Trends & Inspiration
Introducing Poppy’s 2026 Wedding Flower of the Year: Amaranthus
Flower of The Year
There’s a shift happening in weddings right now — subtle, but seismic. Couples are craving personality. Movement. Texture. Florals that feel alive rather than arranged, expressive rather than overly manicured. The mood is changing: we’re moving away from “safe” choices and into florals that feel sculptural, instinctive, and unforgettable.
We’re entering a new wedding design era: one driven by instinct and individuality. A little less “perfectly planned,” a little more “perfectly felt.” A shift from symmetry to sculpture. From tidy bouquets to elongated silhouettes. From curated minimalism to Modern Maximalism, where every stem and every arrangement is intentional.
This is the mood of 2026 — and the trend shaping every bouquet, installation, and palette across thousands of Poppy consultations.
The Floral Trend Everyone Will Be Talking About
Enter amaranthus.
If wedding flowers had personalities, this one would the enigmatic It-Girl – dramatic but effortless, modern but timeless, impossible to miss. It’s that cascading, velvety stem you’ve seen in editorials and mood boards, the one that drapes effortlessly and turns a simple arrangement into a moment of its own.
And it’s not just a vibe.
Our data across 6,183 Poppy consultations shows a dramatic movement: amaranthus is the single biggest breakout stem for 2025 and 2026, with +285% year-over-year growth in requests.
Here’s why couples are asking for it and how to bring this trend into your wedding in a way that fits your style and your budget.
Flower of The Year
Why Amaranthus Is Trending
Amaranthus brings a feeling couples can’t get enough of:
Modern. Unexpected. Otherworldly.
It’s the friend who makes an effortless entrance — soft-spoken but impossible to ignore. Always draped in something flowy, grounded but a little mysterious, the one who elevates any room simply by being in it.
In floral fashion, that translates to three things couples want right now:
1. Instant Drama
Few stems create movement like amaranthus. It brings a sense of balance and structure to designs, anchoring the arrangement without making it feel heavy.
2. Year-Round Versatility
- Burgundies for fall and winter
- Fresh greens for spring and summer
- Rich bronze tones for autumn palettes
It adapts to nearly any palette and style.
3. Deeply Aligned With the 2026 Aesthetic Shift
As rustic and boho styles decline (-22% YOY), couples are choosing looks that feel curated and expressive. Amaranthus was born for the era of Modern Maximalism, draping its way into ceremony and reception spaces.
Flower of The Year
Just Ask The Poppy Bride
We aren’t guessing — we’re looking at the numbers.
+285% YOY increase in requests
Amaranthus went from a niche favorite to appearing in more than 1 in 10 consultations for 2026.
Burgundy (the top trending color) is up +18%
And burgundy amaranthus is one of the easiest, most impactful ways to add depth.
The fastest-growing texture in Poppy consultations
No other stem grew as fast, not even among statement florals.
Simply put: this is the stem of the moment — and the one defining what’s next.
The Amaranthus Palette: 2026’s Signature Tones
Burgundy Amaranthus
Rich, moody, and bold. Perfect for fall and winter palettes or couples wanting a deeper, editorial look.
Pairs well with: mauve, plum, chocolate, dusty rose, monochromatic red stories.
Green (Hanging) Amaranthus
Fresh, sculptural, and architectural. Adds a lush, garden-inspired effect without weighing the palette down.
Pairs well with:: white, cream, champagne, sage, soft lilac.
Bronze & Rust Amaranthus
Warm, textural, and very 2026-coded. Ideal for autumn or for couples wanting something earthy but elevated.
Pairs well with:: terracotta, caramel, taupe, warm neutrals.
Specialty Tones (Deep Reds, Dyed Hues)
Reserved for couples who love color and movement. Adds instant drama to a modern palette.
Pairs well with: jewel tones, true reds, black-and-white editorials.
Flower of The Year
How to Style Amaranthus (Without Breaking the Budget)
Poppy is all about high-impact design that still feels accessible, and amaranthus is perfect for that. A little goes a long way — you don’t need it everywhere to make a statement.
1. In Your Bridal Bouquet
Requests for sculptural bouquets are exploding – up 383% YOY – , and amaranthus is one of the easiest ways to get that elevated, cascading silhouette.
2. The High-Impact Approach
Use amaranthus in one focal moment — like a floral cloud or ceremony arch — and keep the rest of the florals simple. Your eye goes straight to it.
3. Tablescapes & Draped Runners
Instead of tall, dense centerpieces, use amaranthus to create low, artful runners that feel editorial.
4. Aisle Meadows
Even a few stems add depth and texture. Keep these upright so they’re visible from every angle.
5. Bud Vases
A few pieces of amaranthus in a bud vase adds dimension and movement to a tablescape.
The 2026 Floral Forecast
Based on early designs and thousands of consultations, here’s where this trend is heading:
- It will continue growing — demand is nowhere near its peak.
- Couples want sculptural florals with movement, and amaranthus is the easiest way to get that.
- Burgundy + chartreuse palettes are on the rise for fall 2026 and pair beautifully with both burgundy and green amaranthus.
- Cascading bouquets are making a comeback — in a modern, more architectural way.
- Editorial simplicity is in — amaranthus thrives in that aesthetic.
Amaranthus isn’t just trending — it’s becoming a staple for wedding florals in 2026. Its texture, movement, and depth make it one of the most versatile stems of the year. It’s dramatic without being overdone, expressive without being complicated, and high-impact.
Use it as a subtle accent or make it the star of the show — either way, it embodies the Modern Maximalism and expressiveness couples are craving.
Photography Credits:
Moments With Mae Photo - @momentswithmae