Couples across the country are hopping on the sola wood flower trend bandwagon. In addition to being beautiful, the flowers are sustainable and economical.
You may have seen DIY kits online, but if you want a more personal touch that also supports a local business, try Whimsical Wood Florals, a one-stop shop in Fenton, located in the home of co-owner Linda Nielsen. There, couples can find unique bridal floral arrangements made from sola wood — a light, pliable wood that comes from a tapioca plant root.
“We can dye them to any specifications that the bride wants, add any accents, and really flesh out their vision,” says Nielsen, who owns the company with her daughter Whitney, whose own wedding sparked the idea.
“We did her entire wedding. table décor, bridal bouquets, all of it…. That was what got us thinking that this could be our niche,” Nielsen says.
The mother-daughter duo purchases their flowers from a wholesaler, buying the highest quality woods possible. From there, they dye the flower heads with paint that contains glycerin, which helps keep the petals soft and not brittle in texture. The flowerheads are either dip dyed or hand painted, and then set to dry. Once dry, Linda and Whitney add wire stems covered with green tubing for a realistic appearance when the stems are exposed.
Nielsen says wood florals add a unique flair to a wedding ceremony and reception, but also prove more economical than standard live flowers. “You get more bang for your buck.” Nielson says, adding that brides can save 20 to 30% on average compared to fresh flowers, with their round bouquets starting at $125.
As far as trends, “I’m seeing a lot of my 2024 brides leaning into more conservative floral arrangements, while embracing the color trends,” Nielsen says, noting that lilacs, light purples and hints of color mixed in with neutrals were popular for spring and that blacks, tans, and deep rusts are dominating the fall.
In addition to their storefront, the Nielsens have attended bridal shows and plan to do more in 2025.
“Working with Whitney is awesome,” says Nielsen, who before the wood flower business sold sewing crafts and more hand-made items. “When my kids were small, they’d come to craft shows with me and take naps under the tables in my empty boxes. Now, I can’t tell you how special it is to come full circle and do something like this with my daughter that she also loves doing. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The business can be reached at whimsicalwoodflorals@gmail.com.
Written by Jordan Jewell. Photos courtesy of Linda Nielsen.