Pampas Grass Wedding Decor: Tall Stems for the Aisle and Arch

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Pampas grass wedding decor gives a ceremony height and softness for very little effort. A few tall plumes in a floor vase fill a corner that would otherwise need a large flower arrangement, and because the stems are dried, you can arrange everything days ahead. These stems from Bannifll come in a box of 10, each about 40 inches long, in a natural beige. Below: how much to buy, how to style it at the ceremony and reception, and how to keep the shedding and the fire risk under control.

What comes in the box

• 10 stems in the standard pack, with larger packs of 16, 20 and 40 on the same listing.
• About 40 inches long, per the seller’s description (one listing photo is labeled 46 inches, so allow for some variation).
• Beige, naturally fluffy plumes. The seller says the stems are screened before packing. As with any natural product, expect shades from cream to warm beige.
• A care card and a box for shipping. The seller suggests leaving the stems in the sun for a few hours after unpacking so they open up.
• No watering. Dried pampas needs no water and, per the seller, keeps for a long time.

One note on the listing: the title and most of the listing say natural dried pampas grass, while one bullet and one line of the description say faux. The shedding note and the advice to sun them describe dried natural grass, which is what the photos show. If it matters for your venue’s rules, ask the seller before ordering. If your venue bans dried decor altogether, the faux set further down avoids the question.

How much pampas do you need?

Count your arrangements before you choose a pack. One listing photo shows a bundle split between two glass vases, each with a full spray. From there:

• A pair of vases at the altar or arch: one 10-stem pack.
• Aisle markers: two or three stems per marker. Six markers need 12 to 18 stems, so the 16 or 20 pack.
• Centerpieces: one to three stems per table, cut shorter, depending on the vase. Ten tables at two stems each is 20 stems, so the 20 pack.
• An arch swag: it depends on the size of the swag. Mixed with other dried florals, a side swag on a round arch might use 10 to 20 stems; buy the 20 pack if you are unsure.

Buy a few spare stems. Some will shed more than others, and it is easier to leave one out than to wish you had another.

Styling pampas at the ceremony

At the arch or altar

The easiest high-impact look: a tall floor vase of pampas on each side of the arch. Choose heavy vases, since 40-inch stems make a top-heavy arrangement. On a round arch, a cluster of pampas on one side of the circle makes a simple boho swag; our gold circle wedding arch guide shows how to attach decorations without scratching the frame. For dried florals to mix in, see our faux florals and dried blooms.

Along the aisle

Two or three stems tied to every second or third chair with ribbon or twine make simple aisle markers. Clear jars weighted with sand along the edge of the aisle work too. Keep the plumes from reaching into the walkway, where a gown or veil could brush them, and give each marker a gentle shake before guests arrive so loose fluff falls before the processional. For runners to pair with them, see our wedding aisle runner ideas.

Styling pampas at the reception

For long tables, trim stems to different heights and group them in two or three bud vases rather than one tall vase, so guests can see each other across the table. Tall arrangements suit the welcome table, the sweetheart table backdrop, the bar and corners of the room. After the wedding, the stems go home as floor-vase decor.

How to stop pampas grass shedding

1. Unpack early. Open the box several days before the wedding, outdoors or in a garage, since loose fluff will come out.
2. Sun and shake. Follow the seller’s advice to leave the stems in the sun for a few hours, then give each one a gentle shake.
3. Fluff gently. Some decorators use a hair dryer on a cool, low setting to open the plumes.
4. Set it, if you like. A common tip is to mist pampas lightly with hairspray to hold loose fibers. Hairspray is flammable, so do it outdoors and let it dry fully. Skip it entirely for any stems that will be near candles or heat.
5. Arrange it last. Place the pampas after linens and chairs are set, and keep it out of the getting-ready room, away from gowns and makeup.

Safety and venue checks

• Fire. Dried pampas catches easily. Keep it well away from open flames, and use LED candles in any arrangement that includes it.
• Venue rules. Some venues restrict dried grasses or loose decor. Ask your coordinator before you buy.
• Wind and damp. Outdoors, tall stems act like sails. Weight floor vases with sand or stones, and keep markers low. Damp air and rain make pampas droop, so have a covered backup for an outdoor ceremony.
• Afterwards. Pampas grass is invasive in parts of the US, including California. Put old stems in the trash, not the garden or compost.
• Allergies. Dried grasses can bother guests with hay fever or grass allergies. If someone in the wedding party is sensitive, keep pampas away from the head table, or choose faux stems instead.

Prefer less shedding? A faux option

If your venue limits dried decor, or you want stems you can bend and reuse with far less shedding (per the seller), consider faux pampas. The Wertuirk faux pampas set has 8 stems at about 45 inches long, made from silk, paper and bendable wire, according to the seller. It comes in several colors; the link opens on green, so choose beige or white for a classic look. Faux pampas made of silk and paper burns too, so keep it away from candles as well.

Pampas questions, answered

More boho ideas

Pampas is at home in a relaxed outdoor wedding. Our bohemian garden wedding guide pulls the whole look together, and the wedding aesthetic quiz helps if you are still deciding on a style. For a summer ceremony, our outdoor summer wedding decor ideas pair well with pampas. Read how we choose products for how picks get on this site.