By Megan Willett

Bachman’s has been bringing Minnesotans the best in floral and gardens since 1885, so it’s no wonder they’re up-to-date on the latest in wedding flower trends. We spoke with Sarah Pitts, trend specialist for Bachman’s, and Karen Ortiz, one of Bachman’s top wedding designers, about what they’ve been seeing in flower shows and real weddings. Here are their top picks for 2012, and ways to incorporate these ideas into your own ceremony and reception.

Tangerine—Tangerine is not only the 2012 Pantone color of the year, but has begun to pop up on everything from throw pillows to bouquets. Use it to add a pop of color to your wedding party. “I’ve had a few weddings where girls have had purple dresses with orange flowers. We’re seeing tangerine as an accent color instead of bridesmaid color,” says Ortiz. In addition to purple, vibrant greens or a plush navy will complement this sunny orange as well.

All-white bouquets

All White—All-white bouquets have always been a bridal go-to, but after Kate Middleton’s gorgeous royal wedding flowers were broadcast around the world, this classic took on new life. “We’re seeing not only a white bouquet for the bride, but white for the bridesmaids as well!” says Ortiz. “I have a couple weddings this summer where the bridal party is wearing clover green with white bouquets. It’s very fresh-looking.”

Heirloom Accents—Incorporate your “something old” into the ceremony by including a personal object in your bouquet. Pitts and Ortiz have seen everything from a pocket watch to heirloom jewelry, and even wrapped one bride’s grandmother’s lace hanky around the bouquet handle. To try this trend, simply bring in an heirloom and a floral specialist will help from there.

Natural bridal bouquet

Back to Nature—Pinterest has inspired a host of wedding looks, but among the most popular is the rustic bouquet. Natural textures and flowers such as burlap, Babies Breath and even kale have become popular wedding bouquet additions. But for those brides wanting to take the DIY approach, Pitts warns, “Some of the natural looks are hard to achieve unless you know design techniques. That’s when working with a floral designer can come into play because they can help you achieve that look, and yet have it be a bouquet that stays together throughout your big day.”

Different Flower/Different Girl—Following the individualist trend in bridesmaid dresses, brides are letting their ladies have their own unique bouquet as well. “There was one wedding party where all the bridesmaids were wearing black, and each girl got their own bouquet color.” Ortiz says the trick to making this trend work is to keep the flowers similar, for example by using different hued roses.

Square-shaped bouquet with colored wire

Odd Shapes & Textures—From square-shaped bouquets to Australian succulents, bridal bouquets are getting creative! Don’t be intimidated by unconventional or quirky flowers in your bouquet because they will only add a bit of whimsy and look fantastic in pictures. “If you see an odd shape or texture in a magazine or website, bring us a photo and we’ll help you identify the flower needed to create the look!” says Ortiz.

Cascades of Movement—”Cascades are coming back!” says Ortiz. “Not as big as in the ’80s, but in a shape that we call a teardrop. It’s a fun look.” To avoid appearing too retro, stay away from a full-on waterfall of flowers, and think petite, windswept bouquets—the idea is to add movement in contrast to the tight, round bouquets that were recently popular.

Why Hire a Floral Designer?

Orchid cascade with crystal details

Saves Money—”Even if you’re on a tight budget, by working with a professional you can come up with something truly sensational,” says Pitts. A flower specialist will know what flowers, styles of bouquets, and reception flowers will look beautiful while staying in your price range.

Adds creativity—Do yourself and your floral designer a favor by bringing in a picture of your dress. “Bling, lace, and feathers—all of that can be incorporated into a bridal bouquet so it matches the dress,” explains Ortiz.

Saves Time—Sometimes brides who think taking the DIY approach will be cheaper often find themselves unprepared come crunch time. “People don’t think it’s hard. But then it turns out to be more time consuming than they had planned and everyone’s stressed out! Have a professional take care of it and then you won’t have to worry about it,” Ortiz advises.

Images via Bachman’s