When you don’t set the right time to order flowers, you may end up with limited styling options and, worse, withered flower arrangements.

As a wedding flower and event designing expert since 2005, I know that selecting the right flowers and ordering them at the optimum time is essential to bring a couple’s vision to life. In this article, I’ll share some helpful insights on when to order wedding flowers.

When to Order Wedding Flowers

The ideal time to book a florist is six to 12 months before your wedding day. This gives florists enough time to finalize floral arrangements based on the theme, venue considerations, and budget. Likewise, it ensures you get your desired florals regardless of the peak seasons and the availability of the blooms.

Deciding on your wedding flowers involves more than just selecting your favorite blooms. Moreover, booking a florist like Jennifer Cole Florals well in advance ensures you get the best selection and service for your special day.

Tips for Ordering Wedding Flowers

You can order flowers for your wedding six months to one year before your wedding date. Carefully allocating your wedding floral budget and selecting a reputable florist at the right time will help ensure everything goes smoothly as you approach the big day.

Tip	Actions
Learn about the season of flowers	Consider flower availability and the costs
Choose a flower style	Select the type of flower that complements your theme, color scheme, and venue considerations
Start planning the orders	Set consultations, book the florist, and finalize your orders

What Are the Key Considerations on the Timeline of Ordering Wedding Flowers

One of the most significant aspects is finalizing the flower order about six to 12 months before your special day. By following these guidelines, my past clients were able to achieve their floral dreams for their wedding day!

Understanding Wedding Flower Seasons

Knowing your wedding flowers by season can help you choose the perfect time when to order floral arrangements for your special day.

Flower Availability and Seasonality

The availability of flowers in each season can also influence the time you need to order flowers. I’ve seen many beautiful weddings with flowers ranging from elegant peonies in the late spring to vibrant dahlias in the fall. Some popular choices for each season include:

• Spring: Peonies, lilacs, hydrangeas
• Summer: Roses, sunflowers, lilies
• Fall: Dahlias, marigolds, chrysanthemums
• Winter: Amaryllis, anemones, holly

Cost Considerations

When it comes to wedding planning, the budget is another vital consideration. I remind couples that the seasonality and availability of the blooms primarily influence the cost of wedding flower arrangements.

A survey shows that couples spend roughly three to four percent of their wedding budget on personal flowers, centerpieces, and other wedding floral decorations. To make the most of your flower budget, I typically recommend selecting in-season blooms, as they guarantee the best quality at the lowest price.

Deciding on the Wedding Flower Style

A harmonious combination will significantly enhance the event’s overall aesthetic. This is why you should also consider the type of flowers, your wedding theme and color scheme, and venue details to determine how many wedding flowers you need to order.

Type of Flower

When choosing the type of flowers for a wedding, it’s crucial to consider the season and availability. Some flowers might not be available or affordable during specific months. These are the common types of flowers that bloom around the time of the wedding to create a stunning floral design.

• Spring flowers: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths
• Summer flowers: Roses, sunflowers, peonies
• Fall flowers: Dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters
• Winter flowers: Amaryllis, ranunculus, anemones

Theme and Color Scheme

An essential part of wedding flower selection is ensuring they complement your wedding theme and color scheme. Each time I design wedding flower arrangements, I consider the couple’s preferences, venue style, and wedding theme when planning the floral design. 

• Classic weddings: Roses, calla lilies, peonies
• Rustic weddings: Sunflowers, wildflowers, greenery
• Boho weddings: Proteas, succulents, pampas grass

Venue Considerations

You also need to consider your wedding ceremony and reception venues when deciding when to order because different spaces require unique floral arrangements. Some essential venue factors to consider when selecting flowers are:

• Indoor vs. outdoor: Weather conditions can affect flower longevity, so choose blooms that can withstand outdoor events.
• Size of the venue: Large spaces may require a longer time to prepare more extensive arrangements.

How to Plan Your Wedding Flower Arrangement Orders

I usually recommend early planning. Ideally, you should consider your wedding flowers around six to 12 months before the big day. This gives you enough time to research styles and trends, gather inspiration, and browse different floral arrangements.

• Scheduling initial consultations: I normally set consultations with couples as early as one year before the wedding date. This gives me ample time to determine your budget and research potential floral options. I can also determine who needs to wear flowers at the wedding and gather examples for them.
• Booking the florist: A crucial part is ensuring a florist’s availability for your wedding day. Book the florist immediately after your initial consultations if you have a peak season date or the wedding planning has a short preparation time.
• Finalizing the order: After booking the florist, you can finalize the order six months before the wedding. You may finalize things much earlier if your preferred flowers have seasonal concerns or you have an extremely complicated setup.
• Confirming delivery and setup dates: I strongly suggest scheduling your wedding flower delivery and setup dates well in advance. Additionally, allow ample time to set up any unique and intricate floral installations.

Related Questions

How Early Should I Order Wedding Flowers?

In my experience, it’s best to start looking for a florist and discussing your wedding flower needs around six months to one year before your wedding date. This allows enough time for the florist to understand your vision, give suggestions, and procure the flowers you want.

How Can I Save Money on Wedding Flower Decorations?

You can save money on wedding flower decorations by ordering early, around six to 12 months before your wedding day. You may also save by hiring a wedding flower specialist with access to the best flowers and can efficiently create floral arrangements.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Wedding Flowers?

Avoid last-minute ordering of wedding florals because this may lead to limited availability and even higher costs. Not knowing what you want in floral arrangements is also a terrible mistake to avoid.

Conclusion

The ideal time to order wedding flowers is six to 12 months before the big day. This ensures availability and gives us enough time to finalize the arrangements together. Remember to be open about your preferences while trusting my expertise to create event designs and stunning floral arrangements that will wow your guests.