Pampas Grass Floral Arrangements with Dried & Bleached Botanicals
A floral look I’ve always loved (and one that has been trending in event design lately!) is the use of dried or bleached botanicals in floral arrangements to create a warm, neutral color palette. To achieve this look I often turn to dried pampas grass - it’s one of my very favorite components to use when designing with natural colors. Pampas grass has an organic, bohemian vibe that is unmistakable, and the texture it adds to centerpieces and floral installation is stunning. Pairing pampas grass with other dried and fresh florals is a great way to create romantic and natural looks that always wow!
What Is Pampas Grass?
Pampas grass is one of the most versatile and timeless elements in floral design, especially when working with dried florals and neutral-toned palettes. Its naturally soft beige and ivory tones blend seamlessly with muted colors like blush, taupe, sand, and cream—creating an effortless, sophisticated look.
As a dried botanical, pampas grass holds its shape and texture beautifully, making it ideal for long-lasting arrangements. Whether bleached for a brighter tone or left natural for an earthy warmth, pampas offers texture, height, and movement without overwhelming a space. It pairs elegantly with other dried elements like lunaria, ruscus, bunny tails, and preserved roses, making it a staple in boho, modern, and minimalist designs.
Its ability to reflect light and create volume while staying visually soft makes it a designer favorite for weddings, events, and interiors alike.
Why Use Pampas Grass in Event Design?
Pampas grass adds organic elegance, volume, and visual depth. Its neutral tones blend well with most color palettes—from soft blush and ivory to cocoa, truffle, and even lavender. Pampas also pairs seamlessly with dried and bleached botanicals like baby’s breath, lunaria, ruscus, and umbrella fern.
Thanks to its versatility, pampas grass is ideal for boho weddings, brand activations, Luxury product launches, earth-toned celebrations, and modern minimalist designs.
What Is Pampas Grass Used For in Events and Weddings?
Pampas grass is commonly used in weddings and events to create natural, elegant decor. It features in ceremony arches, aisle markers, centerpieces, bouquets, table settings, and backdrop installations. Its soft texture and neutral color make it ideal for boho, rustic, or minimalist themes.
At a recent launch event for cosmetics brand Dose of Colors and I collaborated with it’s founder Anna Petrosian and the team at Fancy That Events to design just this style of floral arrangements. I created a warm, neutral color palette that perfectly matched the branding for the new Dose of Color Stone and Truffle limited edition lip sets. In centerpieces atop each table and in floral wall installations, I combined dried and bleached botanicals like pampas grass, baby’s breath and umbrella ferns, with fresh florals like Queen Anne's lace, nude toned carnations and ranunculus, and rose gold tinted roses. Creamy nude, truffle and and cocoa colors filled the room and the event was beautiful from every angle!
Best Color Pairings for Pampas Grass
Pampas grass complements soft, muted tones such as blush pink, ivory, taupe, terracotta, dusty rose, and pale gold. It also works well with cool shades like lavender and soft blue, making it versatile for seasonal and monochromatic palettes.
Pro Tip: How to Fluff Pampas Grass
To fluff pampas grass, shake the plumes gently outside to release loose seeds and open the fibers. For best results, use a handheld steamer to encourage volume and soften the texture before styling.
How to Dye Pampas Grass for Your Color Palette
Pampas grass can be dyed using floral-safe spray paint to customize it in a wide range of colors and match the specific color palette of your wedding, event, or styled photo shoot. Common dyed shades include blush pink, terracotta, lavender, and deep burgundy. This makes it ideal for matching event palettes or adding bold accents to neutral decor.
To dye pampas grass, use a floral-safe spray dye or airbrush paint. Hold the plume upright and apply the color in light, even layers while rotating the stem for full coverage. Let it dry completely before styling.
15 Pampas Grass Decor Ideas for Weddings & Events
Pampas grass has solidified its place as a design favorite in modern weddings and events. Its feathery texture, soft neutral tones, and sculptural movement make it ideal for everything from romantic ceremonies to luxury launches and photo-forward brand events.
This design staple is endlessly versatile—and here are 15 elevated ways to incorporate pampas grass into your decor for a modern bohemian look.
1. pampas grass Ceremony Arches & Altars
Use pampas plumes to frame a ceremony space with a natural, whimsical structure. Mixed with dried umbrella ferns and preserved florals, pampas arches offer earthy softness and texture without overpowering the space.
2. pampas grass Aisle Markers
Line your wedding aisle with small bunches of pampas in ceramic vases or tied to modern stands. This continues the theme from the arch and provides a subtle backdrop for walking down the aisle.
3. Pampas Grass Statement Centerpieces
Incorporate tall centerpieces using a base of pampas grass and weave in elements like Queen Anne’s lace, bleached baby’s breath, and blush roses or a soft yet vivid look.
4. Pampas Grass Floral Walls
Create lush photo backdrops using layers of pampas, dried lunaria, bleached amaranthus, and preserved roses. These are stunning for guest photos or behind sweetheart tables.
5. Lounge Styling with Pampas
Design reception lounge spaces with velvet seating and golden lighting, surrounded by large floor vases or installations of pampas and dried palms. These spaces photograph beautifully and give guests a cozy place to gather.
6. Pampas Cloud Installations (DIY-Friendly!)
One of the most captivating decor elements from recent trends is the hanging pampas cloud—a floating sculpture of soft, feathery plumes suspended over tables or dance floors. In a popular YouTube tutorial, a designer builds the installation using:
A lightweight chicken wire or gold hoop base
Zip ties to attach pampas stems
Layered plumes angled outward to mimic cloud-like softness
Finishing touches like bleached botanicals or dyed pampas for color contrast
The finished look is dreamy and modern. Pro tip: Shake the plumes gently outside and mist with hairspray to minimize shedding.
7. Cake Table Accents
Surround your cake table with cascading arrangements of pampas and dried florals for an elevated, editorial finish. Pampas brings volume without distracting from the cake itself.
8. Monochromatic Pampas Tablescapes
Pampas is ideal for monochromatic palettes—especially in tones of cream, blush, and beige. Combine bleached pampas with chocolate orchids, quicksand roses, and ruscus for a warm, textural design.
9. Bridal Bouquets with Pampas
Craft stunning bouquets using bleached or blush-toned pampas, dried palms, and bunny tails. Tie with silk ribbon in sand, ivory, or soft mauve for a cohesive look with your tablescape.
10. Pampas Table Runners
Create low, textural runners by laying plumes down the center of the table with votive candles and neutral pottery. This softens the tablescape and adds dimension with minimal floral product.
11. PAMPAS Favor or Escort Walls
Enhance favor displays with pampas accents woven around the shelving or framing escort card areas. It ties your tablescape to guest interaction points beautifully.
12. Pampas Entryway Features
Set the tone from the moment guests arrive by placing oversized pampas arrangements at the entrance. These sculptural pieces welcome guests and introduce the color story right away.
13. DIY Pampas Projects
From arches to ceiling clouds, pampas lends itself well to DIY design. With minimal materials—zip ties, chicken wire, and high-quality plumes—you can create large installations at a fraction of the cost.
14. Seasonal Pampas Styling
Customize your look by pairing pampas with seasonally appropriate tones. Use deep rust and plum in fall, pure white accents for winter, or soft lavender and peach in spring.
15. Pampas in Place Settings
Add sprigs of bleached pampas or bunny tail grass to each place setting for a refined, personal touch. It’s a beautiful and simple way to add softness and cohesion across the table.
Photos by Kamera Productions
