FLORAL FLAIR
A peek at this year’s blooming wedding flower trends.
WRITTEN BY NATASHA BOURLIN
PHOTOS BY GAGEWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Sandy Rose has seen a veritable rainbow of palette trends in her 22 years in the floral industry, but the traditional white wedding is back in full force, declares the owner of Petal to the Metal floral studio. The hue has been requested about 40 percent more this year over last.
With a moniker that’s suited to her edgy business, Rose worked with flower farmers, wholesalers, and over-the-top Las Vegas event companies before opening her own shop three years ago in Sparks, Nev. She’s seen wedding trends take about five years to cycle through fully.
For instance, in 2015, Marsala was dubbed the color of the year by the trend forecasters at the Pantoneâ Color Institute. Rose still is seeing the burgundy hue on couples’ wish lists, though green is being requested more this year; Greenery is 2017’s color of the year.
Rose prides herself on being among those innovative florists who create the trends by pushing creative boundaries with their arrangements, using a combination of artistry and expertise.
“Come [to your florist meeting] with your vision, but also come prepared to trust my artistic interpretation of your vision,” Rose advises.
Bouquets are trending down this year — literally, as in cascading in a teardrop fashion from the bride’s hands. They’re striking in photos, Rose says.
However, the pricey and lengthy process of preserving bouquets is a dying trend. Rose suggests putting the $500-plus it costs toward a better photographer, as photos are the ultimate keepsake.
Themed weddings are huge for 2017. She’s had theme requests for everything from baseball to sci-fi, Alice in Wonderland, and Game of Thrones. These make the wedding a bit more playful, for both the vendors and the guests.
The biggest trend she’s seen for 2017?
“Refined bohemian,” Rose says.
Planners and couples seek lots of greenery to create a foraged look with a touch of structure.
“Refined is a big word this year, along with classic and romantic,” Rose says.
