Growing Your Own Wedding Flowers: A How-To Guide

Growing your own wedding flowers can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to make your special day even more memorable. It's a challenging task, but with careful planning, it can be done successfully. The first step is to figure out what flowers are in bloom during your wedding season and select a mix of annuals and perennials that will add colour and personality to your arrangements. It's important to start early, choose easy-to-grow flowers, and be prepared for pests and adverse weather events. You'll also need to consider the scope of your flower arrangements, from bridal bouquets to table centrepieces, and decide if you want to incorporate fillers and greens. Growing your own flowers for your wedding requires time, effort, and a green thumb, but it can result in beautiful and unique floral displays that will leave a lasting impression.

Planning and timing

Start Early

Give yourself ample time to plan and plant your wedding flowers. It is recommended to start at least a year in advance. If you're planning a late-spring wedding, plant your bulbs in the fall or early winter. For a fall wedding, start planting in the previous fall or early spring. Summer weddings will require bulbs and perennials to be planted the previous fall.

Dedicate a Space

You don't need a large area to grow your wedding flowers. Dedicate a small patch in your yard or use containers on a deck or balcony. Flowers grown closely together will compete for sunlight, resulting in taller stems, which are ideal for arrangements.

Choose the Right Flowers

Select flowers that are easy to grow and suitable for your Hardiness Zone. Annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus are great options for beginners. Bulbs such as narcissus and daffodils are also low-maintenance and easy to care for. If you're an experienced gardener, you can try growing perennials, but keep in mind that they usually take a few years to establish themselves.

Succession Planting

Instead of planting only a few flowers of each type, use succession planting to ensure a consistent bloom. Plant a handful of the same flowers at different times so that you have an abundance of flowers to choose from in the week leading up to your wedding.

Prepare for Pests and Weather

One of the biggest challenges when growing your own flowers is dealing with pests and adverse weather conditions. Have a backup plan in case of unexpected issues. Be prepared to take measures to protect your flowers, such as using organic pesticides or fencing to keep out animals.

Time Your Harvest

The timing of your flower harvest is crucial. For a weekend wedding, cut your blooms on Monday or Tuesday and keep them in a cool place, changing the water daily. Start creating your arrangements on Thursday or Friday. Cut the flowers early in the morning when they are close to opening; if they are too open, they will wilt faster.

Have a Backup Plan

Growing your own wedding flowers can be unpredictable, so always have a backup plan. Identify local flower farms or growers who can supply additional blooms if needed. Communicate with them leading up to your wedding to ensure availability.

Choosing flowers

The first step in growing your own wedding flowers is to decide what flowers you want and when you want them. This will depend on the time of year and the climate in your region. For example, if you're in a cold climate and having a fall wedding, you'll want to choose flowers that bloom in late summer or early fall, such as dahlias, sunflowers, and zinnias. If you're in a milder climate, you might opt for spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, or early summer blooms like peonies, roses, and lilies.

It's important to consider the purpose of the flowers, too. Will they be used in bouquets, centrepieces, or both? Do you want a uniform look or a mix of different shapes and sizes? Think about the colour scheme and style you're aiming for, and choose flowers that will complement this. For example, if you're going for a rustic look, wildflowers and herbs might be a good choice, while roses and orchids might be more suitable for a formal wedding.

When selecting your flowers, it's crucial to be pragmatic. Growing your own flowers can be stressful, especially as the wedding date approaches. It's a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather, pests, or other issues. You might want to source flowers from a local farmer's market or grower, or even order flowers in bulk online to supplement your homegrown blooms.

Another important consideration is the number of flowers you'll need. Floral arrangements can take a lot more flowers than you might think, so it's best to double or even triple the amount you think you'll need. And don't forget to include greenery in your plans, as it adds a welcome break and contrast to the arrangement. You can use cuttings from cedars, leafy trees, and vines, or even pick some "weeds" like alfalfa and clover if they suit your colour scheme.

Finally, remember that growing your own wedding flowers is a labour of love. It can be a lot of work, but it can also be a rewarding experience that adds a personal touch to your special day. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you can always enlist the help of friends, family, or a professional florist to assist with the flower-growing and arranging process.

Arranging flowers

Plan in Advance

It is crucial to start planning early. Decide on the types of flowers you want to include in your arrangements and source them accordingly. If you plan to grow your own flowers, start at least a year in advance. Choose easy-to-grow flowers such as annuals or bulbs, which tend to grow quickly and bloom profusely. Select flowers that are in season and suitable for your wedding theme and color palette.

Choose the Right Flowers

When creating your floral arrangements, opt for hardy flowers that will last longer and are easy to work with. Avoid flowers that are too technical or complex, especially if you are a beginner. Pick flowers with longer stems, as they are ideal for designs. Consider the number of stems you will need and double that amount—weddings require a lot of plant material.

Timing is Critical

The timing of your flower arrangements is essential. Bouquets should be made the day before the wedding. Allow ample time for bridal bouquets and approximately half that time for attendant bouquets. Boutonnières and corsages are delicate and should be made the day before or on the day of the wedding to stay fresh. Centerpieces can be created a couple of days in advance.

Have the Right Tools and Containers

When arranging flowers, ensure you have the necessary floral supplies, such as floral scissors, tape, pins, floral foam, and wire. Additionally, select appropriate containers for your arrangements. Choose water-tight and heavy containers to prevent toppling. Consider the style of the wedding and select containers that complement the theme, such as rustic, chic, or contemporary.

Enlist Help

Flower arrangements for weddings can be time-consuming and challenging, so don't hesitate to ask for help. Delegate tasks to friends, family, or a professional floral designer if needed. Assign someone to be in charge of the flowers, ensuring they understand the bride's vision and can manage the sourcing, timing, and creation of the arrangements.

Transport and Storage

Consider the transportation and storage of your flower arrangements. Keep them in a cool and shady place, and avoid refrigerating them as it can dry out the flowers. Plan for careful packing and transportation to the venue, ensuring the arrangements don't get knocked around.

Sourcing flowers

Start Planning Early

It is essential to start planning at least a year in advance to ensure your flowers are ready in time for your wedding. The planting time will depend on your wedding season and the types of flowers you choose. For spring weddings, plant your bulbs in the fall or early winter. If you're having a summer wedding, plant bulbs and perennials the previous fall. For fall weddings, start planting in the previous fall or early spring.

Choose Easy-to-Grow Flowers

Select flowers that are easy to grow, especially if you're a beginner gardener. Annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus are suitable options and tend to grow quickly and profusely. Bulbs, such as daffodils and narcissus, are also low-maintenance and require minimal upkeep. Ensure you can provide the necessary growing conditions, including sunlight and soil type, for the flowers you choose.

Utilize Succession Planting

Instead of planting only a few flowers of each type, practice succession planting by planting several of the same plants at different times. This method ensures a consistent bloom and increases the likelihood of having perfect flowers for your wedding week.

Prepare for Pests and Weather

One of the biggest challenges in growing your own flowers is dealing with pests and adverse weather conditions. Be prepared to tackle pests like insects and deer or rabbits that may damage your flowers. Have organic pesticides, fencing, or repellents on hand to protect your flowers. Additionally, have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather events or flower damage. Source local flower farms or growers who can provide blooms in case you need to supplement your homegrown flowers.

Time Your Flower Harvest Carefully

The timing of your flower harvest is crucial. If your wedding is on a weekend, cut the blooms on Monday or Tuesday and keep them in a cool place, changing the water daily. Start creating your arrangements on Thursday or Friday to ensure they are fresh for your wedding day. Cut the flowers early in the morning when they are close to opening to ensure they last through the day.

Supplement with Local Flowers

Consider supplementing your homegrown flowers with locally sourced blooms. Visit your local farmer's market or use online resources like slowflowers.com to find cut flower farmers or commercial growers nearby. These local growers often offer wedding flowers and greens by the bucket, providing you with additional options to create the desired arrangements.

Cost-saving measures

Growing your own wedding flowers can be a great way to save money, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some cost-saving measures to consider:

• Start planning early: Begin planning at least a year in advance to ensure your flowers are in bloom at the right time. This includes deciding on the types of flowers you want and when to plant them, taking into account your climate and growing zone.
• Select easy-to-grow flowers: Choose flowers that are suitable for beginners, such as annuals that grow quickly and profusely. Bulbs are also a good option, as they require minimal upkeep.
• Use flowers from your own garden or yard: If you have the space, dedicate a patch specifically for your wedding flowers. This way, you can ensure you have the exact blooms you want and save money on purchasing flowers.
• Supplement with local flowers: Consider using local flower farms or growers to supplement your own flowers. This can be a more affordable option than purchasing flowers from a florist, and you can often find unique varieties.
• Enlist help: Growing and arranging wedding flowers can be time-consuming, so don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help. They may have flowers or shrubs that you can use, or they may be able to assist with the planting, harvesting, and arranging.
• Be mindful of your scale: While it may be tempting to grow all the flowers yourself, it's important to be realistic about the scope of the project. Consider growing only certain flowers, such as those for the bridal bouquet and boutonniere, or supplementing your homegrown flowers with purchased blooms.
• Cut costs on greenery: Greenery is an important part of floral arrangements, but it can be expensive. Look for cuttings from cedars, leafy trees, and vines in your own yard or on public property to add contrast to your arrangements without breaking the bank.
• Time your harvest carefully: Proper timing is crucial to ensure your flowers look their best on the big day. Cut the blooms a few days before the wedding and store them in a cool place to extend their vase life.
• Have a backup plan: Growing your own flowers comes with risks, such as unexpected weather or pests. Always have a backup plan, such as a local flower vendor or grower, in case your flowers don't perform as expected.
• Arranging flowers yourself: While it is not recommended for the bride to arrange the flowers herself, consider arranging the flowers with the help of friends and family to save money on hiring a professional florist.

Frequently asked questions