Flowers have been a significant part of weddings for centuries. Their natural beauty and delicate fragrance can transform any wedding venue into a breathtaking space. Beyond their visual appeal, flowers also carry rich meanings and symbolism that can add a personal touch to your celebration. The key to making your floral choices meaningful and beautiful lies in understanding the symbolism behind each bloom and selecting flowers that complement the season of your wedding.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best flowers for weddings, their meanings, and which ones are in season at different times of the year. Whether you’re planning a spring, summer, autumn, or winter wedding, there’s a flower out there that perfectly aligns with your vision.
Spring Wedding Florals
Spring is synonymous with new beginnings, making it the perfect time for weddings that celebrate love and fresh starts. The flowers of this season represent renewal, hope, and youthfulness.
Peonies
- Meaning: Peonies symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and a happy marriage. Their lush, full blooms are known for their beauty and elegance.
- Best For: Spring weddings, particularly those held in May and early June, as this is when peonies are in full bloom.
- Why Choose Them: Peonies are romantic and dreamy, making them a perfect addition to bridal bouquets, centrepieces, or floral arches.
Lilacs
- Meaning: Lilacs represent the first emotions of love and the purity of affection.
- Best For: Late spring (April to early June).
- Why Choose Them: Lilacs’ soft fragrance and delicate colours (lavender, white, and purple) work beautifully in spring weddings, adding a soft, romantic touch.
Tulips
- Meaning: Tulips symbolise perfect love and the declaration of deep affection.
- Best For: Early spring, typically March through May.
- Why Choose Them: Tulips come in almost every colour, allowing you to match them perfectly to your wedding theme. They are simple yet elegant and can be used in bouquets, boutonnieres, or table arrangements.
Daffodils
- Meaning: Daffodils represent new beginnings and rebirth, making them ideal for weddings celebrating fresh starts.
- Best For: Early spring, from March to May.
- Why Choose Them: Their bright yellow and white colours bring a cheerful and uplifting vibe to any wedding.
Summer Wedding Florals
Summer weddings are all about vibrant colours and lively celebrations. The flowers of this season are bold and full of life, symbolising love, passion, and energy.
Roses
- Meaning: Roses are perhaps the most iconic wedding flower. They symbolise love, passion, and beauty, with different colours offering additional meanings (red for love, white for purity, yellow for friendship).
- Best For: Summer weddings, especially from June to August.
- Why Choose Them: Roses are timeless and versatile, making them perfect for bouquets, centrepieces, and arrangements throughout the venue.
Sunflowers
- Meaning: Sunflowers represent adoration, loyalty, and longevity.
- Best For: Late summer, typically July to August.
- Why Choose Them: Sunflowers add a bold, cheerful touch to a wedding and work well for rustic, bohemian, or country-style weddings.
Hydrangeas
- Meaning: Hydrangeas symbolise gratitude, grace, and beauty. They are also thought to represent a strong, enduring love.
- Best For: Summer weddings, especially from June to September.
- Why Choose Them: Hydrangeas’ large, full blooms create a dramatic look, and they come in a variety of colours (blue, pink, white, and purple) that can complement many wedding palettes.
Calla Lilies
- Meaning: Calla lilies are often associated with beauty, elegance, and magnificence.
- Best For: Late spring through summer, with the peak of availability in June and July.
- Why Choose Them: Their sleek, trumpet-shaped flowers are perfect for more modern or minimalist wedding themes. They are often used in bridal bouquets, centrepieces, or as accent flowers in larger arrangements.
Autumn Wedding Florals
Autumn weddings are cosy and rich with colour. The flowers of this season reflect the beauty of harvest time and evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and abundance.
Chrysanthemums (Mums)
- Meaning: Mums symbolise longevity, joy, and optimism. They are often seen as the flower of autumn, representing comfort and warmth.
- Best For: Late autumn, from September to November.
- Why Choose Them: Mums come in a wide range of colours (deep reds, oranges, yellows, and purples), which makes them perfect for autumn weddings. They also hold up well in cooler weather, making them ideal for outdoor celebrations.
Dahlias
- Meaning: Dahlias represent strength, grace, and elegance.
- Best For: Late summer through autumn, particularly August to October.
- Why Choose Them: Dahlias’ rich, intricate blooms work well in autumn wedding florals. Their bold, vibrant colours make them a striking choice for bouquets and arrangements.
Marigolds
- Meaning: Marigolds symbolise passion, creativity, and warmth.
- Best For: Early to mid-autumn, from September to October.
- Why Choose Them: Marigolds’ bright orange and yellow hues capture the essence of autumn and are perfect for a festive, warm-toned wedding.
Poppies
- Meaning: Poppies represent peace, consolation, and remembrance.
- Best For: Autumn weddings, with their peak bloom from late summer through autumn.
- Why Choose Them: Poppies add a unique, wildflower-like feel to autumn weddings and are available in a variety of vibrant colours.
Winter Wedding Florals
Winter weddings often evoke feelings of tranquillity, serenity, and magical beauty. The flowers of this season are simple yet stunning, often in white, silver, and deep jewel tones.
Amaryllis
- Meaning: Amaryllis represents strength, determination, and beauty.
- Best For: Winter weddings, particularly from December to February.
- Why Choose Them: Amaryllis’ large, dramatic blooms in red, white, or pink are ideal for winter weddings. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Camellias
- Meaning: Camellias symbolise admiration, perfection, and beauty.
- Best For: Winter weddings, especially from December through February.
- Why Choose Them: Camellias’ exquisite petals and rich colours (often white, pink, or red) make them a beautiful and classic choice for winter florals.
Holly
- Meaning: Holly is associated with protection, good fortune, and a festive spirit.
- Best For: December, around Christmas time.
- Why Choose Them: Holly’s deep green leaves and red berries make it a quintessential winter wedding flower. It adds a festive touch to your wedding flowers and pairs well with other seasonal flowers like amaryllis or poinsettias.
Orchids
- Meaning: Orchids represent love, luxury, and strength.
- Best For: Winter weddings, particularly December and January.
- Why Choose Them: Orchids add an exotic touch to winter wedding flowers, bringing a sense of luxury and elegance. Their unique appearance makes them perfect for bridal bouquets or accent flowers in larger arrangements.
Choosing the right florals for your wedding is not only about aesthetics; it’s about weaving meaning into your big day. From the soft elegance of spring blooms to the rich, passionate flowers of summer and the warm tones of autumn, each season offers a variety of flowers with their own symbolism. By selecting flowers that reflect your personality, love story, and the season of your wedding, you can create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
When planning your floral arrangements, consider both the beauty and the symbolism of each bloom, and be sure to select flowers that are in season to ensure the freshest and most vibrant flowers on your special day. At Manor By The Lake our dedicated team are here to help you make the the best decision for your day.
