Wildflower Vibes

Bride and bridesmaid bouquets, photographed at Timberlodge by Tomas Flint Photography

Wildflower budvases at The Wedding Barn in Willseyville, Photographed by Kateri Connolly Photography

Bridesmaid bouquets at Timberlodge, photographed by Tomas Flint

Wildflower arrangement, photographed by Black Bantam Florals

Bride and bridesmaid bouquets at Seneca Ridge wedding, photographed by Ali Reed Photography

Bridesmaid bouquets at Silver Queen Farm wedding, photographed by Kateri Connolly Photography

Bridal bouquet at private residence, photographed by Rose Gold Photography

Sweetheart table budvases at 41 Lakefront Hotel wedding, photographed by Black Bantam Florals

Centerpiece at D&K Ranch wedding, photographed by Kateri Connolly Photography

Head table arrangement at Seneca Ridge wedding, photographed by Ali Reed Photography

Aisle flowers at Seneca Ridge wedding, photographed by Ali Reed Photography

Pastel bridal bouquet, photographed by Black Bantam Florals

One of the most common requests I receive is a wildflower-themed wedding, and likely for a good reason: They symbolize the very essence of a wedding ceremony! Wildflowers are said to represent community and connection, love and affection, and joy and remembrance - all the wonderful things we associate with weddings.

So what makes something a "wildflower?" To start, there are specific flowers that I consider your quintessential wildflowers:

• Black-eye Susans

• Daisies

• Goldenrod

• Echinacea

• Cornflower (AKA bachelor buttons)

• Buttercups

• Chive

• Queen Anne's lace

• Loosestrife

• Yarrow

• Flox

• False sunflower

• Butterfly weed

• Grasses

A commonality with all these flowers are that they easily grow in the wild, and are appreciated for their long, thin, and undulating stems.

Then there are the garden-grown flowers that many people associate with with a wildflower vibe:

• Zinnias

• Scabiosa

• Dahlias

• Snapdragons

• Cosmos

• Gomphrena

• Sunflowers

• Lupines

• Clarkia

• Celosia

• Lavender

• Statice

• Larkspur

• Russian Sage

• Delphinium

Blue Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)

Clarkia Elegans

Larkspur

When people ask for a wildflower vibe, I hear that they want arrangements that will feature lots of texture, different shaped and sized flowers, and a little variation in the structure of the arrangements. Structurally, wildflower bouquets can take on a free-form shape (asymmetrical), cascading shape (draping), round shape, or a posy (just a few sprigs of flowers and foliage). Wildflower color palettes can also take on many forms, as there is not a specific color tied to a wildflower (although most times people associate it with golds, reds, whites, pinks, and light purples or blues). Wildflower color palettes can even be monochromatic or duo-chromatic (think a bouquet comprised of daisies, chamomile, buttercups, and white zinnias or cosmos). The key is to have texture achieved through the use of different shaped and sized buds, and a little variation in stem heights. This gives you a "just-picked-from-the-field" kind of look.

Yarrow

Scabiosa

Lupines

Ultimately, a wildflower theme is really great for anyone who likes a little surprise in their arrangements; this style does not limit you to any specific color or ingredient. I think this is a loved style by so many designers because there are no creative limits! The wonder of this style is that you can really use any flowers throughout the growing season, and each arrangement will be unique and beautiful.