If you and your significant other adore flowers, there’s no season better than spring. When the temperatures get warmer and the soft rains fall, the earth starts to come to life. The grass becomes green and flowers start to bloom in an explosion of colors. Use this time of year to your advantage when you’re wedding planning and include a plethora of spring wedding flowers into your big day.

From bright palettes of yellows and pinks to more subtle color combinations, such as white and green, just about anything is appropriate for a spring wedding bouquet. Here’s everything you need to know about spring wedding flowers.

• Spring Wedding Flowers in Season: A Monthly Guide
• Types of Spring Wedding Flowers by Color
• Popular Spring Wedding Color Palettes
• Ideas for Spring Wedding Decorations With Flowers

Where to Buy Spring Wedding Flowers

Of course, you can entrust a qualified floral designer for your wedding needs. Since many blooms can be locally sourced, florists can suggest which flowers will work best for your big day.

DIY brides are also in luck. Many popular seasonal wedding flowers grow outdoors in gardens and on trees all over the US. Spring brides can contact local flower farms, many of which offer arranging services. Another option is to scour local nurseries for potted blooms and replace the containers. Several online sites also provide wholesale flowers that you or an event designer can arrange into centerpieces, bride flower bouquets, boutonnieres, bridesmaid bouquets, and more.

Spring Wedding Flowers in Season: A Monthly Guide

Although spring puts just about any flower at your fingertips, some don’t bloom until later in the season. Keeping your eye on what blooms when can be easier on the budget and provide you with the freshest bouquets of flowers.

“The advantage of the flowers being in season is that, as a florist, there are more sources to purchase from, including local farms,” says Robin Weir, owner of Wild by Nature Floral Arts in Southport, North Carolina. “Pricing is usually a little bit more competitive, which means savings get passed along to the bride. Also, the quality is far superior when purchasing in season.”

There’s also a simplistic beauty of using in-season springtime wedding flowers. “As a designer, I believe that using in-season flowers allows for a more organic feel,” says Maria Maxit, president and creative director of Maxit Flower Design in Houston, Texas. “Embracing the seasons allows us to use the best quality, which in turn gives us the biggest, longest-lasting blooms. There is something that feels right when we embrace the seasons.”

Although spring technically runs from late March through late June, the weather can vary significantly. March and early April can skew towards winter temperatures, whereas June can be as sweltering as August. Maximize beauty and budget with our in-season spring flower guide below.

Early Spring Wedding Flowers

Again, temperatures in early springtime can fluctuate greatly. However, your florist can find these blooms easily in spring, even if they aren’t quite ready in your area.

• Daffodil: Those beautiful pops of yellow are often one of the first signs of spring. “Daffodils are my absolute favorite and considered affordable. They are so unexpected and have this delicate, yet structured feel to them that is just perfect,” says Maxit.
• Lily of the Valley: “Lily of the valley is a traditional flower for weddings. It symbolizes purity and is thought to bring good luck in love,” says Domonie Mattson, owner of Wild Rose Events & Floral Design in Royse City, Texas. “Lily of the Valley is a more premium flower and was in the bouquets of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton and many other royals.” Lily of the Valley is also a favorite of Sarah Bruxvoort, owner and creative director of Rose and Laurel in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. “Its scent is unique and unparalleled in the flower world. There is something really special about holding a lily of the valley bouquet. It is luxurious without being ostentatious and is truly the most sophisticated choice for your bridal bouquet.”
• Tulip: Tulips are gorgeous and come in various tones. “Tulips are very economical in the spring; they are literally everywhere,” says CeCe Todd, owner of CeCe Designs in Birmingham, Alabama. Bron Hansboro, owner of The Flower Guy Bron in Richmond, Virginia, loves the sentimental component of utilizing tulips, too. “Tulips traditionally mean hopeful, deep, and perfect love, which is absolutely perfect for couples looking to add meaning to their arrangements. The deeper purples and reds especially mean a heart filled with passion. I can think of no better flower to symbolize your love for each other!”

Spring Flowers for April Weddings

Many of the early spring flowers may still bloom in late April, depending on the growing season. April may be rainy, but it also provides some of the most fragrant blooms for spring wedding bouquets.

• Hyacinth: Although not traditional, hyacinths will add texture and scent to your decor. “Truly, my favorite spring flower is hyacinth and the delft blue specifically,” says Weir. “It takes almost a week to fully open, and the scent is intoxicating. It is not as economical as, say, an Iris, but they last twice as long.”
• Iris: “Iris in blue is one of my favorites, since there are few natural blue colors to choose from—and they always add such depth to any tall arrangement,” says Weir. Some irises bloom earlier or later in the spring, depending on the variety.
• Lilac: “Lilac is one of my all-time favorite luxury flowers,” says Todd. “Lilacs make for the perfect accent to any arrangement or bouquet. These flowers are charming for brightening up a tablescape, especially when used as a pop of pastel to breathe life into your color palette. I love incorporating these full flowering plants into ceremony arches or altars as well.”
• Double Tulip: More intricate than traditional tulips, this flower adds a lot of visual interest to centerpieces and archways. “Double tulips are a staple in my home, as they grow even when they are cut, which to me symbolizes the growth in our client’s relationships during their new chapter,” says Leneille Moon, creative director and owner of Special Event Factory in Atlanta, Georgia.

Spring Flowers for May Weddings

As they say: April showers bring May flowers. May is also when many flowering trees bloom, which is advantageous for those who wish to forage.

• Peony: Peonies are one of the most requested spring wedding bouquet flowers. “Peonies are very pricey per bunch, but so seasonal that when we get our hands on them, we try to include them in all our bouquets,” says Moon.
• Orchid: “Orchids are beautiful, delicate flowers that can cost you a pretty penny,” says Hansboro. “However, orchids can be quite finicky to care for, and the last thing you want on your big day is to have pricey, wilted orchids in your floral decor.” Hansboro also suggests using silk orchids, which flawlessly mimic their live counterparts.
• Dogwood: This flowering tree is one of the best spring wedding flowers to add dimension, structure, and a bit of wispiness. “I recommend choosing blooming branches for a high-impact design. Just a few branches in a luxe vase makes a big statement without the high price tag of arrangements that are overflowing with blooms,” says Bruxvoort. “One of my favorite combinations is flowering branches like dogwood designed with tulips. These style designs make for luxe, architectural arrangements that are true showstoppers.”

Late Spring Wedding Flowers

As late spring approaches, so do warmer temperatures, so many early spring flowers will fade. However, that doesn’t equal a lack of options. Hardier, more stable plants come into season on summer’s horizon.

• Magnolia: “Magnolias hold a very feminine beauty, so it’s only fitting that these flowers hold a significant meaning that’s perfect for any wedding,” says Hansboro. “Magnolias symbolize perseverance and dignity, but they also carry an air of gentleness.”
• Carnation: “Not only are carnations beautiful for spring weddings, but they’re also very affordable,” says Hansboro. “Most couples opt for carnations when they want relatively inexpensive flowers with the classic spring palette of blush, white, and pale yellow. These blooms are versatile and look great with any wedding decor or theme.”
• Roses: Although roses bloom just about any time of year, they are at their best in the late spring. However, think beyond your traditional grocery store varieties, as fluffy English roses, delicate tea roses, spray roses, and garden roses also make for stunning rose bouquets.

Types of Spring Wedding Flowers by Color

There are two considerations when finding flowers in season. "There are two kinds of in-season flowers here on the east coast—those available from the wholesaler and those that are locally-grown," says Sarah Chiffriller, owner of Petals & Twigs in Richmond, Virginia.

If you’re trying to build a particular color palette, your florist can suggest locally grown and wholesale blooms. And there are perks to both. “The advantage of purchasing in-season flowers from the wholesaler is the cost is stabilized, because there is plenty of product,” says Chiffriller. “For locally grown flowers, your choices are more limited, but the quality and color are much better.”

If you have your heart set on a bloom or you want to use colorful spring flower wedding ideas in the middle of winter, it is possible—it just may come at a cost. “When a couple wants flowers that aren’t in season, we usually suggest substitutes, or I send the request to my sales rep to see if she can find the product,” explains Chiffriller. “For example, peonies are so popular year-round, so they are grown all over the world in the climates that suit them to support the demand.”

Talk to your floral designer about the color palette for your big day. They can help you select spring flowers for wedding centerpieces that are in season and economical. If you have your heart set on an out-of-season bloom, your florist can suggest substitutions or search for that particular flower. A professional floral designer will help your colorful spring wedding dreams come to life.

Blue Spring Wedding Flowers

Although blue flowers aren’t common, spring is the time when they are more readily available. Add tones from the sky and sea by including hyacinths and irises in your spring wedding flower bouquets. In some climates, if you’re incredibly fortunate, blue hydrangea may even be starting to bloom.

Red Wedding Flowers for Spring

Red is often associated with winter weddings. However, spring is the perfect time to incorporate red and burgundy tones, especially when muted with other hues. Typical red flowers include roses, carnations, and tulips.

White Spring Wedding Flowers

White bouquets are both traditional and beautiful. White also pairs well with any wedding color palette to lighten up centerpieces and floral arrangements. To add crisp or creamy white to your spring outdoor wedding flowers, consider roses, freesia, magnolias, lily of the valley, dogwood, viburnum, carnations, and white peonies.

Pink Spring Wedding Flowers

Pink is one of the most perfect colors to include in a spring wedding. Whether you go with deep, fuschia tones or opt for baby pink, it’s a lovely color for your big day. Roses, peonies, sweet peas, dogwood, orchids, carnations, and tulips can all offer gorgeous pink tones.

Purple Spring Wedding Flowers

Some burgundy blooms skew towards a deep plum, while others have authentic purple tones. Spring choices for those who adore purple are hyacinths, irises, lilacs, larkspur, clematis, and orchids. Light purple blends beautifully with other pastel spring wedding flowers for a lovely palette.

Colorful Spring Wedding Flowers

Citrusy tones of orange and yellow are also highly appropriate for spring celebrations. Roses and carnations are standards when it comes to these hues. However, don’t forget about brightly colored daffodils and soft yellow peonies.

Ideas for Spring Wedding Decorations With Flowers

Update Your Wedding Reception Flower Wall

“We’ve seen our fair share of flower walls, but they’re still very much on-trend as a must-have for many couples. However, when I do a flower installation, I like to play around with various textures and structures,” says Hansboro. “For example, instead of creating a backdrop with only roses, I’ll pair multiple florals in varying lengths and colors to give the display more dimension. The whimsical garden look makes for the perfect photo opp, and it can instantly transform your venue space.”

Incorporate Springtime Potted Plants Freely on Your Special Day

Potted plants can have many applications for a spring wedding. They’re economical and a fabulous way to do double duty with plants that live long past the wedding day. Use them to line your ceremony aisle and reception table. Potted plants can also take up residence on the guest book and gift tables. Another fabulous idea is to set a small plant at each place setting as a living wedding favor. Just be sure to include planting instructions to ensure the flowers stay alive.

Use Country Spring Wedding Flowers to Create a Grand Entrance

“I absolutely love flowers outside of a church. I feel like the entrance to the reception should be covered in flowers. It’s your calling card to your reception,” says Todd. “I want flowers on the door, over the doors, something in the flanking—anything that says ‘Hey, my wedding is here. You’re in the right place!’”

Accent Your Wedding Day Photos With Spring Flowers

“I love hair flowers—and they don’t have to be a crown. There are many more sophisticated ways to accent your hairstyle with flowers,” says Mattson. “And wherever most of your photos will be taken, adding a floral display there to last forever in your photos, I consider a top priority.” Taking the time to think about the placement of arrangements for photos is a wise idea, so that your gorgeous wedding installations can live on in images.

Utilize Small Floral Installations to Reinforce Your Color Scheme

Adding blooms in small ways can be just as impactful as a substantial floral archway. “Tying a bouquet of spring flowers to a chair or the church pew is a wonderful way to say spring is here, a wedding is about to take place,” says Chiffriller. “Also, lay a flower or a piece of greenery, perhaps rosemary or lavender, on a napkin for a seated dinner.” When these small touches combine, they create an overall cohesive look.

Zola: The Destination for Your Spring Wedding Flower Needs

Classic poppies and daisies. Captivating calla lilies, dahlias, and lisianthus. Unique breeds like foxgloves and astilbes. From anemone flowers like Anemone Coronaria de Caen (aka "the bride") to ranunculus flowers like clonis, springtime abounds with gorgeous florals.

Similarly, Zola is blooming with ideas for your big day. If your ideal wedding day takes place in spring, look no further for inspiration on creative themes, color palettes, beautiful bouquets of flowers, and thoughtful favors. From planning the proposal to curating items for your new home together, Zola can help every step of the way.