Ready to go local with your wedding flowers? Keep these three considerations in mind for the perfect seasonal selection.
Winter Wedding Magic
Virginia’s four-season climate is one of its most celebrated assets, but it may pose challenges for couples whose ideal nuptials mean keeping everything local for a winter wedding, especially if they have their hearts set on peonies and ranunculus. Read on for creative alternatives:
- Request that your florist consider including nature’s forageable treasures like holly, pinecones, magnolia leaves, and evergreens (e.g.cedar, spruce, fir, and white pine.)
- Consider forcing bulbs, such as amaryllis, paperwhites, and tulips for bouquets, although perfect timing could be a nail-biter.
- Consider using dried flowers to accent your arrangements.
- Edible greens like cabbage and kale grow in colder weather, and the heads can add interest, especially in centerpieces.
- Some local flower farms have greenhouses that keep operating all year. Ask your florist if they have any connections and know what’s available.
Top Ten 10 Benefits of Choosing What’s in Season
- Flowers are typically cut and sold the same day, so they’re fresh and last longer.
- Supporting local businesses keeps money in the community.
- Locally grown means the plant material is not only fresh, but there is also little shipping footprint.
- Many farmers use sustainable growing practices with no or minimal pesticides.
- Flowers will be acclimated to the season’s climate.
- Many local farmers offer small-batch, unique flower varieties unavailable in commercial outlets.
- There’s a reduced risk of damage of farm-to-florist delivery.
- You’re often likely to get higher quality plant material.
- Your florist’s creativity can shine as they blend flowers with seasonal greens and grasses, adding more texture to your floral arrangements.
- Depending on what you choose, your experience should be easier on your budget.
An In-Season Primer
Whether they’re in the bride’s hands or adorning the church pews and reception tables, flowers are essential for making your wedding day blossom. Make sure you make the right choice with our guide to Virginia-grown wedding flowers & foliage—for any time of the year you decide to tie the knot.
Early Spring: Hellebore, Tulip, Daffodil, Cherry blossom, Lilac, Iris, Lily of the Valley
Late Spring: Peony, Flowering shrubs (e.g. spirea, deutzia, hydrangea, viburnum), Ranunculus, Anemone, Icelandic poppy
Summer: Lisianthus, Sunflower, Delphinium, Zinnia, Garden rose, Clematis, Foxglove, Hydrangea
Fall: Dahlia, Celosia, Mums, Grasses, Hanging amaranthus
Winter: Balsam, Cedar, Spruce, White Pine, Cryptomeria, Holly, Amaryllis
This is web-exclusive content from the February 2025 issue.
