From Meghan and Harry’s profusion of all-white blooms, to Gwyneth Paltrow and producer Brad Falchuk’s greenery-laden ceremonial archway, to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s lavish autumnal tones and full-grown shrubs; there has been no shortage of inspirational moments this year when it comes to designing florals for truly sumptuous weddings. We’ve called upon floristry maestros Kylie Costanzo (owner of ACT’s Barton Flower Bar) and Katie Cooper (founder of Perth’s Katie Cooper Floral Design) to give their insight into what’s big in blooms for this season and beyond.
Florals: Katie Cooper
Which wedding flower ideas are in demand this season?
Barton Flower Bar: Oversized feature blooms in different pastel shades are always a favourite, with a bespoke and whimsical aesthetic. Plus, trailing ribbon in different colours and textures. The ribbon detail in the past is something that has been overlooked; however it can create such a beautiful contrast and feature.
Katie Cooper Floral Design: There's a real split. Brides are either going modern and classy - white and pastels - or the complete opposite; bold, bright and vibrant! They are opting for more moderate sized bouquets and less for the very oversized, unstructured messy bouquets that were trending last season. Boho luxe weddings opt for dried and foraged materials and large tropical fronds. Sprayed or dyed metallic or coloured materials are also gaining popularity for the bolder bride.
Florals: Katie Cooper
Florist: Barton Flower Bar
What blooms do couples love?
Florals: Barton Flower Bar
BFB: Approximately 50% of our brides request the use of Peony and David Austin roses, they really scream "wedding"! There has been a significant rise in the use of native blooms for bouquets, particularly varieties such as King Proteas, Pink Ice Proteas, Blushing Bride and Flannel Flower. We are really loving using dyed disbud Chrysanthemums at the moment, we've been using these for some time now but our social feeds are now filled with their increased use which is great!
KCFD: Peonies and roses varieties always a fave. Orchids of all types are big this season especially the Phalaenopsis.
What’s inspiring wedding flowers?
BFB: It is all about the social channels these days! I don't think I have met with a bride lately who hasn't shown me an image she found on Instagram. It is so much more affordable than having to buy multiple bridal magazines as in years past. We draw inspiration from other channels and other like-minded creatives such as @hellomaymagazine, @boutierre_girls, @summersfloral and @signaturefloraldesign! We are so fortunate in Canberra to have a really great local cohort of creatives - other florists, cake makers and photographers in particular - following their work is always inspiring!
KCFD: Obviously Meghan and Prince Harry would be the most influential wedding of the year: classic green and white with the styling kept understated and elegant. I myself look toward the American florists for style and inspiration and love that their designs are free-flowing and timeless.
Which florals can we say “goodbye” to; for now at least?
BFB: We don't get many requests for the tight/ball style bouquets or baby’s breath bouquets. In years past we did a lot of "rustic" inspired weddings with multiple varieties of glass vessels and twine-tied features, quite textural and with the use of other elements such as wood. This style has definitely evolved! We recently "retired" our wooden arbour and swing as the demand just wasn't there anymore.
KCFD: "Rustic" and excessive use of foliage seems to be done. Less emphasis on quantity and having blooms everywhere. More on statement pieces where the flowers themselves bring the wow factor.
Aside from the obvious bouquets, how are flowers being incorporated into the big day?
BFB: We prepare floral garlands for most weddings, as well as large elevated table arrangements in stands or suspended ceiling installations. The only real limitation is budget! We love being able to create something unique and different and our favourite brief is no brief at all.
Florist: Katie Cooper
KCFD: As backdrops behind bridal tables with signage and florals, free-standing pillar florals, archways, hanging installations are still on trend, florals on existing venue structures like stair railings and rafters.
Florals: Katie Cooper
What floral styling ideas are you dying to try?
BFB: We are loving tropical leaves at the moment, particularly dried. It sounds odd but check out @looseleaf__ and their amazing installations. We do quite a lot of event styling as well as weddings so to be able to create something with dried robusta palms would be just fabulous!
What are your floral trend predictions for 2019?
BFB: I am predicting an increase in the use of bold colour. Colour blocking, colours en masse, bright reds teamed with blush pinks. We have seen this already but I definitely think it will gain momentum in terms of a "trend".
KCFD: Sleeker classy floral designs. Less about foliage and more flower filled. Lots of orchids!
What’s personally inspiring you in the floral design world right now?
BFB: Spray paint! If I can't get the exact colour pop I need in a flower naturally, using spray paint is such a great alternative. Also marriage equality; this year has just been amazing, it has changed the floristry game. Our client base has obviously expanded, our social feeds have been full of loved up couples tying the knot and there is nothing better than making two bridal bouquets. Finally, tropicals in the form of extra large leaves teamed with bright flowers (particularly orchids) are just phenomenal. They are high impact, they last forever and they photograph so well.
KCFD: Phalenopsis orchids. Dusty, nude-toned roses. And dried palm fronds!