Beyond Blooms: Why Foliage is a Must-Have in Your Wedding Floral Arrangements

Foliage is a key element in wedding flower arrangements, bringing texture, depth and colour to bouquets, centerpieces and other floral decorations. In the UK, there is a wide variety of foliage available, from evergreen classics to delicate and ephemeral leaves. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular foliage types used in weddings, their characteristics, and how they can be used to create stunning floral designs.

Evergreens: classic and reliable

Evergreen foliage is a timeless choice for wedding flowers, providing a stable and reliable background for more colourful or intricate blooms. Some of the most popular evergreen foliage in the UK include:

Boxwood: with its small, oval-shaped leaves and dense texture, boxwood is a versatile foliage that can be used to create elegant and refined arrangements. It pairs well with flowers in soft pastel shades, such as roses, hydrangeas or peonies, and works particularly well in winter and early spring weddings.

Eucalyptus: native to Australia, eucalyptus has become a staple in UK weddings thanks to its distinctive aroma and delicate, silvery-blue leaves. Eucalyptus can be used in a variety of ways, from creating cascading garlands to adding a touch of greenery to bouquets and buttonholes. It pairs well with flowers in bright and bold colours, such as sunflowers, dahlias or ranunculus, and is especially popular in summer and autumn weddings.

Ivy: with its trailing vines and glossy leaves, ivy is a classic and romantic choice for weddings. It can be used to create natural and organic arrangements, or to add a touch of whimsy to more formal designs. Ivy pairs well with flowers in shades of white, cream or pink, such as garden roses, peonies or anemones, and is popular in spring and summer weddings.

Seasonal foliage: embracing the beauty of the moment

While evergreens are a reliable choice for any season, using seasonal foliage can add a sense of time and place to your wedding flowers. Some examples of seasonal foliage in the UK include:

Birch: with its slender, white-barked branches and delicate, heart-shaped leaves, birch is a popular choice for winter weddings. It can be used to create a rustic and natural look, or to add a touch of elegance to more formal designs. Birch pairs well with flowers in shades of blue, purple or white, such as hyacinths, muscari or snowdrops.

Ferns: with their delicate, lacy leaves and earthy green colour, ferns are a popular choice for summer and autumn weddings. They can be used to create a wild and bohemian look, or to add a touch of texture and movement to more structured designs. Ferns pair well with flowers in warm and earthy tones, such as dahlias, zinnias or chrysanthemums.

Holly: with its prickly leaves and bright red berries, holly is a classic choice for winter weddings. It can be used to create a festive and cheerful atmosphere, or to add a touch of drama to more minimalist designs. Holly pairs well with flowers in shades of red, green or white, such as roses, amaryllis or carnations.

Shapes and colours: creating depth and contrast

The shape and colour of foliage can play an important role in creating depth and contrast in wedding flower arrangements. Some examples of foliage with distinctive shapes and colours include:

Asparagus fern: with its delicate, needle-like leaves and feathery texture, asparagus fern can add a sense of movement and lightness to floral designs. Its bright green colour pairs well with flowers in shades of pink, purple or blue, such as delphiniums, lavender or hydranger.

Lamb's ear: with its soft, velvety leaves and silvery-grey colour, lamb's ear can add a touch of luxury and texture to wedding flower arrangements. Its unique texture and subtle hue can create a sense of depth and contrast, while its unusual appearance can make it a conversation starter. Lamb's ear pairs well with flowers in shades of pink, purple or peach, such as ranunculus, peonies or sweet peas.

What kind of wedding they work for: setting the tone

Finally, it's worth considering what kind of wedding each foliage type works best for, in terms of setting the tone and atmosphere. Some examples include:

Boxwood and ivy: these classic and timeless evergreens are perfect for creating a refined and elegant atmosphere, making them a great choice for formal and traditional weddings.

Eucalyptus and ferns: these versatile and naturalistic foliage types can create a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere, making them a great choice for outdoor and rustic weddings.

Holly and birch: these seasonal and festive foliage types can create a cheerful and joyful atmosphere, making them a great choice for winter and festive weddings.