When it comes to wedding décor trends, pampas grass is a favorite of ours. It’s been trending for a couple of years now, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon!
The tall, wheat-colored tufted grasses can often been seen growing along riverbanks and cliff sides, and have a soft, wispy quality that adds instant texture to anything from a bouquet to a ceremony backdrop. Perfect for larger-scale installations due to its size and volume, Gemaya Bilmon of Be Designed events says it’s a favorite of hers as well.
“Pampas grass is a great addition to any earthy or boho-inspired event,” she says. “My favorite way to use it is in a large installation with mixed roses and other dried elements.”
While it’s most commonly associated with a boho style, we’ve recently seen it used in more modern, minimalistic, and even romantic weddings. It’s versatility combined with its ability to transform a space makes it a no-brainer for those who want something other than the standard flowers and greenery. Ready to hop aboard the pampas grass train?
Check out these 18 stunning takes on the trend, below!
Enhance Your Environment
couple kissing
IMAGE BY LAUREN MIHAE PHOTOGRAPHY, PLANNING BY CAUSE WE CAN EVENTS, VENUE: UNDER CANVAS ZION, FLOWERS BY BLOOMERS, HMUA BY PAPER BAG BEAUTY, DRESS BY ANNA BE BRIDAL
While pampas grass can be used in a variety of settings, we’re especially partial to a pampas-decorated desert or mountain environment. Why? The look and texture of the grasses enhance the ceremony setting without taking away from its natural beauty!
Create “Pampas Clouds”
reception
PHOTO BY ANA HINOJOSA AND SERGIO SANDONA; PLANNING BY MINDY WEISS PARTY CONSULTANTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY HOUSE OF KIRSCHNER
Wedding planner Mindy Weiss dreamed up this idea for a recent Cabo wedding, and we’re simply obsessed! Here, bundles of pampas grass were attached to a trellis above neutral tabletops and linen-covered chairs, which allowed the pampas to really pop.
Consider Color Blocking
pampas ceremony altar
PHOTO BY ANNA LUI; PLANNING BY AMOROLOGY
For a modern ceremony backdrop that still has a bit of romance, consider using brightly colored blocks as pillars to display pampas grass and roses intertwined with greenery. Want more pampas? Use a smaller version of these blocks and floral arrangements as aisle markers.
Set-Up a Statement Structure
pampa grass dinner table
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA MCNEILL; EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN BY CANDICE EDINGER OF ALISON EVENTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY AMANDA VIDMAR DESIGN
Welcome your guests into your reception space with large, statement-making arrangements of pampas grass. These asymmetrically frame the seating area perfectly, and the neutral color of the grass feels cohesively tonal with the wood and rattan décor.
Fill Some Urns
pampas grass ceremony decor
PHOTO BY CINZIA BRUSCHINI; PLANNING BY EXCLUSIVE ITALY WEDDINGS; FLORAL DESIGN BY LA ROSA CANINA
These elevated gold urns filled with pampas grass, hydrangeas, and orchids add even more of a wow-factor to a beautiful ceremony space. Note how the height of the grasses helps to fill the space while also framing the couple at the altar.
Dress Up the Bar
pampas bar cart
PHOTO & FLORAL DESIGN BY ELENA TORTORICI; PROSECCO TRUCK FROM BRIND APINO
We’re obsessed with this vintage truck turned Prosecco bar on wheels, and love how Elena Tortorici added these jugs of pampas grass to add a little extra décor touch. This is another reason we love pampas grass because even when done in smaller amounts, it can still make a big statement!
Make a Stand-Alone Altar
pampas grass ceremony altar
PHOTO BY ELINE TASMA PHOTOGRAPHY; PLANNING & STYLING BY CHIARA SERNESI OF WEDDINGS IN TUSCANY; FLORAL DESIGN BY LA ROSA CANINA
For this stunning Tuscan wedding, florist La Rosa Canina created a semi-circle of lush pampas grass as a ceremony backdrop. When used solo and en masse in an outdoor ceremony, these grasses flutter gracefully in the wind, giving off an ethereal vibe.
Hang Arrangements
tented wedding
PHOTO BY HENRY + MAC; DESIGN BY RYAN DESIGN; FLORAL DESIGN BY HANA FLORAL
Mismatched rattan lanterns and clusters of hanging pampas grass turn this reception tent into an Insta-worthy party space. Tall centerpieces also incorporate the grass, complementing the hanging clusters, while different shades of taupe and wood tie together the neutral tonality of this color palette.
Add Modern Accents
ceremony altar
PHOTO BY JOEY REGER, PLANNING BY FAWN EVENTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY BEST DAY EVER FLORAL DESIGN
For a ceremony backdrop that’s equal parts mod and boho, mix pampas grass with a modern décor element, like this statement-making starburst. For simple and modern aisle décor that doesn’t break your budget, have your florist set up large glass jugs with simple pampas grass arrangements.
Go All-Out Boho
persian rug lined aisle
PHOTO BY PAT FUREY PHOTOGRAPHY; FLORAL DESIGN BY IL PROFUMO DEI FIORI
Embrace all the boho vibes by mixing eucalyptus, pampas grass, and king proteas in your flower arrangements. Then, take it all to the next level by adding Persian rugs in various shapes and sizes.
Set a Monochromatic Palette
dinner table
IMAGE BY LA76 PHOTOGRAPHY; EVENT DESIGN BY MARIANNA IDIRIN; FLORAL DESIGN BY PINA CATE
Instead of competing with the lush greenery of a tropical wedding, we love the idea of using a muted color palette and lots of natural textures. The pampas grass centerpieces incorporate dried and fresh materials and echo the rest of the décor with shades of taupe, beige, and ivory, letting the vibrant leafy green backdrop of palms speak for itself.
Make a Statement Entrance
floral tent entrance
PHOTO BY ANNA SHACKLEFORD; PLANNING BY MARIÉE AMI; FLORAL DESIGN BY FLORESSENCE FLOWERS
Do up the tented reception my setting up a romantic entryway of pampas grass, roses, and lanterns (hello, photo opp moment!). This will ensure guests’ excitement—even before they enter the reception space!
Think Pink
ceremony altar
PHOTO BY LAUREN SCOTTI; PLANNING BY WILD HEARTS EVENTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY SIREN FLORAL CO.
Pampas grass doesn’t always have to be that signature wheat color—it’s can sometimes be dyed and used in poppy, playful arrangements, as shown here. This blush-colored pampas display gets an extra dose of fun with roses in brighter shades of pink, while the super simple, geometric ceremony “arch” feels modern and refined.
Mark the Aisle
ceremony aisle decor
PHOTO BY ONE NIGHT CEREUS; PLANNING BY ALESSANDRA OF DETAILS DARLING; FLORAL DESIGN BY EARTH BABY FLOWERS
For aisle markers, like these, that look like they’re sprouting right out of the ground, try having your florist create arrangements of pampas grass that look a little wild and “undone” and sit directly on the ground instead of in vessels. A few roses in the mix add a little refinement and polish to these organically arranged markers.
Mix Pampas & Palms
ceremony altar
PHOTO BY ZULIE REGO; PLANNING BY THE CREATIVES LOFT; FLORAL DESIGN BY PRIMROSE FLORALS
Patterned rug aisle runner? Check. Wooden benches outfitted with scattered throw pillows? Check. This rooftop wedding has an earthy, boho vibe we love–and that altar made of pampas grass and palms is a total statement maker.
Create a Bouquet Bundle
bridal bouquet
PHOTO BY MEMORYBOX PHOTOGRAPHY
Who can forget Malin Akerman’s boho beach wedding? Her bouquet incorporated both pampas grass and more formal purple-hued roses for a juxtaposition of styles that work together perfectly.
Carry a Single Sprig
dried bridal bouquet
PHOTO BY GOLDEN HOUR STUDIOS
Make like this real wedding, where the bride envisioned an event that was not overly floral, even down to the bouquets! Her solution? A spring of pampas grass! “A few months before the wedding, our florist started drying elements like pampas grass, bunny tails, and sea oats to use in our bouquets,” she says. “They created a really beautiful neutral palette with lots of texture!”
Decorate the Cake
Wedding cake
PHOTO BY BIRDS OF A FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY
Who says pampas grass doesn’t belong on a cake? Dress up your wedding cake with this fluffy grass for a little added texture, or have your florist dress up your dessert table with small vases of it.