Tying the knot under a canopy of palms, sunset pictures post-ceremony, and hibiscus cocktails are all perfect components of a tropical fête. It’s no wonder that beach wedding bouquets featuring tropical florals and greenery have stuck around the last several years: They exude effortlessly laid-back vibes only designs composed of brightly colored florals and leafy greens can. “Tropical arrangements give a more free-spirited mood to a wedding,” says florist LaParis Phillips.
Meet the Expert
LaParis Phillips is the owner and lead designer of Brooklyn Blooms, a floral boutique in New York.
So why should someone consider tropical florals for their wedding, especially when it comes to bouquets? For one, the wow factor is second to none. “Someone should consider a tropical bouquet because they are less traditional and can be super funky depending on the types of flowers that are used,” says Phillips. Out-of-the-box designs are definitely going to catch the eye of your guests, and you can actually do more with less, depending on the flowers you select.
The best wedding style to suit a tropical bouquet is a boho theme or, the obvious: A beach wedding! There are a variety of ways to enhance the overall design with a bouquet full of vibrant colors and unique flowers. “Phalaenopsis Orchids, Birds of Paradise, and Pin Cushion Protea are all typical choices when it comes to tropical wedding bouquets. The more unique Oncidium Orchids, Heliconia, and Bromeliad are great options as well,” encourages Phillips. “Each flower brings a vibe and aesthetic on its own, and has its own assets.”
While tropical destinations are known for their lush vegetation, you don’t have to have a destination wedding in order to incorporate tropical florals into the bouquets of the day.
Ready for some colorful inspiration? Here are 18 ways to use tropical flowers in your beach wedding bouquet.
Layer King Protea With Greenery
Consisting of king protea, palm leaves, and ferns, this tropical wedding bouquet is bursting with life—and we love the contrast of the white flowers against lush greenery, imitating a tropical rainforest vibe.
Go For Greens
If you want to seriously up the lushness game of your tropical bouquet, considering focusing on the greenery over the florals. Layer multiple types of tropical greenery (like palms and ferns) for a cascading effect—then add in a small pop of blooms to accent the look.
Use Ginger Flowers
Unique and quintessentially tropical, ginger flowers give off that kind of effortlessly cool vibe. Initially pink and white, the blooms turn yellow and white as they mature over time. Combine ginger flowers with palm leaves and even an orchid or two for a breathtaking design.
Wow With Pops of Color
One way to ensure that you thread your tropical theme throughout the entire wedding day is to opt for a bouquet blooming with bright colors—oranges, yellows, and pinks—set against a backdrop of deep greenery.
Mix Up the Leaves
Oftentimes you’ll notice the inclusion of at least one type of leafy green in a bouquet meant for the tropics. Focus on layers by incorporating a number of different types of leaves, from fan palms to monstera.
Focus on Anthurium
Flamingo flower, laceleaf, and taliflower are three different names for the same stunning flower. Historically used as an accent flower for bouquets, its glossy patina and unique leaf shape can create a dynamic look in a variety of colors such as green, pink, white, red, and orange.
Change It Up
For a modern take on the traditionally bright-colored tropical bouquet, opt for a dramatic all-white bridal bouquet. Get creative: Paint leaves and ferns to match the white hue to keep everything sleek and sophisticated.
Go Big
Take things over the top with a larger-than-life bouquet. We love the contrast of a simple and sleek bridal look with an extravagant bouquet teeming with big blooms.
Combine With the Classics
This bride’s bouquet featured classic wedding blooms like roses, anemones, and peonies alongside tropical-inspired flowers such as orchids and anthurium for a tasteful combination that’s playful and elegant.
Bring the Drama
When it comes to weddings, the only kind of drama we’re interested in is, well, the drama of floral design. A lush tropical bouquet can easily go from demure to dramatic with the right blooms: we love giant protea, ginger flowers, and any sort of tropical leaf base for a sure-fire way to keep things interesting!
Talk to your floral designer about creating a unique shape for your overall bouquet design for an extra special touch of the unexpected, a little bit of drama of its own.
Pair Green With White
We can make a case for the combination of green and white bouquets for almost any wedding style (and season), and a tropical fete is no exception. “I think by bringing in various textures such as different types of white flowers, and perhaps finding green leaves with touches of white in them such as the galaxy leaves will definitely help break up the monotony and keep it from being boring,” shares Phillips.
Bring Out the Bougainvillea
Typically located in their natural habitat as a bush (or if on the larger side a tree), bougainvillea’s vibrant pink hue simply screams “tropical.” Woven amongst other tropical flowers and leaves, you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression with the ideal choice when it comes to a pop of pink.
Choose Local Blooms
Planning a destination wedding in a tropical locale? Capitalize on your opportunity to showcase flowers indigenous to the area for a display of beauty and nod to your chosen location.
Draw Attention to the Center
Choose a singular statement bloom and let the leaves fall where they may! Start with a flower that really packs a punch, like protea or a handful of orchids, and select accent flowers and leaves that complete its shape and color palette. Perfect for whether you go big or small!
Choose a Truly Unique Flower
For a bloom like birds of paradise, tropical inspiration is in the name! “Birds of Paradise are really cool for giving a bouquet a nice modern and funky shape,” says Phillips. Whether you incorporate only a single stem or opt for a full bouquet, the bright orange petals and unique shape (they literally look like the full-feathered head of an exotic bird) will undoubtedly take things to the next level.
Make a Statement
When it comes to bridesmaids, keep things simple and sweet but with posies composed of tropical statement flowers and leaves. For this Palm Springs wedding, bridesmaids carried a single white protea surrounded by greenery for a refreshing take on tropical design.
Choose the Right Leaves
Palm leaves and the like naturally come to mind when you think of the tropics. Get creative with a variety of leaves incorporated throughout your bouquet. There are enough varieties that you’ll be able to easily find what brings the right texture, shape, and colors to a bouquet no matter how big or small.
Create a More Structured Shape
A tropical wedding can often exude a laid back sensibility, from the wedding dress to the reception table centerpieces, especially if you’re tying the knot close to the shore. Bring a sense of refinement to the day by embracing a more structured bouquet design. Create a shape with sharp lines out of protea, monstera leaves, and fern for a breathtaking display on floral design.