Spring Wedding Flowers: Planning And Growing Your Own

Flowers are a key part of any wedding, and growing your own for your big day can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. If you're planning a spring wedding, there are plenty of flowers to choose from, including peonies, hydrangeas, daffodils, and tulips.

If you're a beginner gardener, it's best to opt for easy-to-grow annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus, or bulbs like daffodils and narcissus. Planning is key, so be sure to start at least a year in advance and choose flowers that will thrive in your climate zone. You can also mix and match home-grown blooms with florist's flowers for a unique, garden-inspired look.

Choosing the right flowers for your spring wedding

Spring is a time of renewal and beauty, with an abundance of flowers in bloom. If you're planning a spring wedding, you have a wide variety of in-season options to choose from. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect flowers for your special day:

Start planning early:

It's important to start planning your spring wedding flowers at least a year in advance. This will allow you to choose the right flowers and ensure they are in bloom for your wedding day. If you're planning a late spring wedding, plant spring bulbs in the fall or early winter. For a fall wedding, start planting in late summer or early spring, and for a summer wedding, plant bulbs and perennials the previous fall.

Select easy-to-grow flowers:

If you're a beginner gardener, opt for easy-to-grow annuals or bulbs. Some great options include zinnias, cosmos, celosia, amaranthus, narcissus, and daffodils. These flowers are not only beautiful but also perfect for a formal affair.

Consider your colour palette:

Before choosing your flowers, think about the colour palette you want for your wedding. Do you want soft pastels or vibrant hues? Would you like a monochromatic colour scheme or a mix of colours? Peonies, for example, come in a variety of colours, from white to coral to vibrant coral charm.

Think about fragrance:

Many spring flowers are fragrant, so if you or your partner have sensitive noses, it's important to consider this when choosing your flowers. Avoid overly scented blooms such as lilies and opt for something more subtle like sweet peas or anemones.

In-season spring wedding flowers:

There are plenty of in-season flowers to choose from for a spring wedding. Some popular options include:

• Daffodils: The quintessential spring flower, available from February to May.
• Hyacinth: Available in early to mid-spring in a variety of colours, including pink, purple, and white.
• Tulips: A spring staple available in various shapes and colours, adding an elevated 'spring' vibe to any design.
• Muscari: Tiny blooms that can be your "something blue" for a spring wedding.
• Peonies: A crowd-pleaser with a glorious size, shape, and scent, and in season during the spring.
• Sweet peas: Delicate and ruffled, with a lovely perfume-like scent and an extensive range of colours.
• Lilac: Most readily available in northern states from mid- to late spring, adding a soft pastel purple hue.
• Lily of the valley: Delicate and gentle, with a heavenly scent, this flower is a classic choice for spring weddings.

Mix and match:

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers to create unique and beautiful arrangements. For example, pair peonies with roses or sweet peas with roses for a romantic spring bouquet. You can also add greenery like eucalyptus or trailing ivy to your arrangements for a more natural look.

Remember to have fun with the process and choose flowers that reflect your style and personality. With a little planning and creativity, you can create stunning floral arrangements that will make your spring wedding even more memorable.

Planning and timing

Start Early: Give yourself at least a year to plan and plant your wedding flowers. This will ensure that you have enough time for your flowers to grow and bloom before your big day.

Choose the Right Flowers: Select flowers that are easy to grow and suitable for spring weddings. Some options include daffodils, tulips, peonies, snapdragons, sweet peas, and marigolds. Consider the colour palette and scent of your chosen flowers, and opt for those that align with your wedding theme.

Consider the Climate: The timing of your flower planting will depend on your climate and growing zone. If you live in a mild winter climate (USDA zones 9 and 10), you can plant hardy annuals in the fall for early spring weddings. For later spring weddings in these climates or early summer weddings in colder climates, plant your flowers in very early spring.

Succession Planting: Instead of planting only a few flowers, practice succession planting by planting several of the same flowers at different times. This ensures a consistent bloom and increases the likelihood of having perfect flowers for your wedding day.

Prepare for Pests: Pests can be a major issue, so it's important to take preventive measures. Use organic pesticides or repellents and stay on top of harvesting as soon as flowers start to bloom. For larger creatures like deer or rabbits, consider installing tall fencing around your flower garden.

Timing the Harvest: If your wedding is on a weekend, cut the blooms on Monday or Tuesday. Store them in a cool area, changing the water daily until Wednesday or Thursday. Start creating your flower arrangements on Thursday or Friday for a Saturday or Sunday wedding. Cut the flowers early in the morning when they are close to opening, as this will ensure they last through the weekend.

Have a Backup Plan: Growing your own wedding flowers can be unpredictable, so always have a backup plan. Source local flower farms or florists who can provide additional blooms if needed. Communicate with them closer to your wedding date to ensure availability.

Preparing for pests and bad weather

Pests

Pests are one of the biggest issues that can arise when growing your own wedding flowers. To protect your flowers from insects, you can try planting certain types of flowers or herbs that are known to repel pests. For example:

• Asters, which repel most insects, can be planted with sunflowers or on their own.
• Calendula, which resembles marigolds, is an herb with antifungal and antimicrobial properties that helps repel asparagus beetles and tomato hornworms.
• Chrysanthemums are effective at driving away spider mites and nematodes and work best when planted near tomato plants.
• Geraniums, with their attractive blooms, repel cabbage worms, corn earworms, and Japanese beetles.
• Lavender gives off a pleasant aroma to humans but repels mosquitos and other insects, so it can be planted with roses and herbs.
• Marigolds are another attractive flower that acts as an all-around insect repellent, especially for Mexican bean beetles and nematodes.
• Nasturtiums, planted near beans, cabbages, and cucumbers, repel aphids, squash bugs, striped pumpkin beetles, and whiteflies.
• Petunias, planted near tomatoes, naturally repel insects that target bean, squash, and potato plants, and they also attract hummingbirds.

If you're dealing with Japanese beetles, a tedious but effective method is to manually remove them by shaking them off into a bucket of soapy water each morning. For other pests, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used. If you're concerned about bees, you can check with your local garden store for bee-safe insecticide recommendations.

Bad Weather

To protect your flowers from bad weather, there are several strategies you can employ:

• Move smaller plants and containers indoors if cold weather is expected.
• Cover plants with blankets, towels, or burlap, supporting the fabric with stakes if needed. Ensure the covering extends to the ground and anchor it with weights to protect from wind and rain.
• Use a garden cloche or milk jug with the bottom cut off to create a mini-greenhouse around individual plants.
• Water plants well before cold weather, as moist soil can hold more heat than dry soil.
• Spread a layer of mulch around the root area to protect the plant from cold damage following heavy rain.
• For strong winds, wrap plants in burlap and secure with heavy twine and garden stakes. For newly planted trees, wrap at least the trunks.

DIY vs buying flowers

If you're planning a spring wedding, you have a variety of in-season flowers to choose from, including peonies, hydrangeas, daffodils, and tulips. But should you buy your flowers or grow and arrange them yourself? Here are some pros and cons of DIY wedding flowers to help you decide.

DIY Wedding Flowers:

Pros:

• Save money: You can save a significant amount on florist fees by growing and arranging your own flowers.
• Personalisation: You have complete artistic control over the final product, which is great for couples who want every detail of their wedding to reflect their shared style.
• Fun: If you use fake flowers, you can incorporate craft time into your bridal shower or bachelorette party, making it a fun group activity.

Cons:

• Time and dedication: Creating your own flower arrangements takes time and effort. For example, a single 8-inch bouquet can take about an hour to construct, and you'll also need to plan and source the flowers and materials.
• Transportation and storage: You'll need to transport and store your flowers and supplies at the right temperature and prepare them for transport.
• Budgeting: It's easy to go over budget when buying flowers, as certain blooms cost more than others depending on location, time of year, demand, and growth difficulty.
• Skill: Florists train for years and have a lot of experience. Creating beautiful flower arrangements is not as easy as it looks, and you may need to attend classes or workshops to learn the necessary techniques.

Buying Wedding Flowers:

Pros:

• Convenience: Buying flowers from a florist is more convenient and saves you time and effort.
• Skill and experience: Florists are trained professionals who know their blooms inside out. They can create intricate designs and know how to deal with flower-related emergencies.
• Variety: Florists have access to a wide range of flowers and can source unique blooms to fit your spring wedding.

Cons:

• Cost: Buying flowers from a florist can be expensive, especially if you want specific or out-of-season flowers.
• Lack of personalisation: You may not have as much creative control over the final product when working with a florist.

Whether you decide to DIY or buy your wedding flowers, it's important to start planning early, especially if you choose to grow your own. Begin by creating a mood board and consulting with a floral designer to formulate a plan. Be flexible and consider using seasonal flowers to save money.

How to arrange your flowers

So, you've decided to grow your own flowers for your spring wedding—congratulations! Not only is this a great way to save money, but it also adds a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips on how to arrange your flowers beautifully:

Start with a Plan

Before you begin arranging, it's important to have a clear vision of what you want your floral arrangements to look like. Create a mood board or look for inspiration online to help you decide on a colour palette, flower types, and styles. This will ensure your arrangements look cohesive and fit the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Choose the Right Flowers

Select flowers that are in season for spring and complement your colour scheme. Some popular spring flowers include tulips, daffodils, peonies, and hyacinths. Consider a mix of focal flowers, such as roses or peonies, and filler flowers like baby's breath or sweet peas. Don't be afraid to add greenery or textured elements like eucalyptus or ornamental kale for added interest.

Timing is Key

The key to long-lasting floral arrangements is timing. Cut your flowers a day or two before the wedding and place them in water to hydrate. Change the water daily and keep them in a cool place. When you're ready to start arranging, cut the stems again to ensure maximum water absorption.

Create a Variety of Arrangements

Think about the different areas where you'll want flowers and create a variety of arrangements to suit each space. For example, you may want small, delicate centrepieces for guest tables and a larger, more dramatic arrangement for the altar or cake table. Don't forget about boutonnieres, corsages, and flower crowns too!

Play with Height and Texture

When creating your arrangements, play with height and texture to add visual interest. Use taller flowers or greenery as a base and add in shorter, more delicate blooms. Layer different types of flowers to create depth, and don't be afraid to leave some negative space. For example, a single type of flower in a simple vase can make a stunning statement.

Enlist Help

Arranging flowers can be time-consuming, so don't be afraid to ask for help! Recruit your bridal party, family members, or friends to assist with the flower arrangements. They can help with tasks like cutting stems, stripping leaves, or assembling bouquets. It can be a fun way to involve your loved ones in the wedding preparations.

Remember, growing and arranging your own wedding flowers is a labour of love. Enjoy the process, and don't stress too much about perfection. Your arrangements will be beautiful and unique because they were crafted with care.

Frequently asked questions