2023 Wedding Flower Trends

As wedding specialists at Blossoms & Bouquets, we're constantly monitoring the evolution of bridal floristry to bring our couples the freshest ideas and styles. The world of wedding flowers is ever-changing, influenced by broader design trends, seasonal availability, and shifting values. Here's our guide to the floral trends shaping UK weddings in 2023.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Perhaps the most significant shift we've witnessed in recent years is the move toward more environmentally conscious wedding flowers, which has only accelerated in 2023.

Locally Grown, Seasonal Blooms

More couples are choosing flowers grown within the UK, often sourced from small, specialist growers within a short distance of their venue. This approach reduces the carbon footprint of wedding flowers and supports local businesses. It also means embracing truly seasonal blooms rather than imported varieties available year-round.

Foam-Free Designs

Floral foam (often known by the brand name Oasis) has long been the standard medium for creating wedding arrangements, but its microplastic composition makes it environmentally problematic. In 2023, we're seeing a significant shift toward foam-free mechanics. Our florists are using chicken wire, recyclable containers, and other sustainable methods to create stunning arrangements without environmental harm.

Dried and Preserved Elements

Including dried flowers, grasses, and preserved elements alongside fresh blooms extends the life of arrangements and reduces waste. Many couples are now keeping portions of their wedding flowers as keepsakes, appreciating both the sentimental and environmental benefits of this approach.

Color Palettes: Sophistication and Warmth

The color stories defining 2023 weddings reflect a desire for both sophistication and emotional warmth.

Monochromatic with Texture

Single-color schemes with variations in tone and lots of textural interest are creating elegant, cohesive looks. White-on-white remains timeless, but we're also seeing this approach with dusty rose, sage green, and deep burgundy palettes.

Terracotta and Earth Tones

Warming earth tones continue to gain popularity, with terracotta, ochre, and clay shades creating a grounded, organic feel. These colors work beautifully with natural materials like wood, linen, and stone, creating a harmonious overall aesthetic.

Dopamine Brights

For couples seeking joy and exuberance, vibrant color combinations are making a comeback. After years of muted palettes dominating, we're seeing more celebrations embrace vivid pinks, electric blues, and sunshine yellows, often tempered with neutral elements for balance.

Arrangement Styles: Natural and Architectural

The aesthetics of wedding florals in 2023 are moving in two distinct but complementary directions.

Wild and Garden-Inspired

The naturalistic, "just-picked" style continues to evolve, with arrangements that appear to have been gathered from a particularly abundant cottage garden. These designs celebrate the natural shapes and movements of flowers, with asymmetry and trailing elements creating a romantic, effortless feel.

Sculptural Statements

At the other end of the spectrum, we're creating more architectural installations that function as art pieces within the wedding space. These might include suspended floral clouds, geometric structures adorned with blooms, or freestanding floral walls that serve as both decoration and photo backdrops.

Meadow-Like Ceremony Spaces

Rather than traditional floral arches, many couples are opting for ceremony settings that evoke wildflower meadows. Low arrangements that appear to grow from the ground create an immersive experience that feels natural and deeply romantic.

Bouquet Trends: Personal and Practical

Bridal bouquets are becoming both more individual and more functional in 2023.

Smaller, More Detailed Bouquets

After years of oversized, sprawling bouquets, we're seeing a return to more moderately sized arrangements that are easier to carry throughout the day. These smaller bouquets often feature more intricate detailing and carefully considered compositions.

Single-Flower Impact

Some brides are choosing bouquets featuring just one type of flower in abundance — perhaps a mass of garden roses, peonies, or ranunculus. This creates a bold, contemporary statement while maintaining a classic elegance.

Fragrance Focus

More couples are considering the sensory experience of their wedding flowers, prioritizing scented varieties like garden roses, sweet peas, stocks, and herbs. A fragrant bouquet creates lasting olfactory memories of the day.

Tablescapes: Integrated and Immersive

Reception flowers are becoming more integrated with other table elements for a cohesive dining experience.

Floral Runners with Fine Dining Elements

Low, meandering arrangements running the length of tables are being interspersed with tapered candles, delicate glassware, and small vessels holding individual stems. This creates an abundant feel while still allowing conversation to flow easily across tables.

Edible Elements

Blurring the line between decoration and dining, many arrangements now incorporate fruits, herbs, and edible flowers that complement the menu. This approach feels abundant and thoughtful, reducing waste while adding visual interest.

Bud Vase Collections

Groupings of small vessels holding just a few stems create delicate, detailed looks that can be easily repurposed as guest favors at the end of the celebration.

Beyond Flowers: Complementary Elements

Wedding florals are increasingly being complemented by other natural elements that add depth and interest.

Abundant Foliage

Greenery continues to be a significant component of wedding designs, with interesting varieties like ferns, eucalyptus, hosta leaves, and grasses playing starring roles rather than merely supporting the flowers.

Botanical Accessories

Beyond the usual boutonnieres and corsages, we're creating more floral jewelry, hair adornments, and even floral dog collars for four-legged wedding participants!

Potted Plants and Growing Gifts

Living plants as centerpieces or favors are gaining popularity, offering longevity and sustainability. Herbs, succulents, and small flowering plants in beautiful containers make meaningful keepsakes.

Planning Your 2023 Wedding Flowers

If you're in the process of planning your wedding flowers for 2023 or beyond, here are our key recommendations:

1. Book early - With many 2020-2021 weddings rescheduled due to the pandemic, florists are busier than ever.
2. Be open to alternatives - Supply chain issues may affect certain flower varieties, so flexibility is key.
3. Consider your values - Whether sustainability, local sourcing, or dramatic impact is most important to you, communicate this clearly to your florist.
4. Think seasonally - Working with what's naturally available at your wedding time will give you the best quality and value.
5. Plan for afterlife - Consider how your flowers might be repurposed after the celebration, whether donated to a local care home or dried as keepsakes.

At Blossoms & Bouquets, our wedding consultations involve a thorough discussion of your vision, style references, and practical considerations. We guide you through the possibilities while keeping your budget and priorities at the forefront of our recommendations.