George Boyle
Flowers are one of the most defining elements of a wedding day, with bouquets being one of the most photographed floral pieces. While there is no rule that you must use flowers that are in season, it is recommended that you do so. Seasonal flowers will be at their freshest and of the highest quality, with larger blooms that will last longer. They will also be cheaper and more readily available. If you have a particular flower in mind that is not in season, it can be sourced from warmer climates, but this will increase the cost and your carbon footprint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of seasonal flowers | Seasonal flowers are fresh, of better quality, and have larger blooms. They are also more cost-effective. |
| Flowers by season | Spring**:** Ranunculus, spirea, lilacs, peonies, poppies, tulips, fritillaria, sweet pea flowers, bluebells, lily of the valley, garden roses, and poppies. Summer**:** Hydrangea, foxglove, delphinium, cosmos, clematis, scabiosa, sunflowers, and garden roses. Fall**:** Dahlias, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and celosia. Winter**:** Anemone, hellebore, amaryllis, and iris. |
| Pros of seasonal flowers | Seasonal flowers are more readily available and can be sourced locally. |
| Cons of seasonal flowers | None |
| Pros of off-season flowers | None |
| Cons of off-season flowers | Off-season flowers are more expensive and have a larger carbon footprint. |
| Flower care tips | Keep flowers in water, away from heat, and away from fruits and vegetables. |
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What You'll Learn
Benefits of choosing in-season flowers
There are many benefits to choosing in-season flowers for your wedding bouquet. Firstly, seasonal flowers are typically fresher and of better quality. Flowers that are in season will be at their peak, meaning they will be more robust, have richer colours, and last longer. This ensures that your bouquet will look its absolute best on your wedding day.
Secondly, choosing in-season flowers can help you save money. Flowers that are not in season will often be imported from regions with suitable temperatures for growing those varieties, which can increase the cost of packaging and transport. In addition, flowers grown in controlled environments for temperature regulation can be very expensive to produce.
Thirdly, selecting in-season flowers can provide you with a wider variety of options. During their peak season, certain flower types are available in a much broader range of colours, sizes, and specific varieties than they would be off-season. This gives you more flexibility to perfectly match your wedding vision.
Lastly, choosing in-season flowers is an eco-conscious choice that supports local growers and reduces your carbon footprint. By opting for flowers that are locally grown, you can decrease the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. This not only benefits the environment but also your community.
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Flowers for each season
Flowers are one of the most defining elements of a wedding day. While there is no rule that you must use flowers that are in season, it is recommended. Seasonal flowers are at their freshest and of their best quality, so blooms will be larger and hardier, and they will also be less expensive.
Spring
Spring provides the most abundant options for cut flowers. Some spring flowers include:
- Lilacs
- Peonies
- Poppies
- Tulips
- Fritillaria
- Ranunculus
- Spirea
- Hydrangeas
- Bluebells
- Sweet pea flowers
- Cherry blossoms
Summer
Summer is the time to feature bold colours and full blooms. Flowers to consider for a summer wedding include:
- Hydrangea
- Foxglove
- Delphinium
- Cosmos
- Clematis
- Scabiosa
- Sunflowers
- Garden roses
Autumn/Fall
For an autumnal wedding, consider flowers such as:
- Dahlias
- Marigolds
- Chrysanthemums
- Celosia
- Snowberry
Winter
Even though it is cold, some flowers still bloom in winter. Flowers to consider for a winter wedding include:
- Anemone
- Iris
- Freesia
- Hellebore
- Amaryllis
- Waxflower
- Star-shaped clematis
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Using out-of-season flowers
While it is not necessary to use flowers that are in season for your wedding bouquet, there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, seasonal flowers are likely to be of better quality, with larger blooms that are extremely hearty and long-lasting. They will also be more affordable, as they are in abundant supply and your florist will not have to compete with other businesses to source them.
However, if there is a particular flower that you have your heart set on, it is possible to use out-of-season flowers. Be aware that this will likely increase your budget and carbon footprint, as the flowers will have to be imported from regions with suitable temperatures or grown in expensive controlled environments.
If you are set on using out-of-season flowers, be sure to communicate this with your planning and floral design team. They will be able to advise you on the best way to achieve your vision within your budget. For example, silk flowers could be proposed as an alternative. It is also important to touch base with your florist a few weeks before your wedding to check on the availability of the flowers, as the flowering season can be impacted by the weather and climate.
To ensure your out-of-season flowers look fresh on your wedding day, ask your florist when they should be delivered. Flowers are sensitive to heat and cold, so they should not be left outside for long periods, and they will need to be kept in water.
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Keeping flowers fresh
Wedding flowers are one of the most defining elements of a wedding day design. While choosing flowers for your wedding, it is always best to opt for flowers that are in season. This is because seasonal flowers are at their peak in terms of freshness and quality, resulting in larger blooms that are extremely hearty and long-lasting.
However, if you have a specific flower in mind that is not in season, it is still possible to include it in your wedding bouquet, but it may be more expensive and less environmentally friendly.
Now, let's get to the tips for keeping your wedding flowers fresh:
Timing is key:
It is recommended to get your flowers delivered about two days before your wedding to allow them to rehydrate and bloom fully. This timing ensures that your flowers will look their best for the big day.
Trim and soak:
When your flowers arrive, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to provide a clear channel for water absorption. Then, place the flowers in buckets of clean, warm water for at least six hours to allow them to rehydrate. If you're working with hydrangeas, you may need to cut about 2 inches from the stems and soak the blooms in cool water to perk them up.
Keep them cool:
Flowers are sensitive to temperature extremes and direct sunlight. Store your flowers in a cool, dark place, and if possible, ask your venue if you can use their walk-in cooler. Avoid leaving them in hot environments or outside in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bacteria control:
Strip any leaves from the stems that will be submerged in water, as leaves can introduce bacteria that will cause the flowers to wilt faster. Change the water regularly, and consider adding a drop of bleach per gallon of water to prevent bacterial growth.
Flower food and moisture:
Flower food or a packet of Tylenol dissolved in water can help keep your flowers nourished and fresh. Additionally, you can spray the flowers with Crown and Glory to lock in moisture and give them a nice sheen.
Handle with care:
Flowers are delicate, so handle them with care. Avoid removing them from their packaging right away, and if you need to transport them, keep them in vases of water or buckets of water to prevent dehydration.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding flowers will look vibrant and fresh throughout your special day.
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Budgeting for flowers
Flowers are one of the most defining elements of a wedding day. They are often the focal decoration and can be used to create a romantic, beautiful environment. However, they can also be expensive, with the average cost of wedding flowers in the United States being around $2,200 to $3,500, with most couples spending between $500 and $3,500. Some couples in Los Angeles have been known to spend between $12,000 and $20,000 on flowers, with a few spending between $50,000 and $80,000.
The first step in budgeting for wedding flowers is to decide what flowers you want and how important they are to you. If you have a particular flower in mind, it may be possible to find a workaround with your planner and floral designer, but this could increase your budget and carbon footprint. Choosing flowers that are in season is a good way to save money, as out-of-season flowers typically need to be imported from far away, or grown in expensive controlled environments.
The number of floral arrangements, the types of flowers, the size of the arrangements, and the seasonality of the blooms will all affect the total bill. The cost of labor and delivery must also be considered, as well as the climate, which can affect the growing season of your preferred flowers. The scale of your flower arrangements will also set the tone for your event. Floor-to-ceiling blossoms will convey opulence and drama, whereas a few buds in vases will produce a more understated, traditional look.
The number of people in your wedding party will also affect the cost of flowers, as you may need bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages for each person. If you want an aisle scattered with flower petals, this will also add to the cost, especially if you want rare or out-of-season blooms. The size of your guest list will also make a difference, as larger guest counts will require more table and aisle decor.
To budget for wedding flowers, it is important to be realistic about what your money will get you. Communicate your budget and preferences to your wedding florist early on, and they will be able to provide cost-effective suggestions. It may be wise to budget a little extra for your florist to be on the safe side, as flower prices can fluctuate depending on their availability.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but it is recommended. Seasonal flowers will be at their freshest and of higher quality. They will also be less expensive and more readily available. However, if you have a specific flower in mind, your florist may be able to source it, though it may increase your budget and carbon footprint.
Some flowers that are in season in the spring include lilacs, peonies, poppies, tulips, fritillaria, ranunculus, and spirea.
Dahlias, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and celosia are all flowers that are in season in the fall.
It is worth noting that you should get your flowers no more than two hours before the ceremony to ensure they look fresh.
