18 Creative Ways to Use Pampas Grass in Your Wedding Décor

pampas grass decor — Photo by Jana Williams Photography; Planning by Amy Abbott Events; Floral Design by Florenta Flower Design

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 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 while it’s most commonly associated with a boho style, we’ve recently seen it used in more modern, minimalistic, and even romantic weddings. 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.

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

<p>persian rug lined aisle</p><br><br> — 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

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

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

<p>bridal bouquet</p><br><br> — 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

<p>Wedding cake</p><br><br> — 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.