Freshly Picked: Choosing Florals That Impress

By: Shelly Archer, Managing Partner

Florals have long been the go-to for bringing life to an event, but modern event floral design is so much more than buds in a vase. Florals (and their stylish counterparts like foliage and decorative accents) help set the tone and tell a story. Whether you’re dreaming up an intimate dinner or a large-scale activation, this guide will help you choose florals that truly impress, no matter the season.

How to Sprout the Best Floral Decor Ideas

If the first question you ask is “What’s your favorite flower?”—pause right there. That route often leads to pricey, out-of-season blooms that don’t align with your goals. Instead, focus on your event’s theme, tone, color palette, and purpose. Then loop in your floral designer to explore what’s fresh, in-season, and budget-friendly.

There’s beauty (and cost savings!) in letting nature do the heavy lifting. Texture, structure, and shape should all play a role whether you’re building lush summer tablescapes or incorporating dried elements in the fall. Let the season inspire without falling back on clichés.

Go-To Floral Tips

My team’s top tip? Don’t overthink it! Flowers are already beautiful. You’re just giving them a stage. Here are a few more:

• Hand-held bouquets: Start with foliage, keep your tallest blooms in the center, and build outward in a spiral for a balanced look.
• Centerpieces: Place fragile blooms in the middle of arrangements to protect them from bumps and movement.
• Abstract pieces: Let the structure and form of the flowers guide the design. Don’t force it; follow the natural lines.

Pro Tip: A pin frog is a favorite for delicate designs. It holds stems exactly where you want them, no floral foam or filler required.

Real Events with Big Floral Energy

Want proof that florals can enhance an entire event? Here are a few examples where flowers set the tone and created immersive guest experiences:

A Holiday Party Reinvented

Instead of traditional red-and-green, one client’s employee holiday party embraced twinkle trees, pine accents, and gorgeous floral touches throughout the building to completely transform the familiar space.

 

Monsters & Martinis at Paramount Studios

Halloween got a stylish twist with a “classy monsters and martinis” theme. Thoughtful floral vessels and moody blooms created a perfectly eerie-meets-elegant atmosphere.

Pampas Perfection at Mastro’s Beverly Hills

Guests were welcomed with dramatic pampas arrangements at the entrance. A restaurant entryway can provide a royal welcome with the right florals.

Special shoutout to Orla Flowers, one of our beloved LA vendors whose studio was affected by the wildfires. Supporting local artists like her is always in season.

Go Beyond the Bloom

Flowers will always have their place, but they’re just the beginning. Pampas grass, branches, moss, succulents, and even dried fruit can offer a multi-sensory, textural experience. These elements work especially well in off-season months when fresh flowers are harder to source (or budget for).

Look at florals as just one layer in a larger visual story. Think vines climbing a structure, dried elements cascading from the ceiling, or foliage-wrapped signage. Let the decor feel like part of the environment: natural, fluid, and photo-ready.

What’s In (and Out) in Floral Trends

Currently loving…

• Trailing centerpieces that run the length of long king’s tables. These are ideal for summer outdoor dinners and creating that single statement moment your guests can’t stop photographing.

On the way out…

• Bud vases. Unless you’re visiting Grandma, skip ‘em. There are more creative ways to make a budget stretch (e.g., thrifting and reusing vases and containers) without scaling back the impact.

Seasonal swaps…

• Spring: Skip pastels; try curly willow, moss, and structured shapes.
• Summer: Maximize the space with oversized florals and lush greenery.
• Fall: Incorporate dried fruit, rough textures, pampas (my fave), and moody palettes instead of just orange and brown.
• Winter: Think branches and architectural elements, not just pinecones and poinsettias.

Event Floral Design That Speaks Your Brand Language

When it comes to brand activations and corporate events, floral design isn’t just pretty arrangements, it’s alignment. My advice?

• Start with brand colors and tone as your foundation.
• Use seasonal florals for cost-efficiency (and better freshness).
• Consider the venue, time of day, and how arrangements will photograph.
• Always ask the right questions to ensure the flowers reflect the brand, not distract from it.

Event floral design is a statement. A mood. A memory. Whether it’s trailing roses at an alfresco dinner or a pampas-lined entrance to a rooftop soirée, the key is making intentional, seasonal choices that support your overall event goals. Want help choosing florals that fit your event’s goals and your budget? We’ve got ideas blooming year-round. 🌿