Maximalist Wedding Flowers: Stunning Ideas For Taking Design To The Extreme

You’ve probably heard the term ‘maximalism’ used to describe a style of interior design. Rooted in the ‘more is more’ philosophy, this approach to decorating the home is marked by bold colors, mixed patterns, and a play with scale. It’s joyful, dramatic, and emotional all at the same time – everything you want to feel on the day you get married. This got us thinking – we are used to hearing the term ‘minimalist’ applied to wedding flowers and decor. But what about the opposite end of the design spectrum where the sky’s the limit (literally and figuratively)?

Looking back, we’ve had the pleasure of decorating for weddings that fall in the category of ‘maximalism’ with floral designs taking center stage, commanding attention with exuberant palettes and out-of-the box styling. Approaching a ‘go big’ aesthetic can be tricky though. While we said there are no rules, it’s good to have angle when you start planning. Do you want a kaleidoscope color scheme? Explosive texture? Or artistic displays of proportion? From chuppahs and floral archways to centerpieces and tablescapes, here are stunning ideas for using maximalist wedding flowers on your special day.

Color Me Happy
The most obvious way to start a discussion about maximalist wedding flowers is with color. Bright and undeniably beautiful, a vibrant scheme enlivens any setting (casual and formal) from a charming Brooklyn stoop to a grand reception hall. Start by thinking about your favorite colors in combination with your venue, season that you’re getting married, and desired aesthetic. An at-home ceremony featuring a flourishing backdrop of airy pastel blossoms captures spring’s romantic side. A ‘living’ installation with every flower in the garden encapsulates fairytale bliss. Opulent drama radiates from every petal of a soaring high centerpiece layered in jewel tones of ruby, garnet, amethyst, amber, sapphire, and emerald.

White Floral Fantasy
So you’ve had your heart set on an all white wedding from day one, but still want to tear open the envelope when it comes to decor and styling. For a maximalist take on white flowers, combine various types of blooms with distinctive textures and petal shapes along with surprising accents. A show-stopping manzanita tree centerpiece adorned with crisp Phalaenopsis orchids, hydrangeas, and Tibet roses illuminated by hanging bubbles allures with modern enchantment. Say ‘I Do’ under a mesmerizing Lucite chuppah wrapped with boundless white blossoms from top to bottom. Make your first dance one for the books by twirling beneath a canopy of cascading florals and greenery.

High-Impact Neutrals
In the floral design and styling playbook, ‘neutral’ and ‘understated’ are thought to be bedfellows. This isn’t always the case. In fact, a neutral palette, similar to all white, defies expectation when components such as texture, unique proportions, and gilded elements are emphasized. Put a glamorous twist on boho style with a jaw-dropping tabletop bedecked with posh gold stands bursting with blush and soft peach roses, hydrangeas, and feathery pampas grass stems. We are happy to say that planted aisle ways are here to stay – mix dried natural elements and sunset yellow and orange hued blooms with Lucite ‘ghost chairs’ to create a ceremony atmosphere of ethereal wonderment. A reception scene laid out with sumptuous pale pink, ivory, and white florals, crystal candelabras, and gilded dinnerware encapsulates Parisian charm and grace.

Cultivated Abundance
Just because the tenet of maximalism is ‘more is more’ doesn’t mean your wedding flowers can’t have a tailored look. The key is to combine abundant blooms with traditional designs, elegant decor elements, and curated color schemes. The classic high, rounded centerpiece gets a makeover with a fire-work display of dahlias, roses, ranunculuses, cosmos, anemones, marigolds, amaranthus, astilbes, snapdragons, poms, pampas grass, and greenery set atop a gold harlow stand. Tame a ‘secret garden’ reception atmosphere with a perfectly executed tablescape of white, blue, and lime hued hydrangeas set in patterned vases accented by glowing taper candles. A square archway composed of olive branches, ivy, eucalyptus, ruscus, and lemon leaf embellished with soft colored roses, hydrangeas, stock, dahlias, peonies, and hanging amaranthus conveys an ambiance of organic romanticism.

Wild At Heart
We love the ‘living’ wedding decor trend that has blown up on Instagram and Pinterest over the past few seasons. These designs are noted for their ‘wild’ and untouched appearance where florals and greenery seem to be growing right out of the ground. Styling strategies such as asymmetry, graceful proportions, sculptural forms, and an artistic use of color are employed so flowers don’t look random and messy, but rather give off a ‘special event’ impression. Paint a picture of floral ecstasy with a breathtaking weddingscape centered around an archway of dreamy pastel roses, baby’s breath, chysanthemums, and pampas grass accented by natural greenery. Ground an overflowing, whimsical centerpiece of watercolor hued blossoms with colored taper candles, gauzy linens, and fancy dinnerware. Plan to meet your soulmate in an intimate, hidden garden inspired installation bursting with maple foliage and vine greenery adorned with cappuccino and punch-pink colored roses and light tangerine dahlias.

Brilliant, effervescent, and individual, maximalist design reflects the style and personality of the person (or couple) behind it. It’s no wonder that this expressive, hold-nothing-back aesthetic translates to wedding flowers so perfectly. Not only beautiful, your big day blooms should be a celebration of the love and emotion that is only felt when you get married.