Wedding flowers are one of those age old wedding traditions, that seem to have been with us since the dawn of time. While wedding trends come and go, flowers are always in style. But which wedding flowers to pick has gotten more complicated because we’ve stopped picking our flowers from our local backyard/village/forest (though we fully support this method), and instead we’ve started choosing flowers based on what we see on the “Infinite Pinterest Garden.” And if you’re picking your flowers on the internet (verses in your local field), that almost always means research. (Unlike your local forest, Pinterest loves showing you expensive, non-local, out of seasons flowers.)
If you’ve ever searched “wedding flowers” in Pinterest, you know all about that Infinite Pinterest Garden. Once you get lost in it, it’s all too easy to see all the beautiful bouquets and go, “OH, I WANT THAT.” And while that bouquet stuffed with peonies and calla lilies looks amazing, there is no way to figure out how much something like that would actually cost, or when those flowers are even in season.
If you’re hiring a florist, you can of course stop all research let them just tell you what’s going to work for your budget and wedding season. But let’s be honest. You’re here, researching your wedding on the internet, so chances are good you have Opinions. And if you’re going to walk into a florist with a Pinterest board full of ideas, it’s a good idea to figure out what’s in season and what you can afford, before you get your heart set on something you just can’t have.
If you’re planning on DIYing your wedding flowers, it’s even more important to know which flowers are which, and what you can afford (or even buy) for your wedding. So to help you out, I’ve pulled some of our best research from our bestselling #APWPlanner (which you should buy, since it’s probably the best $19.99 you’ll spend during wedding planning). But we love y’all so we’ve done a full roundup of wedding flowers here, including price estimates from online wholesalers, plus research on seasonality and heartiness pulled from the #APWPlanner. With this helpful guide, if you’re getting married in practically any season, all you have to do is figure out which flowers you like the most (and how much $$$ you want to spend).
Our guide to wedding flowers (by type and season)
Winter Wedding Flowers
Narcissus (paper white)
Narcissus paper white flowers consist of small white blooms atop a green stem. These flowers can be great to use for pops of white or to achieve an all over neutral effect in a larger bouquet.
Cost: $190 for 100 stems | Colors: White
Tulips
Tulips have truly stood the test of time in romantic and lush bouquets. They can be seen in Dutch Masters’ paintings and have long been a symbol of beauty. Keep in mind, these flowers can be rather unpredictable when you cut them. Tulips will look one way when you first arrange them and totally different the next day!
Cost: $60 for 20 stems | Colors: Pink, Orange, Purple, White, Red
Daffodil
Also a favorite in Dutch Masters’ paintings, daffodils add just a touch of spring to arrangements in the cool winter months. They are available December through March and are sure to give your arrangements a classic garden feel.
Cost: $80 for 50 stems | Colors: Yellow, White, Orange
Scabiosa
These beautiful pincushion-like flowers come in a variety of colors and sizes. Scabiosa go well in traditional garden-style bouquets, and their rich colors and texture will be sure to catch attention.
Cost: $100 for 50 stems | Colors: Maroon, Burgundy, Lavender, White, Pink
Lily of the Valley
Sweet and delicate, these flowers add soft touches to any bouquet. They’re not all sweet though. Keep these flowers away from pets and children, as they can be extremely poisonous!
Cost: $135 for 25 stems | Colors: White
Carnations
Carnations are hearty and long lasting winter flowers that come in almost any color you can imagine! Plus, these flowers are pretty budget friendly no matter how fancy you’re trying to get.
Cost: $60 for 50 stems | Colors: Pink, Red, Purple, White, Yellow and more!
Hypericum Berries
Looking to add a little texture to your arrangements? Hypericum berries are one of my winter wedding flower go-tos. Whether you’re looking for a little contrast or something complimentary, these filler flowers usually do the trick.
Cost: $68 for 50 Stems | Colors: White, Red, Pink, Yellow, Green
Spring Flowers
Ranunculus
Do you like the look of small roses but don’t want to pay the price? The ranunculus is like the rose’s cooler sibling, packing a punch with the many layers of petals it has to show off.
Cost: $130 for 50 stems | Colors: All colors except for blue
Sweet Pea
These delicate flowers will wow you with their playful butterfly-like petals and various hues. If you’re looking to add a fragrant scent to your bouquet, sweet peas are a great pick.
Cost: $120 for 40 stems | Colors: Purple, Pink, White, Red, Yellow
Peony
Peonies are a wedding favorite for their lush and aromatic beauty. Buy these flowers during spring when they are at their biggest and brightest, and you’ll be sure to have a romantic bouquet! (But, word to the wise: they’re expensive.)
Cost: $140 for 20 stems | Colors: Pink, White, Maroon, Burgundy, Yellow
Freesia
Freesia is a versatile flower that you can use as a filler or to define the focal point of any design. The bell-shaped petals add a subtle texture to bouquets.
Cost: $100 for 50 stems | Colors: All colors except for blue
Veronicas
These delicate stunners are Veronicas, perfect to add a touch of romance and whimsy to any of your wedding related events.
Cost: $170 for 50 stems | Colors: Pink, Purple, White
Anemone
Anemones reveal their bright petals during mid-spring, so keep your eye out for them at your local farmers’ market for the highest quality and best price. These wedding flowers make any bouquet or arrangement you put them in a little hipper.
Cost: $130 for 50 stems | Colors: Many
Summer Wedding Flowers
Sunflower
Big and bright just like its namesake, sunflowers add a seasonal touch of summer to even fall arrangements. Sunflowers act as an eye-catching focal point in many bouquets.
Cost: $60 for 25 stems | Colors: Yellow, Orange, Red, Brown
Dahlia
There are over three hundred types of dahlias that come in all shapes and sizes that are available from summer to fall. With dinner plate dahlias (which are as big as they sound), cactus dahlias, and ball dahlias, there is something for everyone.
Cost: $120 for 20 stems | Colors: Many
Cornflower
Cornflowers do double-duty! This purple-blue flower brings brightness to all arrangements including edible ones! Yep, you can even use cornflower as a popular addition to your salads.
Cost: $90 for 50 stems | Colors: Blue, Purple
Zinnia
If you’re going for a garden-style wedding, zinnias easily add a classic touch for wedding flowers. They come in many colors, and their globe shape looks great amongst greenery and filler flowers.
Cost: $80 for 30 stems | Colors: Many
Snapdragon
If you love the pink ombre trend, look no further, snapdragons are here! These long fragrant stems come in many colors, but our personal favorites are the ones that fade from orange to pink.
Cost: $29 for 10 stems | Colors: Lavender, White, Pink, Yellow, Orange
Fall Wedding Flowers
Thistle
This spiky cone-shaped flower may look intimidating, but you’d be surprised at how the unique texture of these flowers really complements a fall arrangement.
Cost: $50 for 20 stems | Colors: Blue, Green, Grey
Calla Lily
Most people have seen the standard white calla lily, but have you seen all of the other colors before? From pink to orange to purple, there is so much variety. And not only in color, but in size too—there are also mini calla lilies!
Cost: $46 for 20 stems | Colors: All
Agonis
For those of you looking to vamp it up, agonis can add a moody touch to your fall wedding flowers. It comes in bunches of maroon and green and makes for a great filler in bouquets.
Cost: $100 for 50 stems | Colors: Maroon, Green
Chrysanthemum
Here in the US, chrysanthemums are known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers” and there’s no question as to why that is. Just look at this show-stopper!
Cost: $120 for 60 stems | Colors: Many
Celosia
Celosia is a your furry flower friend! This unique flower is sure to liven up any design with its bright colors and velvety texture. It’s also super dense, making it a good filler.
Cost: $100 for 50 stems | Colors: Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Red
Leucadendron
These long and sturdy stems are a fun way to add a dash of color to your greenery. There are varieties that fade from green to deep red or green to bright red and some that are furry and silver.
Cost: $100 for 50 stems | Colors: Maroon, Burgundy, Green
Year-round Flowers
Roses
The great thing about roses is that they’re available all year long, and there are so many to choose from. In every size and color, these flowers are timeless for a reason: their simple beauty!
Cost: $209 for 200 stems | Colors: All
Succulents
If you want a bit of that desert style, try adding succulents your wedding flowers. You can take them out of your arrangement after the wedding and plant them when you get home, or even give them as favors to guests!
Cost: $150 for 20 succulents | Colors: Blue, Green, Purple, Pink
Delphinium
Delphinium flowers are large purple-blue stalks filled with dainty blooms. The stem may be long and hardy, but this flower adds height and color without overpowering.
Cost: $150 for 60 stems | Colors: Blue, Purple, White
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are large, round garden blooms that come in a wide range of colors. This dense flower makes a great filler flower, but it can also make a statement on its own. Be sure to take special care of this flower: it needs it!
Cost: $70 for 30 stems | Colors: Lavender, White, Pink, Blue, Green
Craspedia
Up the fun factor in your wedding flowers by adding craspedia to your arrangement. Like little balls of sunshine, craspedia add a bright touch to centerpieces and bouquets.
Cost: $80 for 100 stems | Colors: Yellow, Green, Orange, Red
Dried WEdding Flowers
Fern
Amp up the drama by adding dried ferns to your arrangements. They’re beautiful and will last you longer than just your wedding day!
Cost: $12.95 for 8-10 stems | Colors: Pink, Green, Red, Yellow
Starflower
If you like the look of hydrangeas but they’re too big for your design, try adding a small bunch of starflowers to add texture and volume to your creative wedding flowers.
Cost: $24 for 3 oz bunch | Colors: White
Bunny Tails
These flowers are called bunny tails for a reason! They are soft as heck and are sure to add an interesting and non-traditional element to any arrangement.
Cost: $18 for 50-60 stems | Colors: Blue, Pink, Red, Orange, White
Sea Holly Thistle
Is dark and moody more your style? Me too. Add a touch of darkness to your wedding flowers with these stunning all black sea holly thistle bundles!
Cost: $22 for 8-10 stems | Colors: Black
What wedding flowers did you use (or are you planning to use) in your bouquet or centerpieces? Would you use the same flowers if you had to do it again?
