You don’t have to look too far to find 2023 trends that everyone from florists to home decorators have outlined, all of which explore a variety of news, colors and styles that we might see this year. While some of this info is relevant to floral industry buyers and category mangers, many are a bit peripheral to the needs of this segment.
Thankfully, the team at Dutchess Bouquets rolled out a list of 10 trends for 2023 on Instagram that is specific to everyone in mass market fresh and preserved floral. We pulled all of those trends together along with some additional insights from Beth O’Reilly, Product & Development Manager at Dutchess Bouquets. Find out what to look out for this year when it comes to which textures are going to dominate, how sustainability will be defined and much more.
- Magenta takes over
Seeing as how Viva Magenta is Pantone’s 2023 color of the year, it’s no surprise that the color is set to be incorporated into so many different types of floral offerings. This development provides leeway to make some bold choices with a color that can work in countless arrangements.
“It’s great because this color is so striking and lends itself to so many designs,” said O’Reilly. “We like to say we’re having a magenta party this year.”
- Soft textures dominate
Soft, sweet textures are set to add new excitement and life in 2023. This trend can be embraced by utilizing key textural blooms to create a powerful aesthetic. Another way to take advantage of this trend is to add a few stems to soften a composition.
“Our Botanical Bliss bouquet is a good example of what this trend actually looks like. You can really let the Matilda Celosia, Queen Anne’s Lace and Lepidium shine!”
- Redefinitions of exquisite & romantic blooms
The Romance Collection from Dutchess Bouquets is an example of what it looks like to redefine exquisite blooms, which is set to be a major trend in 2023. Simple yet elegant designs will show off some of the most exquisite blooms on the market.
- Sustainability is better defined
While there are many different interpretations and perspectives around what it means to enable sustainability in the floral industry, this trend will be defined in 2023 in terms of how stakeholders take action and what sort of options they create. If someone says their materials are 100% recyclable, they’ll need to be able to back up those claims.
“We’re very focused on cultivating Earth-friendly packaging and literally delivering on our ‘Grown Good’ message,” O’Reilly continued. “We want to provide easy, low-carbon choices for our customers.”
- Floral and produce combinations
While floral departments are distinct entities, their intangible and oftentimes physical connection to the produce departments is undeniable. This reality defines a trend that will see many lean into this connection rather than away from it.
“When you actively consider what these floral/produce combinations can look like you can create a best-of-both-worlds situation. It gets consumers thinking about how they can similarly combine their purchases.”
- The unconventional becomes established
While surprising arrangements are nothing new to the floral industry, the unexpected will dominate the sector like never before. This will include unconventional pairings within arrangements but also facilitate the rollout of new products that can create engagement on a whole new level.
“We’ve created a collection of bouquets that incorporate live plants that can be planted after the flowers have been enjoyed. We’ve seen how popular this sort of thing is with a younger generation, which shows what kind of opportunities the unexpected can open up.”
- Less is more
With so much talk about a “return to normal,” it’s easy to fall back into old habits or attempt to do everything that was being done a few years ago. However, a major trend this year will be about stepping back from such inclinations to embrace something simpler. Big impressions will be made with small touches.
“Single botanical statements are really powerful,” O’Reilly mentioned. “Our unique, Strawflower consumer bunches are an awesome way to translate this trend for 2023.”
- Playing with light
Bringing about a lighthearted and optimistic mood with sunlight and flowers will be a major trend in 2023. Ray of light colors are natural, vibrant and comforting, cultivating a sense of calm that can define departments and position products in a whole new way for consumers.
- Neutral colors create options
Neutral blooms are set to bridge complex color palettes in a noticeable way in 2023. Neutral colors can be trusted to anchor many different kinds of arrangements, opening up options for certain flowers that are often overlooked.
“Carnations are often left out of the color palette, so it’s fun to see what you can do with a more affordable flower,” O’Reilly said. “They’re accessible in a way that is timeless.”
- New approaches to dried & preserved products
While the popularity of dried & preserved floral products is not new for 2023, positioning them for a contemporary audience is a recent development. It’s a challenge that suppliers of fresh cut flowers will address in multiple ways.
“We’re seeing this trend change the perception around specific products like hand-held bouquets,” O’Reilly said. “Our trendy Prom & Homecoming Preserved Rose Bouquets are perfect for teens.”
You can learn more about how Dutchess Bouquets is defining these 2023 trends on their website or via Linkedin and hear more from Beth O’Reilly at this year’s Floriexpo event, taking place May 31st-June 2nd in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
