Baby Breath Sucks

Can we say goodbye yet?

Goodness grief, can we get away from this nightmare trend; please? Yes, baby’s breathe is a good ingredient for creating “twinkly” bits in floral design. It’s cost effective and is great for filling holes in your designs, but it’s outdated and totally brings back 90’s vibes. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the 90’s- can we say 2Pac? Legitimately, there was some authentic art and creation happening while I was growing up but some of it needs to stay in the past.

And can we talk about the smell? Eww, it’s gag worthy. Before you can use it, the packaging must be opened and allowed to breath for a minimum of 24 hours. With new and more interesting flowers out there, we can create a modern aesthetic while still achieving that sought after romantic feeling. No shade to the florists who love this product and use it daily but I think as a whole we can do better for wedding design. Possible alternatives that are more sustainable and just more friendly to use:

Orlaya- delicate and lacy, be sure to get this one locally. If harvested at the incorrect time the flower heads will flop. Take care that this flower is always in water as it can wilt quickly.

Ammi- Queen of Africa is a wonderful variety that is so lacy and feminine. It’s stunning and creates a beautifully romantic feel. Can be out of water temporarily if harvested at the right stage and processed but should be in water for longer periods of time

False Queen Annes Lace- in the family of Ammi, False Queen Anne’s lace is slightly more dense so better coverage can be achieved. Be extra careful with this one though, foraging for the wild cultivar is dangerous as it is poisonous and can cause skin irritation and hives.

Spirea- a branching shrub that is absolutely stunning! It is much sturdier then baby’s breath and can be used as a base or foundational ingredient for your design. Using this ingredient can help create that ethereal aesthetic and the bees love it.

Yarrow- native and drought tolerant this beauty can be used both as a coverage flower and one that creates the more whimsical vibe baby’s breath often is used for. Also yarrow comes in so many different colors and have a much more interesting undertone creating interest. Can be used out of water for event duration if processed and hydrated properly.

Explosion grass- it’s green, I know; but the leaves can be removed leaving very little green color and just the tiny twinkly bits. It’s very striking when grouped together en masse.

Jewels of Opar- this is a colored alternative and if harvested at the right time of the year and blooming window can produce tiny little flowers in place of the typical balls you generally see. Be sure to purchase these locally as the tips can wilt and don’t ship well at all.