What trends should you expect to see in floral this year? Expect the unexpected. With our culture having a shift toward self-love, embracing personal uniqueness and finally becoming the true boss babe you are, the floral industry is, in its own floral way, following suit. The floral trends for 2018 are reinventive, sometimes a little offbeat and organic.

Bold Colors

Saturated hues are no stranger to the floral industry, but they are making a big splash on the 2018 scene. You will see these bold and vibrant colors come to life in the spring and summer months, when the most variety of flowers flourish. Bold colors embody happiness, making it the perfect trend to follow in 2018 for “just because” and “get well” occasions.

Organic Shape

Nature is imperfect, and that’s what makes it perfect for the natural aesthetic that we will see a lot more of this year. This trend relies on the movement and flow of the flower stems. Some flowers have structure, like a rose, while some lack it, like celosia. Whatever that build may be for that flower, this trend respects it, highlights it and uses it to give character to the floral design.

Mix and Match

Nature has provided us with a plethora of colors, textures, scents and shapes within the floral realm. This year, you will see an abundance of mixing and matching these different elements in new ways. This plays into the overarching theme of reinventing and doing the unexpected. Though mixed elements are a fundamental aspect of all floral design, 2018’s trend is taking the traditional standards and norms and turning them upside down, or at least sideways.

Container Game

One of the hottest trends for this year focuses on the container. The vase in which is used to display a bouquet is another outlet for expression. Think of the flowers as the stars of the show and the container as the well-set stage. Without a great set, actors may not shine as much; this is true for flowers as well. The container can set a mood, style or even play into the occasion for which the flowers are being arranged. Don’t be afraid to get a little wild with this trend and express yourself!

Globally Inspired

According to International Floral Distributors (IFD), Mediterranean and French inspired designs will be most popular in 2018. Mediterranean influences lend to vibrant colors with rustic flair. French-influenced designs focus on delicate colors, typically of purple or pink hues and play into the sense of romance.

Overall, the trends of 2018 are unexpected, playful and inspirational. Whether the arrangements are bold, organically driven, in a strong container, element focused or globally inspired, the floral trends this year are rockin’ individualism, and that is something worth celebrating.

Julia Hisey, is the Marketing Coordinator for Eastern Floral. Her favorite flower is a dahlia and she prefers a more organic feel to her floral designs. She’s been in Grand Rapids, Michigan for eight years and most enjoys the parks and beer.