There’s no questioning that white at weddings will stick around for a long time to come, but Jade from Jade McIntosh Flowers is here to explain why a push towards moodier, darker tones in wedding florals is a trend on the rise and one to stay!

Typically, weddings are all about white – the dreamy floor-length bridal gowns in ivory lace, creamy satins and tulle. Not to mention the white chairs, natural linens and crystal accents, big, fluffy bunches of alabaster garden roses, and decadent statement cakes finished off with smooth layers of pearl frosting. There is something undeniably timeless and elegant about these heavenly hues, which is why they’ve been the go-to for couples for decades. White is simply stunning and it will always be popular, but for those who like to buck tradition from time to time (like us!), we suggest spinning the colour wheel and considering something darker, moodier.

Bouquet by Bloodwood Botanica from Blush & Black Wedding Ideas With An Industrial Twist / Image by Tenille Fink

We implore you not to discount the creative potential of the 50+ shades of black, actually. It may sound odd and go against everything you’ve ever imagined when it comes to celebrating your special day, but this monochromatic palette can be just as, if not more, striking, romantic and memorable. Black doesn’t have to be exact or limiting, and it’s so much fun to experiment with – think rich charcoals, deep purples and burgundies, steel greys, and brilliant emeralds!

Bouquet by Jade McIntosh Flowers / Image by Hungry Hearts Co

In reality, there are no truly black flowers or foliage, but there are lots of naturally dark ones. Chocolate cosmos, eggplant-colored calla lilies, maroon dahlias, black-centred anemones, and purply-red cordyline leaves, for example, look like they’ve been plucked straight from a mystical, fairy-tale world. Incorporating these showstoppers into bouquets and other floral elements effortlessly transports everyone at a wedding to somewhere just as special and enchanted.

Bouquets by Jade McIntosh Flowers / Image by Nathan Lapham

Bouquet by Jade McIntosh Flowers / Image by Bec Peterson

Florists can also manipulate the colouring of some flowers and foliage for your big day, like the delicate edges of these luxe magenta phalaenopsis orchids that we gently sprayed with black. We’re just obsessed with how they turned out in Kelly’s arrangement photographed by Bec Peterson – wild, unstructured and dripping in drama! They were complemented by pops of pineapple-shaped blue sea holly, cherry red amaranth and cotoneaster berry, and antique-looking toffee Colombian roses too. A couple of shimmering gold anthurium leaves were the perfect finishing touch.

Bouquet by Crimson Wedding Flowers from Emilia & Dale’s Stunning Queenstown Elopement / Image by Lauren Campbell Photography

About Jade McIntosh Flowers: Jade McIntosh Flowers is a wedding and events florist with over twenty years’ experience, servicing Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast. Our style is boho, luxe, wild, organic, rustic, and modern, and we love experimenting and trying new techniques – but more than that, we love creating florals that bring your vision to life! We work closely with you to create beautiful and bespoke arrangements, tailored to your brief.

Header Image: Keegan Cronin