When it comes to wedding décor, pampas grass is one of our favorites. The tall, wheat-colored tufted grasses can often be 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, pampas grass is a great addition to any earthy or boho-inspired event. But, that's not to say it can't work with other aesthetics, as this dry floral also pairs well with modern, minimalistic, and even romantic, weddings. Simply put, its 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.
Interested in embracing this popular floral? If so, check out these 20 creative pampas grass wedding décor ideas for your own big day.
Mark the Aisle
For aisle markers that look like they’re sprouting right out of the ground (as pictured above), 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 will also add a little refinement and polish to these organically arranged markers.
Dress Up the Bar
We’re obsessed with this vintage truck turned Prosecco bar on wheels, and love how florist and photographer Elena Tortorici incorporated jugs of pampas grass to add a little extra décor touch. This is another reason to embrace pampas grass: Even when done in smaller amounts, it can still make a big statement.
Make a Statement Entrance
Dress up your ceremony entrance by setting up a romantic entryway of pampas grass, roses, and eucalyptus (hello, photo opp moment!). This will ensure guests' excitement—even before you walk down the aisle.
Think Pink
Pampas grass doesn’t always have to be that signature wheat color—it can sometimes be dyed and used in vibrant, playful arrangements, as shown here. This hot pink-colored pampas display gets an extra dose of fun with complementary pink roses, palm leaves, and a disco ball.
Create a Bouquet Bundle
We absolutely love how this bride incorporated pampas grass into her bouquet for her magical modern wedding at an ancient cathedral in Montenegro. Her bouquet also featured garden roses and peonies for a juxtaposition of styles that worked together perfectly.
Make a Stand-Alone Altar
For this stunning desert-meets-sea wedding in Cabo San Lucas, florist Pina Cate created a semi-circle altar of lush pampas grass and dried flowers. When used for an outdoor ceremony, these grasses flutter gracefully in the wind, giving off an ethereal vibe.
Create "Pampas Clouds"
Searching for a unique pampas grass centerpiece idea? Draw inspiration from this wedding, where bundles of pampas grass were used to create cloud-like centerpieces above neutral tabletops and wooden chairs.
Add Modern Accents
For a ceremony backdrop that’s equal parts mod and boho, mix pampas grass with a modern décor element, like this statement-making starburst. What's more, 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
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.
Fill Some Vases
Elevate your décor by arranging pampas grass, roses, dried palm leaves, and greenery in a large vase. This beautiful arrangement can be placed throughout your ceremony and reception to create a modern, elegant vibe.
Dream Up a Pampas Grass Arch
Take a cue from this couple and dream up your ultimate pampas grass arch. Here, these newlyweds paired the wispy floral with dried palm leaves to create a desert chic backdrop for their ceremony.
Decorate the Cake
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.
Create an Enchanted Garden
Hang installations of pampas grass, palm fronds, bougainvillea, dahlias, baby’s breath, and roses from branches to create an enchanted garden walkway. This is especially a great idea for couples who subscribe to more ethereal aesthetics.
Create a Pampas Fan
Make like this real bride, who wanted to feature a unique arrangement on her big day—a pampas grass fan. “They were so bold, and everyone absolutely loved them,” she shared about her floral choice.
Enhance Your Environment
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.
Consider Color Blocking
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
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.
Hang Arrangements
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.
Set a Monochromatic Palette
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.
Mix Pampas and Palms
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.