Wedding flowers by season: A month by month guide

If you’re struggling to figure out how you want to decorate your wedding, choosing your bridal flowers first can be a wonderful starting point for setting the tone for the rest of the celebrations. Whether you choose wispy desert-like bouquets to lean into a boho vibe, or sprigs of holly for your Christmas wedding, flowers can have a huge influence.

Selecting your wedding flowers isn’t just about the bridal bouquet, though that can undoubtedly be the star of the show. Flowers can be incorporated in almost every element in a wedding, from adorning the bride in hair pins or floral wreaths, to dressing the tables and aisles into something that can resemble a romantic woodland. Not forgetting the groom or groomsmen of course, whose floral buttonhole pins can tie the whole event’s decor together. Planning the flowers you’ll use in your wedding can therefore be one of the most fun and creative parts of the process, and thinking seasonally can only enhance the end product.

Picking your wedding flowers by season isn’t only a way to ensure you get the cream of the crop, as your chosen flowers will be in high abundance, but also is one of the best ways to make your celebration more eco-friendly. Though you might have your heart set on a blooming set of summer flowers, if you’re having a winter wedding, though it's not impossible, sourcing and flying these in out of season can be costly - and not the most environmentally-conscious option. Choosing seasonal wedding flowers can therefore be a much less complicated, budget-friendly way to approach your wedding planning.

It’s also worth remembering that many flowers are available throughout the year, but in a variety of different appearances, tones, sizes and shapes during different seasons. So even if the exact bud you had your eye on might not be available, you’re sure to find something similar. With that in mind, and with this guide to the best wedding flowers by season, we hope you’ll find some inspiration for your marital blooms.

January in-season wedding flowers

Dried Pampas grass and fresh cut evergreen leaves decorating the aisles at The Green Cornwall

January perhaps gets an unfair rap as not the most abundant time for florals. However, this is far from true, and having a January wedding shouldn’t stop you from still having some of your favourite flowers on your special day. For example, Hyacinths grow well in pots, and can be cultivated and cut for a winter wedding. Other florals which prosper during this month include chrysanthemums and the ever-popular tulips, both of which come in a range of colours and will bring some freshness to your day.

Or, lean into the slimmer floral pickings which this month brings by opting for fresh-cut greenery. Adding some leafy foliage to your bouquet doesn’t need to be one note. Foliage’s versatility is often underrated, but it can come in such a range of colours, from dark purples to rich greens, that it could even make a bouquet in itself.

Winter months are also an opportunity to embrace the creativity of dried bouquets. Using dried flowers means you can include florals not in season, or using a mix of dried buds and pampas grass is perfect for any rustic, boho wedding. Dried floral arrangements can make for incredibly impressive table centrepieces, which are also a lot more low-maintenance and can be kept as keepsakes, or to decorate your home after the wedding. Tying dried flowers to the chairs down your aisle with a pretty ribbon also makes for a sweet pew decoration which can be prepared well in advance.

February in-season wedding flowers

Wintery white blooms and and a romantic red arrangement at The Milestone Hotel & Residences make for some fabulous February wedding inspiration

February is notoriously a month for roses, which are without a doubt the most popular romantic flower throughout the year – never more so than during Valentine’s month! Said to have featured in weddings since Ancient Greek and Roman times, thanks to their association with the goddess Aphrodite, or Venus, roses are a flower that immediately conjures images of love. You could create a bouquet out of roses alone, collecting together a mix of red and pink tones to create a romantic, wintery bunch.

However, roses don’t come into full bloom until later in the year, and there are a number of other seasonal options to choose from this month. For a more classic white winter bouquet, mix together bright white calla lilies with white anemones.

Bringing some greenery into the mix, such as eucalyptus, which is also in season throughout the colder months, contrasts with the bright white petals and creates a truly striking arrangement.

March in-season wedding flowers

Blossom tree table decorations at Old Thorns are a statement way to mark the start of spring with your wedding blooms

March brings the start of spring, and with it, a number of exciting blooms start to become available. A quintessentially British wedding flower, Ssweet peas’ paperlike, delicate shape and exquisite aroma add a breath of fresh air to an early spring wedding.

Lily of the valley is a sentimental flower that is a long-standing favourite among brides. Symbolising happiness, its dainty buds are incredibly pretty and easy to incorporate into your floral styling, but it's strong enough to use alone for an elegant, timeless bouquet. Another popular way many brides incorporate this delicate flower into their wedding is in hair pins, or by having lace illustrations of the flower intricately embroidered into their veil.

Carnations are a cost-effective bloom that are also durable, making them a great choice for a wedding bouquet. With their soft, fluffy heads, carnations can add significant body to your bouquet in a range of tones. On the other hand, a sunny yellow bouquet of marigolds symbolising the brighter days to come, with their bright orange of petals, will brighten up any march bouquet.

April in-season wedding flowers

Lavish wildflower displays at Hampton Manor make for stunning statement springtime decoration

In April, spring is in full swing. The days are getting longer and warmer, and a number of winter flowers’ seasons are coming to a close, while warmer-weather florals start to take over. You could bring the joy of the start of the warmer months into your wedding with a cheerful pastel bouquet, as most florals this season come in softer tones that complement each other beautifully.

April is also a month for ranunculus, one of the most popular flowers for bridal bouquets thanks to its versatility. This is a statement flower that comes in a range of colours, whether you should want to embrace spring pastels, or go for strong, statement flowers, making it a great base for your floral bouquet.

Forget-me-nots also feature this month – a delicate blue flower that can be easily slotted into most bouquets. Symbolising true love, faithfulness and remembrance, they’re incredibly apt for a wedding day, and can double as your ‘something blue’.

May in-season wedding flowers

These floral arrangements at Wild Thyme & Honey make for perfect May bloom inspiration

Couples getting married in may are blessed with a cream crop of in-season blooms to choose from. Peonies are in bloom, one of the most popular options for bridal bouquets with their glorious size and billowing petals, making for incredibly pretty pink bouquets.

May weddings also benefit from the fantastic scent that comes with this month’s in-season blooms. Flowers like waxflower are a subtle addition to any floral display – also acting as a brilliant filler, they shouldn’t be underestimated as the sweet-smelling flowers add a wonderful perfume.

If you’re looking for a non-conventional springtime flower, anthurium is an eye-catching, exotic flower which will bring an other-wordly touch to your wedding blooms.

June in-season wedding flowers

A sunflower-decorated ceremony display at Apton Hall

With the arrival of June, summer is here, and so is wedding season. June weddings benefit from summer blooms when they’ve freshly arrived, before the heat has hit its highest point. June also marks the start of a long rose season – summer is when English roses come into their own, bringing with them their soft scent and timeless beauty.

Delphiniums are a real statement June flower, and add some additional flair to any aisle decor, or make a great base for a long-stemmed bouquet.

Irises are an incredibly versatile floral to use in your wedding bouquet – pairing well with a number of other flowers like tulips, roses or hydrangeas. Their most popular shade, blue, matches well with other shades like yellow and white, as well as blending perfectly with greenery, making them a great choice for bouquets with a burst of colour. They also make a chic and delicate decoration for your groomsmen’s lapels – though it's worth considering their notoriously short shelf-life for practicality purposes.

July in-season wedding flowers

This wonderfully diverse bouquet and hanging floral cloud at Pythouse Kitchen Garden fully embrace the bountiful blooms on offer during the height of summer

As the weather heats up in July, summer is in full swing, and a number of flowers which are meekly available earlier in the year come into full bloom. July is an opportunity to enjoy them at their prime. July weddings are absolutely filled with floral flourish, but there is also the opportunity to also incorporate a number of aromatic herbs to your floral arrangements, including geranium, Ssilver lavender, or dill. Dotting sprigs of these herbs throughout your venue arrangements, whether in your pew decorations or incorporated into table vases, is a creative way to both decorate and scent the day.

Early July also sees the end of the peony season – the ruffled petals and sweet scent making them an ever-popular statement flower for British summer weddings. Ballet slipper-pink peonies are the perfect central flower for a classic bridal bouquet. Pairing peonies with roses in similar hues makes for a traditional and elegant bouquet, while mixing them with wildflowers like nigella, daisies and lavender is a perfect arrangement for a rustic-themed wedding.

August in-season wedding flowers

A bold summer wedding bouquet and floral hair accessory at Denbies Wine Estate

It's the height of summer, and many flowers are at their peak during August. This balmy month provides an ample range of floral style options, whether you’re a couple looking for soft and delicate buds, or bold, statement flowers.

Lisianthus is considered by many the ultimate summer wedding flower – their delicate, ruffled petals will soften any arrangement, while their long stem makes them a durable flower to use in long-lasting arrangements. They can also bring an added height to stand-alone arrangements, making them a popular option for striking table decor.

Cornflowers come in a cheerful mix of colours, and are a favourite for any uplifting August arrangement. They also symbolise encouragement and motivation – filling your day with optimism right down to the floral details.

September in-season wedding flowers

This bouquet and wedding table arrangement at Swanley Meadows show the depth of variety available in transitional blooms

As the weather starts to turn, September brings with it a wealth of floral options in full bloom, and one of the richest ranging colour palettes of the year.

Dahlias are an unwaveringly popular option for many September wedding flowers. Their dynamic shape creates a statement bouquet, and their vast variety of colours makes them adaptable to any wedding colour palette.

Freesias are another popular September choice, for both their appearance and unmistakable scent. Their funnel shape makes them a great option for anywhere you need a stand-alone flower, such as in buttonhole sets or in individual bud vases. They also pair perfectly with a number of other flowers, making them an incredibly versatile and pretty addition to any bouquet.

For a unique flower to cascade down your wedding venue decor, aamaranthus adds an effective flair to any surrounding decor for couples looking for less conventional floral arrangements.

October in-season wedding flowers

Rich autumnal hues along the aisle and in centrepieces at Winters Barns

In October, the opulent tones and sculptural shapes of autumn blooms take centre stage. The golds, reds, oranges and browns of the cosier months start to take over, and the opportunity to incorporate non-floral natural textures into your arrangements arises. Seed pods, berries, and bracken can transform your foliage into something brimming with personality, that’s also seasonally-appropriate and effective.

Matching the unruliness of nature which starts to take hold during this season is a great way to bring a distinctively autumnal feel to your floral arrangements. Wildflowers are a perfect way to do this: the less manicured mix of flowers in a wildflower bouquet can be incredibly beautiful fit for a more relaxed wedding.

Opting for reddish and orange-hued autumnal flowers like scarlett calla lilies or ruby red celosias will create a velvety and inviting display to match the season.

November in-season wedding flowers

The wildflowers incorporated into these displays at The Zetter Clerkenwell show how the flowers available in November can still create incredibly opulant floral decor

November weddings can be truly unique. Bringing a blend between the tail-end of autumn’s rich, earthy hues, and the start of the white flowers more characteristic of winter, the hardy flowers available during this month create some wonderful floral opportunities.

There are a number of unconventional flowers in bloom during this month to be incorporated into your floral arrangements. Cosmos is a whimsical-looking sweet addition to a bridal bouquet. Scabiosa, or pincushion, is an unusually textured flower with pin-like offshoots, which comes in a thoroughly autumnal palette.

A number of delicate and pretty filler flowers also abound, like solidaster and waxflowers, adding bulk to any floral display.

December in-season wedding flowers

The ruby tones and golden baubles in Carlowrie Castle's opulant displays are some fabulous inspiration as to how to incorporate festive cheer into your wedding flowers during this month

Deep, jewel-tones flowers are the obvious choice for a wedding during this festive season, as are timelessly chic white flowers like snowdrops, with pretty petals reminiscent of snowflakes. Opting for blooms in warming reds and purples offset the declining temperatures outside, bringing a festive cheer to your day. If you really want to lean into the winter theme, you could add some pine cones or red berries among your sprigs to create a pop of character in keeping with the season.

Leafy offerings also abound during this time. Adding sprigs of pine instead of the usual foliage to an arrangement is an original option. Or, to fully embrace the foliage, mixing some winter honeysuckle with variegated ivy creates a mix of textures which can be artfully draped across your venue, or which will romantically fall from your arms when used in a bouquet.

With another part of the planning process ticked off the checklist, it’s time to figure out how to kick off your shoes and let loose during your special day. Have a browse of these fun and unique ways to entertain your wedding guests for some inspiration.