When it comes to wedding florals, there’s a growing appreciation for the artistry and versatility of everlasting botanicals. These high-quality faux florals offer brides and florists the ability to create stunning arrangements that are not only sustainable but also timeless. Aubrey Wood, floral designer and owner of Gracefully Bloomed, shares her insights on working with faux blooms, current trends, and the creative process behind crafting unforgettable wedding bouquets.
A Creative Journey in Florals
For Aubrey, the journey into floristry began as an unexpected passion project. “I had a floral need, which led to a personal project, and I realized how much I loved the craft,” she recalls. Overcoming early self-doubt, she embraced her artistic calling.
“Flowers have essentially become a big personality trait of mine, and I embrace it,” she says. Her whimsical and expressive style often evokes the magic of a fairytale. “I take the information I’m given about a bride’s day and reflect that back in floral form. If the wedding day is a song, flowers are one part of the melody.”
Crafting Unique Bridal Looks
To highlight the versatility of bridal styles, Aubrey recently created three distinct bouquet designs: classic elegance, dramatic flair, and soft romance.
“For the classic white look, I focused on texture and varying tones to make each piece stand out,” she explains. The dramatic bouquet incorporated unexpected elements like cone hydrangeas and berries for bold contrasts. The romantic design was inspired by nature. “I wanted the bouquet to feel like the bride had wandered through a garden, plucking flowers as she went, with organic placement and a cascading design.”
Aubrey’s approach often reimagines traditional florals. “I love working with tulips in unique ways. Taking this classic flower and using it unexpectedly makes it truly elegant.”
Why Everlasting Botanicals?
Aubrey champions faux florals for their beauty and versatility. “They allow brides to achieve any look, regardless of season, weather, or timing,” she says. “Faux florals also promote sustainability and mindful stewardship of the earth, while offering lasting beauty.”
She highlights the practicality for brides: “I’ve had brides use their arrangements for bridal shoots, then their wedding day, and later display them in their home.”
However, she emphasizes quality. “Not all faux florals are created equal. Intentional selection is key to achieving a natural, stunning look. Afloral is my go-to source for consistently impressive options.”
Trends for 2025
Aubrey sees an exciting evolution in wedding florals. “We’re moving away from ‘blush’ and ‘peonies’ dominating everything. Rich, nuanced colors like burgundy, mauve, and ivory are becoming popular.”
She also notes a rise in unique blooms like cone hydrangeas, cosmos, and textured wildflowers. Minimalist arrangements with a focus on single floral types are gaining traction as well. “Florals are increasingly being seen as an art form, a fashion statement, and a talking point. It’s thrilling to create in this space.”
A Timeless Option for Every Bride
Aubrey’s favorite flower, the cosmos, embodies the qualities she loves in her work—movement, texture, and delicate beauty. With everlasting botanicals, she helps brides achieve their dream wedding aesthetics while championing sustainability and creativity.
To brides considering faux florals, she advises working with experienced florists. “Check their portfolio to ensure they’ve successfully worked with quality faux pieces before.” For fellow florists, she encourages exploration. “Discover what’s out there and how you can use it to craft something extraordinary.”
With the right materials and artistry, Aubrey Wood of Gracefully Bloomed is transforming weddings into timeless, sustainable celebrations filled with beauty and love.
