As far back as ancient civilizations, wedding flowers have been used to ward off evil spirits, symbolize fertility and encourage new beginnings. During the Victorian era, “floriography” became a popular practice in weddings, with specific flowers carrying specific meanings – for example, orange blossoms representing purity and roses symbolizing love.
Nowadays, many engaged couples want florals that are contemporary and fresh, but still have that nod to tradition, values and symbolism. So how can you translate this wish list into beautiful wedding florals, and how soon should you start planning? Area florists shared thoughts about what to expect from your wedding florist, as well as what meaningful trends are currently happening in the world of wedding flowers.
Erica Luce, lead designer and owner of Flourish Flower Company, 2413 Denver Drive, said that for wedding flowers, all old things are coming back. Trends that were popular a generation ago are now seeing a resurgence in popularity, such as dried florals, bohemian vibes and oversized, cascading bridal bouquets.
True Colors Floral opened in 1993, and owner Jamie Patarozzi purchased the business in 2020 and later relocated it to 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza in downtown Springfield. She and her team said they are seeing bridal parties ask for garden-style bouquets that focus on a wild, unstructured look, rather than perfectly symmetrical arrangement. Think of hand-tied bouquets with mixed blooms and greenery such as eucalyptus, peonies and garden roses, creating a more natural and organic aesthetic.
Other unique and special ways to incorporate florals into your wedding design are arches, installations and incorporating unexpected blooms or plants. Luce said flower arches are a contemporary throwback that make your wedding feel special and your photographs remarkable. Patarozzi agreed, adding that a floral arch can make for a stunning ceremony backdrop.
Another trend popping up is floral installations. True Colors has incorporated hanging florals, or blooms suspended from the ceiling, in order to create a dramatic atmosphere. A recent issue of Brides Magazine noted that some couples are opting to order flower installations for unexpected places, such as between tablescapes, or even in the restrooms. These large-scale floral art pieces are an aesthetic way to make your special day even more memorable.
According to Brides Magazine, unexpected greenery is a trend for 2025. Some couples are opting to layer potted plants along the aisles or in corners of reception areas – sort of like a pop-up container garden of florals or even houseplants. Patarozzi agreed that the unexpected can feel very fresh, for example, popping succulents into boutonnieres and tablescapes.
A charming way to incorporate your family members and guests is to toss out the idea of the traditional bouquet toss during the reception. Rather than throwing a bouquet to guests who hope to catch it and be next on the wedding list, Luce said there is a sweet, new practice of gifting a special bouquet to the couple in the room that has been married the longest.
So what advice do area florists offer for couples planning a wedding in central Illinois? First of all, lock down your timeline and consider the season you’d like to be married in. According to Luce, September and October are the new June as far as weddings are concerned, and so if you wish to host your wedding during the peak fall season, plan ahead.
As soon as you book your venue, it’s time to see your florist. Nine months ahead is a good rule of thumb for those considering busy season weddings. Patarozzi added that even though you may be doing the planning in winter, consider the season when the wedding will be held. Working with seasonal flowers not only makes the process easier but also ensures that the flowers will be at their peak, both in terms of beauty and availability. Plus, seasonal blooms tend to be more budget-friendly, as they’re readily available. For instance, peonies are stunning in the spring, while dahlias are perfect for late summer and fall weddings.
Regardless of the timing or your wedding or budget, work with a local florist to help design a look that will be right for you and your special day.
Pamela Savage is a freelance writer living in Springfield.
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This article appears in The Wedding Issue 2025.
