7 Surreal Floral Ideas for Your Whimsical 2025 Wedding

Flowers have enormous visual power. From cocktail tables and lounge areas to arches and aisles, there’s nothing a beautifully designed floral arrangement can’t transform. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, wedding-day blooms also communicate romance, new beginnings, and just as importantly, your personal style. If your aesthetic leans toward the whimsical side of things, we’ve got some good news for you. Every year, Pinterest releases its Wedding Trends Report that delves into what soon-to-weds are looking for based on popular wedding-related searches. It seems like this year, more and more couples are experimenting with their floral design, creating dreamlike and ethereal arrangements that challenge perceptions of reality.

According to the report, “Surreal florals will take center stage in weddings this year, with unique silhouettes such as calla lilies, dahlias and anthuriums trending among Gen Z Pinterest users.” Looking to add a touch of surrealism to your own nuptials? Our floral experts at The Design Haus specialize in luxury floral compositions — and they know a thing or two about creating floral moments that turn heads. Here, they share their best ideas on turning your wedding-day arrangements into wow-worthy surrealist designs — from bold, larger-than-life installations to stunning floating blooms.

No. 1

Take it to New Heights

Surrealism is all about challenging the viewer’s perception and evoking a sense of eyebrow-raising wonder. What better way to do that than by creating a gravity-defying, hanging flower installation? A hanging flower arrangement is a type of floral decor suspended from above, typically by clear wires or cleverly placed rods that produce a “levitating” effect. Imagine, for example, the entrance of your ceremony space, fronted by a cascade of hanging greenery. Then, picture saying your “I dos” against the backdrop of blooms floating mid-air. At your reception, turn your guests’ gaze skyward with a table-spanning cloud of your favorite stems or an upside-down ceiling garden. Whether you select a greenery garland or colorful buds, a hanging floral installation is one way to make a big surrealist statement.

No. 2

Go Big — and Then Even Bigger

Tapping into a surrealism-inspired “wow” factor can also mean going big and bold with your designs. Experts at The Design Haus suggest creating larger-than-life floral sculptures with custom wire frames filled with open-faced blooms and trailing vines. Looking for specific ideas? Turn to your wedding theme for inspiration. For example, a fairytale, princess-style wedding might lend itself to a storybook setup — complete with whimsical, otherworldly blooms and compositions. Share a love for astronomy? Replace your traditional floral entryway with a crescent moon-shaped installation, and swap out your end-of-the-aisle arch with a free-standing hoop of blooms. Want to show your love for your favorite travel destination? Recreate a popular landmark with florals!

No. 3

Play Around with Color

Color is another great way to communicate surrealism while tying your florals back to your style and theme. If you haven’t already selected a color scheme for your wedding (and are looking to make the most of a surrealism-driven theme), you may want to think of an unexpected palette or an off-beat combination of hues. Transport your guests to a whimsical alternate reality by incorporating blooms in punchy colors that don’t typically occur in nature — like cobalt-blue roses or strawberry blonde sunflowers. Use florals dyed in ombre gradients or experiment with shimmer and shine by weaving in iridescent orchids or gold-encrusted daisies.

No. 4

Create a Botanical Illusion

There are so many other clever optical illusion tricks and techniques that make it possible to expand the visual impact of your big-day blooms. For example, by strategically placing mirrored surfaces near your floral arrangements, you can trick your guests’ eyes into thinking your beautifully arranged garden extends further than it actually does. If you’re hosting your wedding outdoors, set up a mirrored arch that reflects the surrounding greenery or cityscape; wrap it partially with florals for a magical effect. The Design Haus experts also suggest displaying your reception floral centerpieces in clear vases.

No. 5

Design an Interactive Tablescape

Immerse your guests into a dreamlike environment by blurring the line between the indoors and the natural world outside. Transform your reception space into a nature-strewn setting with wild flowers “growing” through the tabletops (through built-in holes). Instead of a centered floral arrangement, let florals spill across and off the table like a blooming waterfall. Alternatively, let your blooms “come out” of unexpected objects — large teacups, typewriters, clocks, or books. To bring even more whimsy to your celebration, weave gnarled branches and tangled vines into your centerpieces and incorporate a variety of fruit into your tablescape.

No. 6

Mix in Unexpected Textures

Although roses and peonies will never go out of style, if you’re looking to really embrace a surrealism-inspired aesthetic, there’s a plethora of decidedly unconventional blooms just waiting to be explored. The Design Haus experts suggest playing around with unexpected shapes, like bold and spiky protea or the flame-like gloriosa lily. These blooms can add an artistic, sculptural quality to your arrangements. Instead of a traditional bouquet, mix in fresh and dried textures — think: soft and feathery pampas grass, sprigs of lavender, or eucalyptus. Herbs like rosemary and sage can also infuse a slightly wild, romantic feel to your composition. For a perfect finishing touch, tie it all together with velvet or translucent ribbons.

No. 7

Create a Fantastical Photo Opp

No wedding is complete without a grand photo moment — not just for the newlyweds, but for their guests, too. Although all of the ideas above are designed to make your nuptials as photogenic as can be, a well-designed, dedicated floral backdrop will go a long way in encouraging your guests to take and post even more pictures throughout the day. For an eye-catching surrealist moment, oversized “fantasy garden” corners can serve as creative backdrops for portraits and guest photos. Whether you’re looking to design an ethereal dream garden with wispy florals and a pastel colorscape or an enchanted forest in deep, mossy greens and moody hues, The Design Haus experts can bring every surrealist vision to life.