New Ways to Style Your Reception Flowers

Not to overwhelm you, but your bouquet is only one element of the wedding flowers equation. If used to their full potential, florals can be the décor inspiration for your entire celebration. We asked three floral designers to create a series of arrangements, from wow-worthy installations to centerpieces and petite bud vases, to inspire your key players.

1. Contemporary Blooms

The team at Surroundings Flowers chose four floral varieties paired together to create a trio of modern and artistic arrangements. As for the color scheme, a punch of tropical green adds vibrancy and freshness to the plum palette. Simple glass vases place the emphasis on the shape of each stem, giving the flowers a sculptural quality.

Great Heights

Addie Juell

The calla lily is the quintessential modern bloom. It's tall and majestic, perfectly suited for towering arrangements that grab your attention. This sophisticated design adds instant intrigue to a ceremony backdrop or large bar.

Swing Low

Addie Juell

"A few flowers can be massed together to make an impact," says floral designer Linh Duong. Big groupings of tightly clustered stems create interesting views from all angles of this centerpiece.

Solo Stem

Addie Juell

A phalaenopsis orchid is striking enough to stand alone. This mini arrangement is ideal for a side table in a lounge or for brightening up the powder room.

2. Eclectic Blooms

Jihyen Crowley from Gotham Florist curated a blend of floral varieties, succulents and fruits to add a surprise factor to these earthy clusters. Soft pinks, pops of burgundy and an array of greens exude a just-picked freshness, while wood vases ground each design.

Floral Fusion

Addie Juell

Unusual components like pomegranates, kumquats and artichokes give this grand arrangement texture and charm. "We love incorporating nonfloral elements into a design," Crowley says.

A Lush Rapport

Addie Juell

Dahlias, peonies and sweet peas live in harmony in this small arrangement. Big-headed blooms are an excellent way to add color to your cocktail hour.

Breath of Fresh Air

Addie Juell

An air plant is the undisputed star here. Its architectural quality offsets the softness of the pink ranunculus. This conversation starter is fitting for a guest book table.

3. Organic Blooms

Taylor Patterson from Fox Fodder Farm mixed together flowers, vines and wild berries to create a wild and foraged style. The palette is moody and full of texture, giving even the smallest bunch of blooms presence. Mismatched vessels with rich patinas and colorful patterns complete this unexpected look.

Unconventional Shapes

Addie Juell

"I left some negative space in the bowl, which helps bring a lightness to an otherwise rich arrangement," Patterson says.

Petals That Pop

Addie Juell

A cluster of like stems makes a statement, especially when fashioned in a unique, petite vase.

Wild Whimsy

Addie Juell

A one-of-a-kind urn is the blueprint for a lush collection of branches, jasmine, scabiosa and berries. The scale and drama of this arrangement is perfect to anchor an escort card table.