Choosing Your Wedding Flowers: Where to Start

From the bride's bouquet to the table arrangements and boutonnières, wedding flowers require careful thought—but they don't have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help you get your project off to a good start.

Keep the season of your wedding in mind. Seasonal flowers are fresher, last longer on the big day, and are often more affordable than imported, out-of-season varieties. A summer wedding is a great occasion for peonies and dahlias, while a winter wedding calls for whites and deep greens.

Match the flowers to your color scheme, not the other way around—it’s simpler and more cost-effective to work with the colors available at the time of your event than to insist on a specific flower at all costs.

Set your priorities. Some couples go all out on a spectacular bouquet, while others prefer to split their budget between the venue decor and the table arrangements. There’s no right answer—just the one that’s right for you.

Schedule an appointment with your florist At least 6 to 8 weeks before the big day to confirm quantities, colors, and delivery dates. For weddings during peak season (June through September), book even earlier.

Don't forget the little touches: boutonnières for the bride and groom, corsages for the mothers, and flower petals for the exit from the ceremony. It's often these details that make the photos memorable.