If there is something nostalgic about the floral bouquets we’re seeing for spring 2024 it’s no coincidence. Inspired by the multi-hued pastel posies popular in the 1950s, this year’s trend adds a modern flair to the look of yesteryear. We explore the colours and varieties to choose, and how to build and display your arrangement for a fashion-forward yet retro spring centrepiece.

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INFLUENCES

In addition to mid-century floral trends, this signature spring bouquet nods to the traditional English garden gathered bouquet. Think ruffled English roses, the soft pastel shades of satin dresses at debutantes balls, or the tailored skirt suits worn by First Lady Jackie Kennedy in the early 1960s. Inherently feminine, this look epitomizes the Fleurs de Villes motto, “Flowers Make Us Happy.”

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COLOUR COMBINATIONS

It all comes down to the colour combinations, says Fleurs de Villes Co-founder Tina Barkley, who adds that the colours should look “fresh and natural.” “It’s showing a full colour palette without being too rainbow,” she explains. The key shades include violet, lilac, soft blue, pale orange and butter yellow. Pantone’s colour of the year, “Peach Fuzz,” might also make an appearance.

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FLOWER VARIETIES

Barkley recommends larkspur and delphinium for the soft blue, and ranunculus for yellow and orange. Dahlias and tulips come in so many pretty shades of pink, orange and yellow that almost all examples of the trend include them. Dusty pink and violet English roses, while more expensive, can be dotted throughout, with their full blooms. Likewise, pale blue and pink hydrangeas (strawberry milkshake is a favourite) will make the arrangement full-to-bursting.

BUILDING YOUR BOUQUET

You want to create the feeling of abundance with this type of bouquet; there should be nothing spare about it. Pro tip: Rather than mixing the flowers randombly, try colour-blocking them in chunks so there is pattern and order to what could otherwise be a wild arrangement.

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FINISHING TOUCHES

When displaying these spring bouquets, steer away from angular vases; a ceramic milk jug would be the perfect vessel, or even a bowl. You want the vessel to disappear amid the blooms. Make sure the vessel has a wide enough mouth so the flowers have room to spread out in a full display. Pro tip: a ball of chicken wire at the base of your vessel will help the flowers stay upright.

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WHERE TO GO FOR INSPIRATION

On Instagram, check out the gorgeous creations of The Petal Workshop in Beverly Hills (especially their Little Darlings variation, and their work for Tiffany and Co.) Seed Flora by George Low in Sydney, Australia, who adds orchids to many of his arrangements, and the incredibly talented Lilac Green in Brisbane, Australia.

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We’d love to see your multi-hued creations – send them to us @fleursdevilles on Instagram!