How to choose your summer wedding flowers
There are many reasons that summer is the most popular time to get married, and the abundance of in-season flowers is top of the list. Summer is peak flower season, with everything from lush roses to dainty sweet peas vying for attention. Choosing in-season flowers means you can secure the best quality from local growers - the best choice for value and your environmental footprint.
To help you choose from the overwhelming array of choice on offer, we’ve narrowed down our favourite summer wedding flowers to inspire your dream wedding day.
Roses
A timeless classic. The enduring symbol of love and romance makes a wonderful choice for your summer wedding. Roses are impressively versatile with several varieties to choose from - hybrid tea roses, china roses and garden roses. They come in a range of soft shades from deep reds to lush peaches, cream to pastel pink, and can suit a variety of wedding colour palettes.
Best of all, summer is the peak season for roses and the best time for eye-catching, aromatic blooms. Roses add a touch of elegance to any arrangement.
Dahlias
With vibrant colours and bold yet intricate shapes, dahlias are a favourite summer wedding flower for many. The variety of species, from pompon dahlias to cactus dahlias to waterlily dahlias, can present some appealing contrasts within your floral arrangements. Available in an abundance of colours, hot pink, deep burgundy and elegant cream, they are suitable for most wedding arrangements - creating amazing arches and intricate bouquets.
The best months for dahlias are between June and October. Look out for the Café o Lait variety for an impressive statement bouquet.
Sweet peas
There’s something uniquely charming about the sweet pea. This is another flower that comes in a wild range of gorgeous colours however, many people are also drawn to their delicious smell. There’s nothing like an elegant ceremony with a gentle fragrance of sweet pea filling the air. The flowers themselves are delicate and dainty, suited to weddings with an air of understated elegance.
Sweet peas are best earlier in the summer. They work wonderfully in a bouquet on their own or alongside pretty much any other summer wedding flowers.
Peonies
Peonies bring an undeniable air of romance to any summer wedding. The soft and delicate flowers range from soft pastels to rich, bright tones and classic whites and creams. They are, for many, synonymous with summer ceremonies - and with their full, soft heads, fluffy petals and dreamy fragrance, it’s no wonder. Stylish and elegant, a peony bouquet is a timeless choice and will always impress.
They are only around for a few short weeks but, wow, if you time it right, they are truly unforgettable. If you’re looking to tie the knot in May or June, you’re all set to go.
Delphinium
With rich colours and a real presence, delphiniums bring a wilder kind of beauty to your wedding day. The long stems of striking blues and rich purples add height and a little drama to larger arrangements. One of the very few truly blue flowers in nature, the beautiful shades can range from pale to deeply intense. Delphiniums radiate a certain charm that works well in both rustic displays and refined designs.
June and July are the peak season for delphiniums. Pair with neutral creams and whites for a sleek and modern look or choose white delphiniums with lavender or peach tones for a dreamy, romantic look. The options are endless.
Five top tips to get the best from your summer wedding flowers
Select in-season - you’ll get the biggest and best blooms at the best price. If, like many couples, you’re starting wedding planning over a year in advance, visit a florist to get a sense of which flowers are at their peak over your wedding date. You might even find something you’ve never heard of.
Tie it to your theme - discuss the atmosphere you’re looking for with your florist. Whichever flowers you choose, your arrangements and bouquets can be strikingly different. Tight, compact bunches lend a classic touch, lush arrangements of big blooms have a romantic feel and loose clusters give a rustic vibe.
And your colour palette - if you have a colour theme set in your mind, it’s worth being more open with your flower choice. Your florist will know the best summer blooms that fit your colour scheme - and they may not be the ones you expect. Being flexible and trusting your florist here can really pay off.
Don’t forget allergies - this is especially true if you’d like fragrant summer wedding flowers. If you suspect anyone coming to your wedding has a severe pollen allergy, it’s worth finding out more.
Consider bouquet size - they may not look it but large bouquets can get pretty heavy. The last thing you want to be thinking about when walking down the aisle is your aching arms. Besides, the bouquet needs to complement a bride’s wedding dress, not cover it up.
Plan your magical wedding at Court Colman Manor
Whichever floral flourishes you choose, the Court Colman Manor hotel can provide the perfect setting. Tucked away in the breathtaking countryside, our charming venue boasts historic elegance and lush, colourful gardens. An idyllic backdrop for your big day.
We understand just how important your wedding day is and will strive to meet every need and requirement you have. Our experience and passion for quality will make sure you big day goes off without a hitch.