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.

Dried pampas grass is one of the best items to use when designing with natural colors thanks to its organic look and its ability to add texture to centerpieces and floral installations. Pairing pampas grass with other dried and fresh florals is a great way to create romantic and natural looks that always wows!

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 a 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.

Floral arrangements with pampas grass and dried botanicals in a neutral, nude and pink color palette. Designed by Eddie Zaratsian, photo by Kamera Productions.

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. Its ability to reflect light and create volume while staying visually soft makes it a favorite for weddings, events, and interiors alike.

Thanks to its versatility, pampas grass is ideal for boho weddings, brand activations, luxury product launches, earth-toned celebrations, and modern minimalist designs.

Pampas Grass For Brand Launches and Events

Pampas grass can be used for events ranging from weddings to brand launches thanks to its neutral color that pairs perfectly with earthy tones and products.

At a recent launch event pictured below for cosmetics brand Dose of Colors, I collaborated with it’s founder Anna Petrosian and the team at Fancy That Events to design pampas grass and bleached 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. Creamy nude, truffle and and cocoa colors filled the room and the event was beautiful from every angle!

What to Combine With Pampas Grass

Combine pampas grass with bleached botanicals like baby’s breath and umbrella ferns as well as fresh florals like Queen Anne’s lace, carnations, and roses to create a neautral palette with natural pops of colors on your centerpieces and floral installations.

The 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.

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.

Place setting and floral centerpiece with pampas grass and dried botanicals in a neutral, nude and pink color palette. Designed by Eddie Zaratsian, photo by Kamera Productions.

Elegant 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. Here are some elevated ways to use pampas grass in your decor for a modern look at your next event.

Ceremony Arches & Altars with Pampas Grass
Create a whimsical and natural altar using pampas plumes. Combined with dried umbrella ferns or preserved florals, a pampas grass arch adds height and softness without feeling overdone. It's a popular option for outdoor weddings and beach ceremonies.
Statement PAMPAS Centerpieces
For bold and beautiful table decor, design tall centerpieces featuring pampas grass, Queen Anne’s lace, bleached baby’s breath, nude-toned roses, and cocoa and truffles for a modern and warm look.
PAMPAS FLORAL WALLS and favor walls
Layered pampas floral walls make stunning backdrops for ceremonies, photo ops, or sweetheart tables. Add lunaria, bleached amaranthus, or preserved roses for extra texture and color depth. Enhance favor displays with pampas accents woven around the shelving or framing escort card areas. It ties your tablescape to guest interaction points beautifully.
LOUNGE STYLING WITH PAMPAS ACCENTS
Design cozy and chic lounge areas with velvet furniture and low lighting, anchored by large floor vases or surrounding pampas grass installations. These vignettes not only elevate your decor but create inviting guest experiences.
Pampas Grass Cake Table Accents
Surround your cake table with cascading pampas and dried florals. Pampas grass brings volume and softness while keeping the focus on your cake design.
monochromatic pampas tablescapes
Pampas is perfect for warm, single-color palettes. Pair bleached pampas grass with quicksand roses, chocolate orchids, and ruscus in shades of ivory, blush, and beige for layered elegance.
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.
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.
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.
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.