Every year, I put together a “wish list;” concepts or ideas that I would love to play with or design more of for clients. What I love about doing this is that it makes it a bit easier to think on my feet during a consultation - I already have some great ideas in my back pocket, and if one of those ideas might be perfect for you, then I can suggest it right away. While I often talk about the big wedding flower and decor trends around engagement season, this year I want to highlight some of the design concepts on my wish list!

A Floral Nest

Oh, how sweet would it be to say your vows, take your newlywed portraits, or enjoy your first dinner as husband and wife completely surrounded by flowers? These nest styles have been popular for a few years, and I’ve been dying to give my take. I can imagine a truly stunning indoor ceremony completely brought to life by layer upon layer of flowers - maybe in the Oak Room at the Manitoba Club, or a more modern space at the new Convention Centre that’s just begging for some freshness?

Classic Ceremony Urns

I’ll never get tired of designing a beautiful arch for a wedding ceremony, but once in a while it’s nice to do something a bit different. I love the option of popping a couple of big urns with seriously statement-making floral arrangements at the front or back of your aisle, and whether you want yours designed with a classic, rounded shape or something a little more asymmetrical and garden-inspired, I can make it happen!

Wow Factor Head Tables

A lot of my couples are asking for something DIFFERENT than greenery across the front of their head table, and I do not blame them one bit. Chances are, if you’ve been to a wedding in the last 5 years, greenery was spilled across the front of the head table. Now there’s a good reason for this - it looks good! But it’s time for a change. Let me have some fun 😁

Budget tip: if you want the wow factor, but you don’t have a wow budget, consider opting for a sweetheart table for the two of you, instead of a table for your entire bridal party. I can make a major statement with far fewer flowers on a table for 2 vs a table for 12!

All designs below by Fairmaven Floral, who does a stunning job of wow factor head tables!

Modern Event Design

Have you seen Justin and Hailey Bieber’s wedding? (Never thought I’d mention them on my blog, lol!) Their wedding is the perfect example of modern event design done well: a crisp, neutral palette, black accents, repeated smaller floral arrangements in a modern style (please, please send your mason jars to the thrift store!), and nothing that feels cold or overly “glam” (that’s right, I don’t want to see a single crystal or blingy bit anywhere). I’d love a palette of black/nude/blush or black/blush/berry and I’m bringing in some gorgeous smoke glass candle holders that I know some of you are going to LOVE.

Siren Floral Co; Pinterest; Planning by Mindy Weiss, Floral by Mark’s Garden, Photo by Jose Villa; Floral Design by Blush & Bloom, Planning by Baum Event Company, Photos by Purple Tree Photography;

Scaled Back Bridal Bouquets

We’re seeing a gradual decline in the oversized, massive wedding bouquets that have been requested over the last 5 years. Now I’ll always love a big, juicy bouquet, but I’m totally on board with this trend for a few reasons: with a smaller bouquet you can show off your dress (and your waist!) more, your arms won’t be exhausted, and your flowers will feel a little more timeless. We’re still designing in a garden-inspired aesthetic, but a little sleeker in shape and texture - less of the wide, horizontally designed bouquets and more slightly manicured shapes.

Centrepieces that Require ACTUAL Floral Design

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that we are actually florists, with skill that sets us apart. Why? Because it can feel like people don’t value floral design. Now I understand that everyone values different things and that’s perfectly fine - and this is a different conversation for another day. But floral design is an art form, a living custom art form using perishable product - there is no chance that two floral arrangements can EVER be exactly the same, even if they have the exact same types of flowers and the exact same number of stems. And you know what this FLORAL DESIGNER wants to do? Actually design floral arrangements. lol! Greenery has its place, and I know it’s been trendy for a few years…but simply tucking greenery in and around some candles isn’t exactly art (which is not to say that anyone and everyone can do it, and make it look nice). If you appreciate floral centrepieces and you know that you want to place a gorgeous piece of living art on your wedding tables, I’d suggest budgeting from $125 - $175 per table for us to create something that looks remotely like the $500 arrangement you’ve saved on your Pinterest board 😂

Warm Toned Colour Palettes

Whether you’re looking for a neutral palette or something a little more bold and colourful, I’m gravitating towards warmer undertones. This might mean a golden mustard accent to a mauve/purple palette, a base of taupe to an otherwise all-white palette, or camel tones added in with corals and rich greens. All of the pictures below are giving me SERIOUS inspo that I cannot get out of my head!

Florals by Siren Floral Co; Sweet Root Village

The Wonderful Wedding Show is coming up this weekend! I won’t be there, but some of my flowers will be :) You’ll be able to see some of these trends in action.

Looking for a Wedding Floral and Event Designer in Winnipeg?

2021 wedding dates are now booking! I might be biased, but flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Whether you already have a specific vision or want me to dream up something custom just for you, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!