Franklin Dean
Growing your own wedding flowers can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. However, it requires careful planning and dedication, and it's not a project for the fainthearted. If you're an experienced gardener, you can grow your own flowers, but it's essential to start planning at least a year in advance and choose flowers that are in season. Even then, it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case your flowers don't bloom as expected. If you're a beginner, it's best to stick to easy-to-grow annuals and bulbs and consider enlisting help from friends and family.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and timing
If you are planning a late spring wedding, plant spring bulbs in the fall or early winter to ensure they bloom in time. For a summer wedding, plant bulbs and perennials the previous fall. For a fall wedding, start planting the year before in the fall or early spring. It is also important to consider the specific flowers you want to grow and the colours you want, as some flowers may not be in season for your wedding. For example, zinnias may not bloom until mid-June, so they would not be suitable for an early June wedding. However, peonies can be stored in cold storage for up to two months after they bloom, so they are more flexible.
Growing your own wedding flowers can be a daunting task, especially if you are not an experienced gardener. It is important to be realistic about what you can achieve and to consider enlisting help from friends and family. You should also be prepared to buy flowers in case you do not have enough of your own or if something goes wrong.
In terms of timing, it is crucial to consider the bloom times of the flowers you choose and to plant various flowers in the colours you want so that something will bloom on your wedding day. Flowers such as dahlias can be slow to bloom, so it is important to give them ample time. If your wedding is in early autumn, you may want to start the tubers inside and then transplant them to give them extra time.
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Choosing flowers
If you're a beginner gardener, opt for easy-to-grow annuals that tend to grow quickly and bloom profusely, such as zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus. Bulbs are also a great option for novice gardeners. Avoid flowers like dahlias, which are known to be pest magnets and can be slow to bloom. If you're an experienced gardener, you can try growing a specific colour theme, such as peach and coral or blue and yellow.
When choosing flowers, it's essential to consider the style of your wedding. For example, will it be rustic, chic, or contemporary? The style will dictate the types of containers and accessories you'll need for your floral arrangements. It's also important to be realistic about your expectations and capabilities. Growing your own wedding flowers can be time-consuming and daunting, so consider enlisting the help of friends and family. Additionally, be prepared to buy flowers in case you don't have enough or if your blooms don't turn out as expected.
If you have a specific flower in mind, such as peonies, research whether they can be stored after blooming. For example, peonies can be kept in cold storage for up to two months after they bloom, providing more flexibility for your wedding date.
Lastly, don't forget to plan for greens and fillers, which can be grown, foraged, or purchased. Examples of greens and fillers include matricaria, ammi, bupleurum, baby's breath, mint, sage, and rosemary.
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![200,000+ Wildflower Seeds [4oz] 16 Variety Perennial Mix - Non-GMO, USA-Sourced Heirloom Seeds for Pollinator Gardens | Attracts Bees/Birds/Butterflies | High Germination Rate for Indoor & Outdoor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81P1vHhqDfL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Planting and growing
Planning to grow your own wedding flowers is a great way to save costs and make your special day more memorable. However, it can be a daunting and time-consuming task, so it's a good idea to ask friends and family for help. Here are some tips for planting and growing your own wedding flowers:
Planning and Timing
Start planning at least a year in advance. If you're getting married in spring, plant your bulbs in fall or early winter. For a fall wedding, start planting the previous fall or early spring. If your wedding is in summer, plant bulbs and perennials the previous fall. It's also a good idea to map out the locations of the plants to stay organized as they grow.
Choosing Flowers
Select flowers that are easy to grow and tend to grow quickly and bloom profusely. Annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus are great options for beginners. Bulbs are also easy to grow. If you're an experienced gardener, you can try growing flowers that match your color theme. However, be mindful of seasonality and choose flowers that typically bloom during your wedding season.
Planting and Care
If you're growing cut flowers, plant them close together so they compete for sunlight and grow taller with longer stems. Buy fresh seeds and new potting mix, clean your seed-starting flats, and use a heat mat and grow lights. Fertilize appropriately and be prepared for pests and late frosts.
Backup Plan
Growing your own wedding flowers comes with risks, so always have a backup plan. You may not have enough flowers or they may not bloom in time. Consider buying flowers in bulk or from a local flower farm to supplement your own flowers if needed.
Container Gardening
If you don't have a lot of space, you can plant your wedding flowers in containers and place them on a deck or balcony. This allows you to control the growing environment and still enjoy the beauty of your own wedding flowers.
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Arranging and designing
Planning and Timing:
Start planning at least a year in advance to ensure your chosen flowers will be in bloom at the right time. Consider the seasonality of the flowers and don't try to force them out of season. For example, if you're planning a late spring wedding, plant spring bulbs in the fall or early winter. If your wedding is in early June, zinnias may not be in bloom yet.
Choosing Flowers:
Select flowers that are easy to grow and suitable for your climate. Annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus are great options for beginners as they grow quickly and profusely. You can also plant bulbs, which are easy to grow and come back year after year, such as sedum and hydrangeas. If you're an experienced gardener, you can try growing a specific color theme by ordering tubers within a single color palette but varying the flower type and size.
Quantity:
Weddings require a lot of plant material, so plan to have enough flowers for all your desired arrangements. Picture the number of stems you think you'll need and double it. If you can't grow all the flowers yourself, you can supplement with flowers from commercial growers, local flower farms, or online resources.
Containers and Display:
Choose containers that fit the style of your wedding, such as milk cans and sap buckets for a farmhouse rustic theme or colored glass and beads for a boho-chic vibe. Consider the number and size of your containers and how you will display the large arrangements.
Help and Backup Plan:
Enlist the help of friends and family, especially those with gardening experience. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider delegating tasks like harvesting and arranging flowers to your bridal party or family members. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan, such as buying flowers in case your own flowers don't bloom as expected or choosing flowers that can be held in cold storage, like peonies.
Day-of Logistics:
If you or the bride are handling the flower arrangements on the wedding day, be prepared for a busy and potentially stressful day. Flowers need to be arranged at the last minute, so ensure you have the time and energy to handle this task, along with any other wedding day responsibilities.
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Backup plans
Growing your own wedding flowers can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. However, it's important to have a backup plan in case your flowers don't bloom as expected or you encounter unforeseen issues. Here are some strategies to ensure you have beautiful flowers for your special day:
Diversify Your Flowers: Instead of relying on a single type of flower, plant a variety of flowers with different blooming times. This way, even if some flowers don't bloom as planned, others will be ready to take their place. For example, you can plant a mix of annuals, such as celosia and cosmos, along with easy-to-grow perennials like sedum and hydrangeas.
Start with Established Plants: Give yourself a head start by beginning with plants that have already flowered. For example, hydrangeas can be dried and will retain their structure and colour. This ensures that you have a ready supply of flowers that don't depend on a specific blooming period.
Plan for Adverse Events: Gardening is subject to the whims of nature, so it's important to be prepared for adverse weather events, crop failures, pests, and diseases. Have a backup supply of flowers sourced from a local flower farm, flower market, or online retailer. This way, if your homegrown flowers are affected by unexpected issues, you can supplement them with store-bought flowers.
Consider Partial DIY: Growing and arranging all the flowers for a wedding can be daunting. Consider taking on a portion of the floral needs and leaving the rest to a professional floral designer. For example, you could grow flowers for the bridal bouquet and a few centrepieces, while purchasing additional flowers for the rest of the wedding party and decorations.
Know Your Growing Conditions: Understand the specific growing conditions required by your chosen flowers in terms of sun and soil. Make sure the flowers you choose are suited to your Hardiness Zone and the time of year. For example, if you're in a cold climate, opt for flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures.
With these backup plans in place, you can confidently grow your own wedding flowers while being prepared for any challenges that may arise.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need a lot of space to grow your own wedding flowers. You can dedicate a small patch of your yard or even plant them in containers and place them on your deck.
It's recommended to start planning at least a year in advance. The planting timeline will depend on the season of your wedding. For a late spring wedding, plant spring bulbs in the fall or early winter. For a fall wedding, start planting the previous fall or early spring. And for a summer wedding, plant bulbs and perennials the fall before.
If you're a beginner gardener, choose flowers that are easy to grow and tend to grow quickly and bloom profusely. Some suggestions include annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus. Bulbs are also relatively easy to grow.
Weddings require a lot of flowers, so it's a good idea to double the number of stems you think you'll need. Consider growing flowers for specific purposes, such as the bridal bouquet, centrepieces, and boutonnieres.
Growing your own wedding flowers can be time-consuming and daunting. Be prepared for potential issues like pests, bloom times not aligning with your wedding date, and the amount of work involved in arranging the flowers. It's a good idea to have a backup plan, like buying flowers or using fake flowers.
