Painted Flowers Are the Wedding Trend You're About to See Everywhere

Transform your bouquets and centerpieces into works of art.

pink and red flowers centerpiece
Photo: Hallie Burton

Perfectly-arranged wedding flowers are pretty all on their own, but what if there was a way to transform your floral centerpiece or bridal bouquet into a piece of art? New York City florist Bridget Vizoso is doing just that by using paint to bring her unique floral visions to life. Carefully hand-painted designs and Jackson Pollock-inspired splatters are her work's signatures, resulting in florals "unlike anything you have ever seen before," she said. We asked Vizoso to walk us through her process-from choosing which flowers to paint to her painstaking technique-so that you (with the help of an experienced florist) can recreate the trend on your big day.

When did you first start painting and spattering florals?

Vizoso's creative idea was actually inspired by art (and an artist!). "I started experimenting with paint on actual cut flowers earlier this year, when I made a birthday arrangement for the amazing painter, Sarah Bedford," she explained. "Since she is very fluent in current flora availability in New York City, I wanted to create something with unique blooms while capturing the spirit of her colorful and whimsical paintings."

How can paint change the vibe of individual flowers?

The florist likes to use colors or patterns that would naturally appear on the flower in fresh ways, to bring blooms into a "magical fantasy realm." "My aim when altering flowers is to achieve subtle effects which trick the eye but result in an 'unbelievable' beauty," she explained. "To look at them you would think they were natural but unlike anything you have ever seen before."

painted flowers
Bridget Vizoso

Are there flowers that work better for painting than others?

Some flowers, like sweet peas, react poorly to the chemical properties of the paints, explained Vizoso. "I've found that tulips, antheriums, cymbidiums, calla lilies, carnations, roses and proteas hold up well," she said. While she's still searching for the perfect formula, Vizoso uses a watered-down acrylic paint mixed with natural dyes to bring her creations to life. Believe it or not, she turns to regular old house paint for heartier flora, like artichokes, branches, and tropical leaves: "It yields a delightful matte sculptural look, not unlike ornate plastered molding," she said.

What advice do you have for brides who want to achieve this floral look?

While Vizoso's work is undeniably niche-it borders on the verge of fine art, if you consider the time and creativity required to make these blooms happen-brides outside of New York City may still have access to the trend. "I'm seeing many florists designing with monochromatic spray paints and incorporating dyed elements," she said. If your florist doesn't have experience with painting blooms, Vizoso suggested they go with the splatter technique. "It's easier to achieve," she said.

flower arrangement
Bridget Vizoso

Would this technique also work for bouquets and boutonnières?

According to Vizoso, painted blooms look lovely (and hold up!) in virtually every wedding floral arrangement. "In fact, I would recommend that the more detailed flowers be used in a bouquet and boutonnières," she said. What better way to show off that intricate detailing, than in something you hold or wear? If you do go this route, be sure to have your bouquet preserved-talk about a masterpiece.

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