Fall wedding season is upon us. To find out fall’s most popular trends, I reached out to Viviano Flower Shop, considered metro Detroit’s high-end florist.
For almost 90 years, Viviano Flower Shop has been synonymous with breathtaking elegant floral creations, enhancing thousands of weddings with their designs. Cecilia Viviano, Viviano’s marketing and product development manager, tells me of the family florist’s humble Detroit beginnings: her great-grandfather, Cecilia shares, “used a cigar box as his cash register, and delivered flowers by taking city buses!”
Viviano’s buys directly from farms, so their flowers never spend time at a wholesaler.
“It’s all about creating a lasting legacy of loyalty and goodwill among our patrons,” Cecilia expresses. “Because we love them.”
Cecilia sits me down with Viviano’s wedding manager Hilary Gilmore and wedding sales consultant Kim Viviano. I start by asking the pair what brides are going for this fall season.
“More of a low-key, intimate wedding,” Kim says, “like weekday ceremonies and restaurant receptions.”
I assume low-key wedding means informal designs. Kim says that’s not the case: they’re seeing ‘classic minimalist sophistication.’ I wonder what that looks like.
“Clean lines,” Kim explains. “Understated elegance. Tablescapes with sleek vases and single-statement blooms, or groupings of monochromatic botanical floral pieces. This really showcases the natural beauty. Less is more.”
I’m curious about lighting: are couples keeping that simple too? Hilary says they are.
“String lighting, twinkle lighting, bistro lighting,” she lists. Floating, pillar, and tapered candles are also huge trends. They create a romantic ambiance.”
Hilary also says adding in fruit, moss, or other unexpected textures “draws your eye to the florals.”
So, what are the trendy design styles? Kim cites Modern Minimalist: “mono-botanical arrangements in bud vases and candles.” which she says puts the focus on the simplicity of the blooms. She also mentions Classic Romance, which she calls “timeless.”
Hilary offers up Boho Chic— “we incorporate dried and bleached floral”—and Rustic Elegance, which, when she explains it, hits me as trés cool: “wood slabs, whiskey barrels, other rustic accents like that to support our floral designs.”
To personalize their theme, brides often bring in their own containers to create a specific vibe or use engagement photos on guest tables or a welcome area. Hilary also says creating a sense of closeness is popular, with communal-style seating and a captain's table with low floral arrangements.
So does the simplicity trend extend to floral containers? Hilary says there, the trend is earth-friendliness: “Sustainable, eco-friendly containers—that’s in vogue,” Hilary reports. If that inspires you, Hilary suggests mixing containers and arrangements instead of matching them, and using herbs and branches for rustic charm and authenticity.
On to the flowers themselves: which varieties complement this trend of understated elegance? Hilary says roses and hydrangeas are popular all year, but “we’re also seeing dahlias and sunflowers.” Kim adds gladiolas, zinnias, and yarrow to that trending list.
I wonder how couples are incorporating flowers into their overall wedding decor. “We’ve seen hedges on tables, hanging installations, flower walls," Kim says. She also says airy, dimensional hand-tied bouquets, and bridal cascades that create a natural, trailing effect, are what’s most requested right now. “Charms, rosaries, or heirlooms can be incorporated too,” she mentions.
Let’s consider color palettes.
“Peach Fuzz is the Pantone color of the year,” Hilary informs me. “The light fruity tone conjures peace and serenity.”
The peach originated in China, where the color also represents immortality—apropos for commemorating forever love.
Hilary suggests pairing Peach Fuzz with earthy browns and nudes; deep reds and plums for a dramatic effect; or blue for a fresh, modern feel.
I understand the appeal of clean simplicity. But what if I want my wedding to dazzle?
“2024 is also all about the return of bold and vibrant color,” Kim replies. “Rich jewel tones to playful neon.”
As examples, Hilary offers up vibrant shades like copper and deep greens. “They add understated luxury,” she says. She also lists sunset colors: “they complement the fall evenings.”
If you’ve already got a color scheme and budget, Kim says Viviano’s can find you “the most beautiful varieties within your range. We’re always testing new varieties in each color.”
Hilary advises couples to keep an open mind during the initial consultation, because floral pricing can fluctuate wildly depending on variety and design. “For example,” Hilary says, “a peach garden rose can range from $2 to $9.” Their job is to turn a couple’s expectations into reality within their budget.
It’s a lot to think about. That’s why Kim suggests planning wedding flower six months to a year in advance: “It’s never too early to start planning the wedding of your dreams.”
For more info, or to start planning your dream wedding, visit weddings.viviano.com
“Peach Fuzz is the Pantone color of the year…2024 is all about the return of bold and vibrant color."
"Simplicity of lighting: string lighting, twinkle lighting and bistro lighting creates a romantic ambiance in any venue. Candles, candles and more candles! Floating candles, pillar, and tapered candles are huge trends."