Wedding Flowers by Season: Best Blooms for Your Date

In-season wedding flowers cost 30-50% less than out-of-season blooms and offer superior freshness.¹ Choosing flowers that naturally bloom during your wedding date reduces costs, ensures availability, and supports local growers. A peony costs $8-15 per stem in May but $20-30 per stem in December.²

Quick Guide: Wedding Flowers by Season

Match your wedding flowers to your season for the best value and freshness:

Average wedding flower costs in 2024-2025: $2,200 USD (United States), £1,000-£2,500 GBP (United Kingdom), and $2,444 AUD (Australia).¹³⁴

Understanding Seasonal Flower Pricing

Seasonal flowers dramatically impact your wedding budget. The average cost of wedding flowers in 2025 is $2,200 USD in the United States, with most couples spending between $700 and $2,500.¹ In the UK, wedding flowers typically range from £1,000 to £2,500, with bridal bouquets averaging £120.³ Australian couples spend an average of $2,444 AUD, though prices have risen 17% since 2024 due to supply chain pressures.⁴

Choosing in-season flowers reduces costs significantly. Requesting seasonal blooms typically saves 30-50% compared to out-of-season requests.² Out-of-season flowers require importing, greenhouse cultivation, or special storage, increasing costs substantially. Flowers typically represent 8-10% of total wedding budgets, making seasonal choices an effective cost-control strategy.¹

Spring Wedding Flowers (March-May)

Spring delivers the most diverse flower selection with soft pastels and vibrant hues. Peak availability runs March through May in the Northern Hemisphere (September through November in Australia).

Peak Spring Blooms

• Peonies (April-June): The quintessential spring wedding flower, available in blush pink, white, coral, and red. Peonies are temperamental and have a short season. Average cost: $8-15 per stem in season, $20-30 out of season.
• Tulips: Available in virtually every color with different petal styles. Peak season in March-May when Dutch fields bloom. Average cost: $2-5 per stem.
• Ranunculus: Cup-shaped flowers with countless delicate petals in cream, orange, peach, and burgundy. Average cost: $3-6 per stem.
• Lilacs: Fragrant clusters in purple, white, and pink. Available April-May only.
• Hyacinths: Intensely fragrant spikes in pink, purple, white, and blue.
• Cherry blossoms: Delicate branches with pale pink blooms, popular for ceremony arches.
• Sweet peas: Ruffled blooms in pastels with incredible fragrance.
• Anemones: Bold black centers with white, pink, or purple petals.

Spring Color Palette

Soft pastels (blush, lavender, mint), bright pinks, purples, yellows, and whites dominate spring weddings.

Regional Spring Availability

• UK: British-grown tulips and daffodils are more affordable than imported varieties post-Brexit.³
• US: The Pacific Northwest produces exceptional tulips and ranunculus.
• Australia: Spring (September-November) brings native wattles, flannel flowers, and kangaroo paw alongside imported varieties.

Summer Wedding Flowers (June-August)

Summer offers peak availability for roses and the widest color selection. Northern Hemisphere summer runs June through August (December through February in Australia).

Peak Summer Blooms

• Roses: Peak season with best pricing and variety. Available in every color except true blue. Average cost: $3-8 per stem in season.
• Peonies (early summer only): Late-season peonies available through early June.
• Hydrangeas: Large, lush blooms in white, blue, pink, and purple. Average cost: $5-12 per stem.
• Dahlias: Intricate petals in bold and pastel shades. Available July-October. Average cost: $4-8 per stem.
• Sunflowers: Cheerful yellow blooms for rustic or bold weddings. Average cost: $2-4 per stem.
• Zinnias: Vibrant, long-lasting blooms in nearly every color.
• Lisianthus: Rose-like blooms in white, pink, purple, and blue. Average cost: $3-7 per stem.
• Larkspur: Tall spikes adding height to arrangements.
• Garden roses: Fuller, more fragrant than standard roses. Average cost: $8-15 per stem.

Summer Color Palette

Bold jewel tones, crisp whites, coral, bright yellows, and vibrant pinks work beautifully. Summer allows maximum color flexibility.

Regional Summer Availability

• US: California produces exceptional summer roses and dahlias.
• UK: British gardens offer stunning garden roses and sweet peas during peak growing season.
• Australia: Summer (December-February) brings native Christmas bush, proteas, and waratahs.

Fall Wedding Flowers (September-November)

Fall showcases rich, warm tones and dramatic textures. Northern Hemisphere fall runs September through November (March through May in Australia).

Peak Fall Blooms

• Dahlias: Peak dahlia season with incredible variety in burgundy, orange, coral, and cream. Average cost: $4-8 per stem.
• Chrysanthemums: Diverse shapes and sizes in rust, burgundy, yellow, and white. Average cost: $2-5 per stem.
• Sunflowers: Late-season availability through October.
• Marigolds: Deep orange and yellow blooms for vibrant fall palettes.
• Asters: Delicate daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, and white.
• Celosia: Unique velvety texture in burgundy, orange, and pink.
• Autumn foliage: Oak, maple, and other leaves add rich color without flowers.
• Café au lait dahlias: Sought-after creamy blooms with premium pricing.

Fall Color Palette

Deep burgundy, burnt orange, golden yellow, rust, chocolate brown, and plum create dramatic fall arrangements.

Regional Fall Availability

• US: Northeast produces spectacular local dahlias and fall foliage.
• UK: British-grown dahlias and chrysanthemums available at competitive prices.
• Australia: Fall (March-May) offers late-season roses and natives like banksias.

Winter Wedding Flowers (December-February)

Winter weddings feature elegant whites, deep reds, and evergreen textures. Northern Hemisphere winter runs December through February (June through August in Australia).

Peak Winter Blooms

• Amaryllis: Dramatic trumpet-shaped blooms in red, white, and pink. Average cost: $8-15 per stem.
• Anemones: Black-centered blooms available year-round, peak in winter.
• Ranunculus: Available winter through spring.
• Paperwhites: Fragrant white clusters on tall stems.
• Camellias: Elegant blooms in white, pink, and red.
• Hellebores: Delicate downward-facing blooms in white, pink, and purple.
• Evergreens: Pine, cedar, fir, and eucalyptus add texture and fragrance.
• Winter berries: Hypericum, holly, and winterberry add pops of red.
• Orchids: Elegant exotic blooms available year-round.

Winter Color Palette

Crisp whites, deep burgundy and wine, forest green, silver, and gold create elegant winter palettes. Metallic accents complement winter blooms beautifully.

Regional Winter Availability

• US: Hothouse flowers dominate in cold climates; California still produces outdoor blooms.
• UK: Relies heavily on imports and greenhouse cultivation during winter months.³
• Australia: Winter (June-August) brings natives like waratahs and banksias.

Year-Round Wedding Flowers

Several flowers maintain consistent availability and pricing throughout the year due to greenhouse cultivation and global sourcing.

Always Available

Year-round flowers offer predictable pricing and availability, ideal for couples with inflexible color requirements or off-season weddings.

Cost Comparison: Seasonal vs. Out-of-Season

Regional Considerations

United States

Domestic flower production centers in California, Oregon, and Washington provide year-round availability. East Coast weddings often feature imported flowers or seasonal local blooms. Florida produces tropical flowers year-round.

United Kingdom

Since the UK left the EU, importing flowers from Europe has become more expensive, making British-grown seasonal blooms more cost-effective.³ Peak British flower season runs May through September. Winter weddings rely on imports or greenhouse cultivation.

Australia

Southern Hemisphere seasons reverse completely: spring (September-November), summer (December-February), fall (March-May), and winter (June-August). Supply chain disruptions increased flower prices 17% in 2024-2025, making seasonal local choices essential.⁴ Native Australian flowers (waratahs, proteas, banksias, kangaroo paw) offer unique options.

Canada

Climate varies dramatically by region. British Columbia offers year-round growing similar to the Pacific Northwest US, while eastern provinces rely more heavily on imports during winter.

Working with Your Florist

Maximize savings and freshness by communicating flexibility to your florist:

1. Request seasonal blooms: Ask for "Florist's Choice" arrangements featuring in-season flowers, typically saving 10-30%.
2. Provide color guidance: Give color palette preferences rather than specific varieties, allowing florists to source the freshest options.
3. Book early: Reserve your florist 8-12 months before your wedding for optimal availability.
4. Discuss substitutes: If your favorites bloom outside your wedding season, ask about similar alternatives.
5. Consider local growers: Many florists partner with local farms, ensuring peak freshness.

Choosing: Date vs. Colors

Prioritize your wedding date when selecting flowers for optimal value and freshness. Seasonal blooms offer superior quality, longer vase life, and better pricing than forced out-of-season alternatives.

For example, a bride wanting "pink and white" in October might choose dahlias, garden roses, and café au lait dahlias rather than insisting on out-of-season tulips and peonies. This approach delivers the desired aesthetic at lower cost with better flower quality.

If specific flowers hold special significance, consider timing your wedding around them. Peony lovers benefit from late spring or early summer weddings when these blooms peak at affordable prices.

Sources and References