Wedding Flower Ideas Inspired by Nature

A trailing bundle of succulents, tumbleweeds, and grasses will set the scene on arid aisles from Arizona to Morocco. Here, the plants are played up with white agrostemma and daisylike Japanese anemones, and then bound with a slim leather wrap. For an added pop of color, consider adding cactus blooms, or tuck in a few quail feathers for texture.

M&J Trimming Ultrasuede tape in 5mm and 15mm (mjtrim.com). Plumes n’ Feathers Reeves plumage (plumesnfeathers.com).

Highlight the laid-back, sand-washed feel of an oceanside wedding with flowers that look like they were plucked right from the dunes. On this page, stems of feathery astilbes, creamy dinner plate dahlias, and pale purple gomphrena are arranged in sea-glass-colored vases, while ornamental oregano spills from large conchs on a shell-strewn table.

Assorted shells from Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies (jamaligarden.com) and Sea Shell City (seashellcity.com). Vases are vintage; try eBay or Etsy.com.

Cement your Caribbean-queen status with breathtaking exotic blossoms. This vibrant arrangement makes the most of purple brassia and yellow odontocidium orchids, purple beautyberry, lavender tillandsia, and variegated tradescantia. After your vows, display it in a vase at the reception.

Mokuba New York silk satin ribbon #40000, 38mm, color #53, (212-869-8900).

No, you’re not looking at a still-life painting -- though that’s exactly what inspired this bountiful centerpiece. Just like the work of a Dutch Master, the warm jewel tones of the parrot tulips, hydrangeas, dahlias, and clematis add rich color, while viburnum berries, juicy grapes, snaking cucumber vines, and spiky grasses create abundance. In a rustic setting, it’s guaranteed to wow.

Ted Muehling Collection “Biedermeier” candlesticks (from erbutler.com). Royal Crown Derby “Tiepolo” dinner plates and “Chelsea Garden” accent plates (866-337-2987).

Turn your tabletop into an enchanted forest with this earthy runner. Nestled into a lightweight shell of birch bark filled with moss and silver lace fern, the white hellebores and purple African violets are accented by pinecones, acorns, and even a tiny bird’s nest. It’s a conversation starter like no other -- not that your guests will need one. The low-lying silhouette encourages lots of chitchat.

Save-on-Crafts birch-bark tube and bird's nest (save-on-crafts.com). Rusticcreek Ozarks pinecones (etsy.com).

At a ceremony site that’s already brimming with flowers, it takes a special bouquet to stand out. This bright, romantic clutch of red tree peonies, pink garden roses and daisies, and smoke bush is pure magic. For unexpected whimsy, attach preserved butterflies to the blossoms with floral wire, and tie on a length of fluttering satin jacquard ribbon.

Butterflies and Things butterflies (butterfliesandthings.com). Hyman Hendler & Sons ribbon (hymanhendler.com).