When it comes to weddings I think working with the season is always a good idea. It is often suggested that you select flowers that are “in season.” Because of a wide variety of growers around the world out-of-season really only applies to a small percentage of popular wedding blooms and if you are open to different flower types (ie you don’t have anything too specific in mind) beautiful arrangements in just about any palette can be achieved. If you are looking to use local flowers you should keep in mind that our growing season in Vermont is fairly short (from May-September for most crops) so local, in-season flowers will be most readily available for mid-June, July and August weddings. There are some seasonal blooms that are nearly impossible to source locally other than a few weeks per year (such as lilacs, lily-of-the-valley & peonies), but a majority of the flowers you’ll find on wedding websites and in magazines are available from your florist no matter what time of year you marry, whether or not they are “in season”.
Here are a few guidelines on flowers by season
Mid-May: In season blooms include lilacs and a few bulbs like hyacinths, tulips or daffodils.
Late-May to Early June: Lily-of-the-valley, iris, poppy, hosta leaves and flowering branches.
June (mid-late): Peonies are blooming and can be cut and held for a few weeks if need be. If it’s been a warm spring you’ll find more local flowers coming into bloom. If it’s been a wet or cool spring you’ll be likely to find more offerings in July.
July: Most annuals that have been started in greenhouses and planted in the field will be coming into flower by now including flowers such as snapdragons, zinnia, phlox, lilies, delphinium, dahlias and fresh herbs.
August: Some of the July bloomers will continue through much of August with the addition of sunflowers, gladiolus, echinacea, bee balm, thistle, day-lilies and annuals that were started in the field or planted later in the season.
September: While we may hold out hope each year that summer will continue for a few more weeks the truth is that we can expect a killing frost anytime after Labor Day weekend in Vermont. Other than blooms that can be grown in a greenhouse it can be difficult to predict which September flowers will be available.
October-April: Flowers won’t be “in season,” however your options are many. Roses, tulips, callas, snapdragons, lilies, gerbera daisies, berries, seasonal greenery and tropical blooms, like orchids for example, are all available year round and can work with any color palette.
