The season of a wedding suggests not only the colour palette but also which flowers will be fresh, available and fitting. Here is which flowers to choose for a spring, summer, autumn or winter wedding, what can be ordered all year round and how the season affects the bridal bouquet and decor.
Wedding bouquets and flowers are in our bridal bouquets and flowers for newlyweds sections.
Roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, lisianthus and alstroemerias are available all year, so they can be planned for a wedding in any month. Seasonal flowers — peonies, lilac, dahlias — should be discussed with your florist in advance, as their availability depends on the weather.
Spring is the time for soft pastel shades. Tulips, ranunculus, hyacinths, anemones, lily of the valley and lilac create a light, fresh look. The first peonies appear at the end of May. Spring flowers are delicate, so the bouquet is best made on the wedding day.
Summer is the richest season: peonies in June, garden and peony-shaped roses, hydrangeas, lavender, delphiniums, lisianthus, daisies and cornflowers, and at the end of summer sunflowers and dahlias. In the heat choose sturdy flowers and keep the bouquet cool until the ceremony. Ideas for late summer are in "August wedding guide".
In autumn warm palettes are in fashion: burgundy, terracotta and mustard. Dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters, amaranthus, berried branches, cotton and dried grasses create a cosy look. More ideas in "Autumn wedding ideas".
In winter white and red roses, amaryllis, anemones, fir, eucalyptus, ilex berries and cotton look lovely. The bouquet must be protected from frost: florists wrap it, and the bride should keep the flowers indoors in the warm. More in "Winter bridal bouquet".
Roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, lisianthus and alstroemerias.
Local peonies are available at the end of May and in June; at other times the choice is limited and prices are higher.
Roses, amaryllis, anemones, fir, eucalyptus and ilex berries.