Franklin Dean
Flowers are a key part of any wedding, but they can be expensive. To cut costs, you could opt for seasonal flowers, or use foliage and branches, which are much cheaper than flowers. You could also use ceremony flowers at the reception too. If you're doing your own flowers, you'll need to know how to keep them fresh. Cut flowers early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cool, and always use a sharp knife. Place the stems in tepid water, and keep them in a cool, dark place. You can also add a quarter of a cup of lemon-lime soda to the water to perk up your flowers.
When to Cut Flowers for a Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of Day | Cut flowers early in the morning or early evening when temperatures are cool and stalks are filled with water |
| Season | Choose flowers that are in season during the month of your wedding |
| Stage of Blooming | Cut flowers when they are just starting to show color (except roses, which do not continue to develop after being cut) |
| Vase Life | Know the vase life of the flowers you choose, or how long they will last in a vase |
| Preparation | Cut flowers at an angle to expose their watering channels and place them in warm water |
| Storage | Store flowers in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them |
| Flower Types | Choose hardy flowers that can stand up to the temperature on your wedding day |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing flowers in season
Choosing flowers that are in season for your wedding day is a great way to ensure your blooms are at their freshest and most vibrant. Seasonal flowers are at their peak, meaning they are often more robust, have richer colours, and will last longer. They are also typically more cost-effective, as they are more abundant and easier to source.
When selecting your wedding flowers, it is best to consult a florist, who can provide realistic estimates and suggest beautiful, budget-friendly alternatives. Share your vision, your preferred colours, and your budget, and they can guide you toward the best in-season options.
If you are set on a particular flower that is out of season, it is still possible to include it in your arrangements, but your budget and carbon footprint may increase. Out-of-season flowers are often imported from far-away regions or grown in expensive, controlled environments, increasing the cost to grow and transport the product.
- January: Anemones, with their distinctive black centre, bring a modern vibe to any arrangement. Freesias, known for their perfumey fragrance, are another flower in season during January.
- February: Roses, particularly red and pink, are easily sourced from warmer climates for this month.
- Spring: Spring is associated with flowers that bloom from bulbs, such as the architectural iris. Other options include lilacs, peonies, poppies, tulips, fritillaria, ranunculus, and spirea.
- Summer: Hydrangeas are a favourite for adding volume to floral displays, while foxglove and delphiniums can add height. Cosmos, clematis, scabiosa, and sunflowers bring a fresh and organic feel.
- Fall/Autumn: Dahlias, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and celosia are stunning choices for autumnal arrangements. Snowberry can add a charming white pop to a greenery display.
- Winter: Even in the coldest temperatures, there are flowers that bloom, such as the elegant winter iris.
To ensure your cut flowers stay fresh, keep them in a cool, dark place and trim the stems diagonally to expose their watering channels. Place the flowers in warm water, with the water level approximately six inches up the stems. Recutting the stems along the bottom will brighten their colour.
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Preparing flowers in advance
Choosing and Sourcing Flowers
Select flowers that are in season, as they will be at their prime and often more affordable. Consider the specific month of your wedding and research flowers that typically bloom during that time. For example, ranunculus and wax flowers are in season in February, while tulips are a classic choice for late winter and early spring weddings.
Cutting Flowers at the Right Time
Cut flowers early in the morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler, and the stalks are filled with water. Avoid cutting during the midday heat as it can stress the plants and cause them to wither more quickly. Pick flowers when they are just starting to show colour, as this will help them last longer once cut. Use a sharp knife instead of scissors to avoid pinching the water channels in the stalks.
Initial Care and Conditioning
As soon as you cut the flowers, place the stems in a bucket of clean, tepid water. Do not use cold water, as it can be less effective in hydrating the flowers. Remove any foliage that will be submerged in the water to prevent bacterial growth. Keep the flowers in a cool, dark place for several hours or overnight to allow them to stabilise and hydrate fully. Avoid direct sunlight, as it will cause the flowers to decay faster.
Preparing Bouquets and Arrangements
When creating bouquets or centrepieces, trim the stems diagonally to expose the watering channels. This allows for better water uptake and prevents the stems from sealing themselves off if they rest on the bottom of the vase. Always use clean vases and ensure the cut ends of the stems are submerged in water at all times. If using floral foam, soak it for 24 hours before arranging the flowers to provide additional hydration.
Keeping Flowers Fresh
To extend the life of your wedding flowers, add a quarter cup of lemon-lime soda to the water, which will perk up the blooms due to its sugar and acidity content. Alternatively, a few drops of vodka paired with a teaspoon of sugar can fight bacteria and feed the flowers. Keep the flowers in a cool location, especially if it is hot, to slow down blooming and prevent wilting.
By following these steps, your wedding flowers will remain fresh and vibrant, adding beauty and elegance to your special day.
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Keeping flowers fresh
Preparation
If you are cutting flowers from your own garden, it is best to do so in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. This prevents the flowers from withering due to stress. When cutting, use a sharp knife instead of scissors to avoid pinching the water channels in the stalks. Cut the stems diagonally to expose the watering channels and place them in warm water. Remove any foliage that will be submerged in the water to reduce bacterial growth.
Storage
Keep flowers in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them. Sunlight causes flowers to decay faster, so avoid placing them near windows or in direct sunlight. Store the flowers in buckets of clean water, ensuring the water level is high enough to cover the stems. If possible, leave the flowers overnight to stabilize and rehydrate. If you are using a vase, ensure it is large enough to accommodate the stems and allows for good air circulation.
Refreshing
To keep flowers fresh, regularly refresh the water and make new cuts along the stems. Change the water every few days, or daily if possible. Each time you change the water, recut the stems at an angle to prevent the ends from sealing themselves and to increase the surface area for water uptake. You can also add a few drops of lemon-lime soda, lemon juice, or vinegar to the water to boost acidity and perk up the flowers. Alternatively, a drop of bleach per gallon of water can prevent bacterial growth.
Special Care for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas can be particularly delicate and require extra care. To revive wilting hydrangeas, submerge the heads and stems in cold water for a few hours. You can also try the boiling water method: stand the stems in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to room-temperature water.
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Trimming and cutting techniques
Timing and Temperature
Cutting flowers at the right time of day is crucial. Aim for early morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler, and the stalks are filled with water. Avoid the midday heat, as it can stress the plants and cause them to wither more quickly after cutting.
Stage of Bloom
For most flowers, avoid picking them when they are in full bloom, as they won't last as long. Instead, cut them when they are just starting to show colour. An exception to this is roses, which do not continue to develop after being cut.
Tools
Always use a sharp knife instead of scissors. Scissors can pinch the water channels in the stalks, hindering water uptake.
Diagonal Cuts
When trimming your flowers, cut the stems diagonally. This exposes their watering channels, allowing them to absorb more water. Angular cuts also create a larger surface area for water uptake and prevent the stems from resting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can seal them off.
Underwater Cutting
If you need to shorten the stems, cut them underwater. Otherwise, the stem can take in too much air, causing a blockage that prevents water uptake. This is especially important for roses and other flowers with similar structures.
Sealing Milky Stems
For flowers with milky stems, such as poppies and milkweed, hold the cut stem in a flame for about 15 seconds immediately after cutting. This seals the latex in the stem while keeping the water-conducting vessels open.
Removing Foliage
Strip the leaves from the bottom half to two-thirds of each stem. Any foliage submerged in water can promote bacterial growth and accelerate decay.
Water Temperature
After cutting, place the stems in a bucket of clean, tepid water. Avoid using cold water, as it can be too harsh for the flowers.
Stabilization
Leave the flowers in a cool, dark spot for a few hours or overnight to stabilize before arranging them. Keeping them in a cool, dark place will help them stay fresh until you're ready to use them.
Vase Preparation
Use a vase that is large enough to accommodate all the stems comfortably, with a wide mouth for good air circulation. Always use a thoroughly cleaned vase to prevent bacterial growth, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers.
Flower Food
To give your flowers an extra boost, add a quarter cup of lemon-lime soda to the vase water. The combination of acidity and sugar in the soda will perk up your flowers. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice or vinegar for a similar effect.
Bacteria Control
To fight bacteria and feed your flowers, add a few drops of vodka and a couple of teaspoons of sugar to the vase water. This will keep your flowers healthy and vibrant.
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Budgeting for flowers
Flowers are one of the central elements that make your wedding feel like a wedding. However, they can be expensive. According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of wedding flowers in the previous year was $2,723 overall. This number includes the cost of wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral wedding centerpieces. The average wedding cost for florals also increases with the length of the wedding's guest list, with weddings of over 100 attendees coming in at $3,282.
There are many factors that can influence the cost of flowers for your wedding. The location in which you purchase your blooms and the market of your floral designer can have a significant impact. For example, luxury clients can often spend $100,000 on their wedding flowers. The number of floral arrangements, the types of flowers, the size of your arrangements, and the seasonality of your blooms will also affect the total bill.
To save money, consider shopping seasonally and locally. Options that are grown nearby are usually more affordable and fresher than specialty varieties that need to be shipped from far-off destinations. You can also mix big-budget blossoms with more affordable ones, adding greenery or filler florals to ensure that your arrangements still look full. Instead of making flowers the primary decorative element at your wedding, you can swap some of your blooms for other less costly pieces, such as votive candles, lanterns, photos, or other personal keepsakes.
If you are handy, you can also save money by doing the flower arrangements yourself. You can buy flowers from a local flower farmer or even grow them yourself, and then arrange them according to your preferences. This will save you money on the florist's arrangement fees.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to create centrepieces the night before the wedding and store them in a cool, dark place. If you are worried about them wilting, you can create them on the morning of the wedding.
Cut flowers diagonally to expose their watering channels. Place them in warm water, ensuring the water covers at least six inches of the stems. Keep flowers in a cool, dark place and avoid direct sunlight, as this will cause them to decay faster.
Choose flowers that are in season in your wedding month, as these will be at their prime. In-season flowers are also more affordable than exotic blooms. If you are on a tight budget, opt for small flowers and lots of greenery, which can create a beautiful, affordable look.
