The Four Seasons of Bridal Bouquets
By Lydia Martin

10 June 2015

Among all the other details you have to plan, choosing your wedding flowers is one of the most important and exciting decisions you are going to make! So the last thing you want to hear is “those flowers aren't in season,” especially when you have your heart set on a particularly gorgeous flower for your bouquet.

It’s very important to discuss seasonal flowers with your florist at your first consultation.  Usually florists have a list of all of the seasonal flowers readily available on your request, but with this guide, you’ll be able to pre-empt them and avoid being disappointed!

Below is a list with images of the most popular flowers used in wedding bouquets in New Zealand and their seasonal availability.  This is not a guarantee, as seasons do fluctuate, but is intended as a helpful guide to assist you in your wedding planning. In New Zealand you can be assured that roses are available pretty much all year round so that they’re always a safe option. It’s also always a good idea to give at least 2 weeks’ notice when ordering your flowers for just to give your florist a chance to check availability with the growers.

Summer Weddings

Choose: Roses, Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Hydrangeas, Belladonna, Berzelea, Calla lily, Carnations, Caspia, Gentian, Gerbera, Gypsophila, Lisianthus, Orchids, Peonies, Trachelium, Hypericum

Spring Weddings

Choose: Roses, Peonies, Freesias, Earlicheer, Agapanthus, Bluebells, Calla lily, Orchids, Pierus, Delphiniums, Stephanotis, Sweetpea, Viburnum.

Autumn Weddings

Choose: Sunflowers, Gerberas, Belladonna, Tulips, Bells of Ireland, Carnations, Celosia, Delphiniums, Erica, Orchids, Nerina, Gypsophila.

Winter Weddings

Choose: Poppy, Hyacinth, Iris, Freesia, Rose, Ranunculas, Daffodils, Pierus, Chrysanthemum, Orchids, Alstromeria, Childsiana, Phyllica.

Final Advice

It’s always a good idea to take along a few pictures that you have found – Pinterest is great! Florists love it when you bring along a your ideas for your bouquets. Most florists take bookings a year in advance, but the minimum period required is at least 2 weeks, although it’s generally not a good idea to leave it this late.

Flowers carry your own personal theme through, from fragrance & colour, to mood and style, and finally to precious memories in your photographs. Your wedding bouquet is the finishing touch to your beautiful gown, and a well-designed, beautiful bouquet will enhance your dress, and bring out your best features and compliment your bridesmaids. Try to use flowers which tie in with the bridesmaids dress colour and if you are having a themed wedding e.g. vintage, stick to a vintage styled posy or bouquet.