Tying the knot under a canopy of palms, sunset pictures post-ceremony, and hibiscus cocktails are all perfect components of a tropical fête. It’s no wonder that beach wedding bouquets featuring tropical florals and greenery have stuck around the last several years: They exude effortlessly laid-back vibes only designs composed of brightly colored florals and leafy greens can. “Tropical arrangements give a more free-spirited mood to a wedding,” says florist LaParis Phillips.
01. Layer King Protea With Greenery
Consisting of king protea, palm leaves, and ferns, this tropical wedding bouquet is bursting with life—and we love the contrast of the white flowers against lush greenery, imitating a tropical rainforest vibe.
02. Go For Greens
If you want to seriously up the lushness game of your tropical bouquet, consider focusing on the greenery over the florals. Layer multiple types of tropical greenery (like palms and ferns) for a cascading effect—then add in a small pop of blooms to accent the look.
03. Use Ginger Flowers
Unique and quintessentially tropical, ginger flowers give off that effortlessly cool vibe. Initially pink and white, the blooms turn yellow and white as they mature over time. Combine ginger flowers with palm leaves and even an orchid or two for a breathtaking design.
04. Wow With Pops of Color
One way to ensure that you thread your tropical theme throughout the entire wedding day is to opt for a bouquet blooming with bright colors—oranges, yellows, and pinks—set against a backdrop of deep greenery.
05. Mix Up the Leaves
Oftentimes you’ll notice the inclusion of at least one type of leafy green in a bouquet meant for the tropics. Focus on layers by incorporating a number of different types of leaves, from fan palms to monstera.
06. Focus on Anthurium
Flamingo flower, laceleaf, and taliflower are three different names for the same stunning flower. Historically used as an accent flower for bouquets, its glossy patina and unique leaf shape can create a dynamic look in a variety of colors such as green, pink, white, red, and orange.
07. Change It Up
For a modern take on the traditionally bright-colored tropical bouquet, opt for a dramatic all-white bridal bouquet. Get creative: Paint leaves and ferns to match the white hue to keep everything sleek and sophisticated.
08. Go Big
Take things over the top with a larger-than-life bouquet. We love the contrast of a simple and sleek bridal look with an extravagant bouquet teeming with big blooms.
09. Combine With the Classics
This bride’s bouquet featured classic wedding blooms like roses, anemones, and peonies alongside tropical-inspired flowers such as orchids and anthurium for a tasteful combination that’s playful and elegant.
10. Bring the Drama
When it comes to weddings, the only kind of drama we’re interested in is, well, the drama of floral design. A lush tropical bouquet can easily go from demure to dramatic with the right blooms: we love giant protea, ginger flowers, and any sort of tropical leaf base for a sure-fire way to keep things interesting!
Talk to your floral designer about creating a unique shape for your overall bouquet design for an extra special touch of the unexpected, a little bit of drama of its own.
11. Pair Green With White
A white and green tropical bouquet with white tropical flowers and palm leaves
Photo by Aimee Silver / Floral Design by Silver Dust Decoration
We can make a case for the combination of green and white bouquets for almost any wedding style (and season), and a tropical fête is no exception. “I think by bringing in various textures such as different types of white flowers, and perhaps finding green leaves with touches of white in them such as the galaxy leaves will definitely help break up the monotony and keep it from being boring,” shares Phillips.
12. Bring Out the Bougainvillea
A tropical wedding bouquet featuring pink and white flowers
Photo by Erich McVey / Floral Design by East Olivia / Local Florist: Viva Flor
Typically located in their natural habitat as a bush (or if on the larger side a tree), bougainvillea’s vibrant pink hue simply screams “tropical.” Woven amongst other tropical flowers and leaves, you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression with the ideal choice when it comes to a pop of pink.
13. Choose Local Blooms
Large tropical flowers featured in a beach wedding bouquet
Photo by Caroline Lima Photography / Floral Design by Le Jardin Floral
Planning a destination wedding in a tropical locale? Capitalize on your opportunity to showcase flowers indigenous to the area for a display of beauty and nod to your chosen location.
14. Draw Attention to the Center
A green and white tropical wedding bouquet with palm leaves and white flowers
Photo by Katie Ruther / Wedding Planning by Destination Weddings Tulum
Choose a singular statement bloom and let the leaves fall where they may! Start with a flower that really packs a punch, like protea or a handful of orchids, and select accent flowers and leaves that complete its shape and color palette. Perfect for whether you go big or small!
15. Choose a Truly Unique Flower
A tropical wedding bouquet featuring unique tropical flowers.
Photo by Aimee Silver Photography / Floral Design by Silver Dust Decoration
If you really want to make a statement, opt for a flower that’s both rare and bold. Look for exotic flowers like the stunning Anthericum or the striking, multi-colored orchids that add a truly one-of-a-kind touch. When these flowers are woven into a bouquet, they instantly elevate the overall aesthetic and create something unforgettable. Whether it’s the striking color, unusual shape, or texture, a unique flower can be the highlight of your tropical bouquet.
