Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Are you planning on growing your own DIY wedding florals? Sprinkle some floral magic on your special day by growing your own flowers. It’s not only a budget-friendly option but also adds a personal touch to your wedding decor. Plus, imagine the joy of seeing some of your own wedding flowers flourishing in your garden year after year.
When it comes to choosing which flowers to grow for your wedding, it’s important to consider their seasonality. By embracing sustainable seasonal flower gardening, you not only align with nature but also ensure the freshest and most vibrant blooms for your big day.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of DIY wedding florals!
Seasonal DIY wedding florals
I really hope that wherever you are, you can experience the joy of growing wedding flowers for your special day. Just keep in mind that the seasons are different depending on where you live – in the Northern Hemisphere, like here in the UK, spring usually starts in March and ends in May, while it’s generally from September to November in the Southern Hemisphere.
Three questions. Two minutes. A flower list chosen for your actual garden, not some idealised one.
Let’s find your flowers.
If you’re living in an area with a colder climate, it’s important to keep in mind that your flowering season will be shorter than those in warmer climates. That means you can expect a later spring and early autumn when planning your flower growing.
My monthly breakdowns are based on my experience here in North Shropshire in the UK, which is in zone 8 in the US system of plant hardiness zones. This zone system tells us that even within the UK, the times when flowers bloom can vary by a few weeks. So, for example, if you live in the South West of England, your flowers may bloom a week or so before mine, and if you are in the North of Scotland, your season may start two or three weeks later than mine. So be careful to take this into account when creating your flower shortlist.
Use the right flower for the season
The higher the sun in the sky and the longer the days, the wider the range of beautiful flowers and lush foliage you can grow to use for your wedding arrangements. Consider my ideas as a starting point, but keep in mind the location where you’ll be getting married. Instead of focusing on the exact month, look at the flowers that are in bloom around the time of your wedding.
For instance, if you’re growing flowers in Devon, UK (South West) and your wedding is in late May, you could also look at the flowers that are available in early June for inspiration.
Choosing the right flowers and planting them at the right time can make a big difference when planning your DIY wedding florals. Take the time to research which flowers are in season for your area and when to plant them. This will help you create the perfect look for your wedding day. Plus, after your wedding, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful blooms in your garden for years to come.
Spring wedding flowers
Spring is a wonderful time for a wedding and it should be easy to grow flowers. Popular flowers during this season include tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These flowers are all bulbs and can be planted in the previous autumn, ensuring they will bloom just in time for your wedding.
Combining bulbs with blossom branches can create a breathtaking display in your wedding flowers.
You may also consider incorporating flowers like lilacs and peonies, but keep in mind that these are perennial plants, shrubs, and trees. For a reasonable number of flowers, they should have been established in your garden for a few years.
Check out this article for ideas on what flowers to grow for a May wedding.
Summer wedding flowers
Summer is the perfect time for growing a wide variety of beautiful flowers for your wedding. You have so many options to choose from. Some popular summer flowers that can keep blooming all summer long include daisies, sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias. To ensure they are ready to bloom in time for your wedding, it’s best to plant these flowers in the previous autumn or early spring.
In addition to these, there are also some amazing wedding flowers like roses and hydrangeas that will be in full bloom during the summer. However, please note that these are perennial shrubs and trees, so they will need some time to establish themselves in your garden before they can produce enough flowers for your special day.
Here are some more detailed suggestions for sowing seeds for a summer wedding:
- Check out this article for what flowers to grow for a wedding in June.
- Here’s a helpful guide on what flowers to grow for a July wedding.
- And here’s what DIY wedding florals you should consider growing for an August wedding.
Autumn wedding flowers
If you’re planning to get married in autumn, you have a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the entire growing season to grow your own flowers. Some popular autumn flowers to consider are chrysanthemums, asters, zinnias, marigolds, dahlias, and snapdragons.
To ensure that these flowers bloom just in time for your wedding, it’s best to sow the seeds in spring.
If you want plenty of flowers without turning gardening into a second job, The Flower Files might be just what you need.
The great thing about many of the autumn flowers mentioned is that they can last until the first frosts arrive. Depending on where you’re located, you may still be able to create beautiful arrangements well into October. However, it’s important to be aware that a sudden frost could potentially damage or destroy the flowers overnight!
If you’re interested, I have some more detailed suggestions on what seeds to sow for an Autumn wedding.
Winter wedding flowers
DIY wedding florals and foliage options in winter can be a bit more challenging, but fear not! A winter wedding can be just as magical as a summer one, especially with the addition of candles, greenery, and stunning branch arrangements.
Planning to grow anything in this season is not easy to accomplish, so I won’t even try to give examples. However, a weekend foraging to find some delightful or unusual birch, daphne or willow branches can create magic.
Remember, regardless of the season, there are plenty of flowers to choose from to create a truly memorable wedding day. And if you need some extra convincing, check out this list of the benefits and challenges of growing your own wedding flowers.
When it comes to planting flowers for your big day, be sure to give yourself enough time for them to bloom beautifully. If you’re in need of some additional guidance, here are my top 9 tips for growing your own wedding flowers. And once you’re ready, I’ve even prepared a schedule to help you arrange your wedding flowers seamlessly.
Happy wedding planning!
A quick aside: I built a little app for flower growers who want gentle reminders about what to do and when - without it turning into another thing to feel guilty about. It's called the Flower Grower Companion. You tell it your location and your flowers, it tells you what actually needs doing this week (and just as importantly, when there's nothing to do at all)
Have a look
