Seasonal Wedding Flowers: The Complete Month-by-Month Guide

Why Seasonality Matters More Than You Think

Working with seasonal flowers is not just an environmentally conscious choice. It is the single most effective way to get the freshest, most vibrant blooms at the best possible price. Out-of-season flowers cost two to three times more, arrive with shorter vase lives, and often lack the fragrance and petal quality of their in-season counterparts.

As a working wedding florist, understanding seasonality is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Here is the complete guide, organized by month.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is peak season for romance flowers. Availability explodes as temperatures warm:

March: Ranunculus, anemones, sweet peas, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, hellebores, mimosa
April: Peonies begin (limited), garden roses begin, lilacs, lily of the valley, viburnum, fritillaria
May: Peonies peak, garden roses abundant, sweet peas last call, clematis, foxglove, delphinium begins

Best for: Romantic, garden-style weddings. Soft pastels and lush, full arrangements.

Cost note: Peonies in early March will cost three to four times their May price. If a bride wants peonies, push the date toward late April or May if possible.

Summer (June – August)

Summer brings bold colors and heat-hardy varieties:

June: Dahlias begin, garden roses peak, hydrangeas abundant, sunflowers, stock, larkspur, zinnias
July: Dahlias peak, protea, lisianthus, tuberose, gladiolus, celosia, cosmos
August: Dahlias last call, ornamental grasses, sedum, dried elements begin, late-season hydrangea

Best for: Bold, colorful celebrations. Tropical themes. Outdoor weddings.

Heat warning: Summer weddings require careful bloom selection. Avoid chocolate cosmos, sweet peas, and garden roses in direct sun above 90 degrees. Lisianthus, zinnias, and protea handle heat well.

Fall (September – November)

Fall offers the richest color palette of any season:

September: Dahlias still available, chrysanthemums begin, autumn foliage, berries, rose hips, amaranthus
October: Chrysanthemums peak, ornamental kale, bittersweet, persimmon branches, fall leaves at peak color
November: Dried elements, evergreen begins, winterberry, anemones return, ranunculus return

Best for: Warm, earthy celebrations. Burgundy, rust, terracotta, and gold palettes. Textural, abundant arrangements.

Pro tip: Fall is the most underrated wedding flower season. Dahlias are at their largest and most affordable in September, and the variety of textures available (berries, grasses, seed pods, foliage) creates arrangements with incredible depth.

Winter (December – February)

Winter has fewer options but offers unique beauty:

December: Amaryllis, paperwhites, evergreen, holly, winterberry, hellebores, anemones
January: Anemones peak, ranunculus begin, tulips begin, camellias, jasmine, citrus branches
February: Ranunculus building, sweet peas begin, mimosa, daffodils begin, forced branches (quince, cherry)

Best for: Elegant, monochromatic celebrations. All-white weddings. Candlelit, intimate gatherings.

Cost note: Winter can actually be more affordable than spring or summer because demand is lower. However, certain flowers like garden roses will be imported from Ecuador and cost more.

Smart Substitution Strategies

When a bride wants something out of season:

| Desired Flower | In-Season Alternative |
|---|---|
| Peonies (wanted in October) | Garden roses, ranunculus, or lisianthus |
| Dahlias (wanted in March) | Chrysanthemums or carnations (similar form) |
| Sweet peas (wanted in August) | Lisianthus or butterfly ranunculus |
| Lily of the valley (wanted anytime) | Stephanotis or white muscari |
| Sunflowers (wanted in January) | Available year-round from growers, but expensive |

The Pricing Conversation

When a bride asks for out-of-season flowers, be honest:

• Explain what is and is not available


• Show what IS in season for their date


• If they insist on out-of-season, quote the real cost without apology


• Offer to include a small accent of the desired flower if budget allows

Seasonal sourcing is covered in depth in Chic Academy, including our supplier worksheets and ordering timelines.