers from all angles. Large flower installations, as well as blooms popping up in unexpected places, are some of the hot trends for couples to keep their eyes on.

Floral chandeliers

There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments. Thanks to hanging flowers and floral chandeliers, flowers are quite literally moving up in the world. Hanging floral pieces can add instant drama and make a large visual impact. Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems or floral swags. Hanging floral chandeliers are dramatic but naturally expensive. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.

Welcome wreaths

Why should wreaths only be reserved for front doors and holiday decor? A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.

Fairy-tale flowers

A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms. Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception. Martha Stewart Weddings says a cascade of flowers and greens can be romantic and elegant.

Dance floor blooms

Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet.

Floral necklaces

Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead.

Sugg said couples should have an initial meeting with a florist around six months before a wedding.

“I like to see what their thought process is,” Sugg said. Couples should prepare for the meeting.

They should bring pictures of what they like to have as well as swatches of their bridal gown and tuxedo to see what colors complement the wedding wardrobe.

She said there are instances where couples have worked together to decide on flowers. “A couple of grooms helped in picking the flowers,” Sugg said.