Seasonal Flowers

Virtually every bride magazine suggests using locally grown or seasonal flowers for your wedding to keep costs down.  Indeed, it can be an effective way to stay within budget.  However, here are a few things to keep in mind if selecting the flowers for your wedding based on seasonality or where they are grown. 

Surprisingly, there are very few truly seasonal flowers.  Nearly all flowers are available year round, with tulips and peonies being notable exceptions.  Even then, both of those flowers are available for a price, although usually not as high quality as they are in season.  So if you have to have a particular flower that is out of season, it's a good idea limit it to a few in your bouquet and maybe in the groom's boutonniere.

Another seasonal element is flowers which are grown for specific holidays.  Red roses between Christmas and Valentine's Day cost about three times what they cost at any other time of the year.  Mother's Day also sees a spike in wholesale costs.

Locally grown flowers are an excellent way to keep your event "green".  Brides should be aware, though, that the selection isn't as varied as flowers sourced from other parts of the United States, Europe or South America.  It can also be difficult for your florist to "guarantee" the color of a particular flower.  So if you want something like locally grown hydrangea for your centerpieces, it's best to keep your color palette flexible so that you're not disappointed with the final result.