Summer Wedding Flowers

Summertime is one of the most advantageous times of year to have a wedding, because many flowers are in abundance. As a result of this increased seasonality, you’ll not only be able to get fresher flowers, but you may be able to snag high-end blooms at a more affordable price point.

In-season flowers are known to be higher quality and more beautiful than those that have to be imported or grown in a greenhouse. Plus, you will have a wider variety to choose from merely as a factor of your decision to have your wedding in the summer months–congrats to you! However, with so many options, you may feel a bit overwhelmed, so here is a list of some of our summer wedding flower ideas to help get you started.

Chrysanthemum

A type of mum, the chrysanthemum is a beautifully textured flower with layers of petals. This is a more durable and affordable stem, making it a great option for those on a budget. Plus, chrysanthemums are available in a wide range of vibrant, bold colors perfect for the summer months.

• Season: Year-round, with a peak in late summer and fall months
• Colors: White, yellow, green, orange, red, and burgundy hues
• Scent: A strong, musky or earthy fragrance
• Cost: Affordable

Cornflower

The perfect addition to a rustic bouquet, the cornflower is available in a variety of white, pink, and blue shades that are naturally occurring, a rarity in the floral world. In truth, many of the blue flowers we see in flower shops today are dyed, so the natural blue hues typical of the cornflower is a welcome addition to summertime floral arrangements. Plus, the mid-range price point makes them an excellent choice for those with a budget to keep in mind.

• Season: Summer to early fall
• Colors: White, pink, and blue hues
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Mid-range

Cosmos

Another wildflower variety, cosmos are a delicate flower that brings an ethereal quality and softness to whatever floral arrangement they’re added to. Though they are in peak bloom during the summer months, you must be careful not to let them overheat, or their dainty petals will begin to droop. During spring and summer, cosmos are available in a variety of pink, magenta, and white shades. In contrast, the deep brownish-red of the chocolate cosmos variety makes a striking addition to late summer and early fall arrangements.

• Season: Mid-summer months into fall
• Colors: White, pale pink, dark pink, and chocolate hues
• Scent: None
• Cost: Mid-range

Dahlia

A popular alternative for fluffy peonies, the dahlia is a bold and bushy flower in its own right that is better for your budget. With varieties growing as big as dinner plates and available in a wide range of colors from soft pinks to rich purples, these textural beauties are a stunning addition to summertime floral arrangements.

• Season: Summer to early fall months
• Colors: White, yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple hues
• Scent: Absent to spicy, depending on the variety
• Cost: Affordable

Daisy

Though generally available year-round, the daisy is at its most affordable and beautiful when in season during the summer and early fall months. The simplicity of this flower is a lovely and whimsical addition to more casual summer weddings, evoking a youthful and nostalgic charm.

• Season: Summer through early fall months
• Colors: White
• Scent: Absent to mild earthy fragrance
• Cost: Affordable

Delphinium

With towering stems of clustered buds, delphiniums are a statement-making flower that can enhance and elevate your floral arrangements. With its rich shades of blue and purple, delphinium can provide a country garden vibe for casual and elegant weddings.

• Season: Year-round, with a peak June through October
• Colors: White, pink, lavender, purple, and blue hues
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Mid-range

Gladiolus

Recognizable by its spiky stem and large flower buds, gladiolus is a great affordable alternative to delphinium. Adding these blooms to your floral arrangements will provide a bold pop of color and give displays more height.

• Season: Year-round, peaking in the summer months
• Colors: White, yellow, green, apricot, orange, pink, red, lavender, and purple hues
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Affordable

Hydrangea

Coveted for their large, voluminous heads, hydrangeas are at their most affordable during the summer months. Whether used alone or as part of a more extravagant arrangement, hydrangeas can be used for a variety of wedding styles, from classical to more modern, thanks to its wide range of colors. Its most popular shades are white, bubble gum pink, and sky blue, though the more antique dusty shades are becoming increasingly popular. Pairs perfectly witha dusty blue wedding theme.

• Season: July through November
• Colors: White, green, pink, burgundy, purple, and blue hues
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Affordable

Iris

With its unique shape and beautifully vibrant colors, irises may be one of the most underrated summer flowers. Though widely recognized for its bright purple hue, there are a range of iris varieties available throughout the year. The three most popular types of iris are Dutch irises with bulbous heads and narrow leaves, Siberian irises identified by their slender appearance and grass-like leaves, and the bearded iris, which is known for its downward curved petals. Whether used alone or as part of an arrangement, using irises in your florals adds texture and an effect of delicacy.

• Season: Year-round, with peak blooming in spring and early summer
• Colors: White, yellow, and purple hues
• Scent: Absent to sweet, depending on the variety
• Cost: Mid-range

Lisianthus

Available in a wide range of colors, lisianthus is often used as a filler flower. These frilly and full blooms boast multiple buds on a single stem and make a beautiful addition to any summer flower wedding bouquet as a secondary blossom.

• Season: Year-round
• Colors: White, cream, pale green, peach, pink, lavender, and purple hues
• Scent: Absent to mild pepper fragrance
• Cost: Affordable

Orchids

Known as a tropical flower, there are a variety of orchids in a wide range of colors perfect for any summer wedding. The different types of orchids available offer unique shapes and sizes, but the most common for weddings include cymbidium that are green in color, expensive, and more durable; dendrobium with their sweet scent; oncidium, commonly referred to as spray orchids; vandas that bloom in the summer and are coveted for their vibrant bluish-purple colors; and phalaenopsis. As a result of their variety, orchids can be used in bouquets, arrangements, or boutonnieres.

• Season: Year-round
• Colors: White, yellow, green, apricot, orange, pink, red, and burgundy hues
• Scent: Fragrant, depending on the variety
• Cost: Mid-range

Phlox

A dainty North American flower, phlox blossoms have large clusters of small disk-shaped petals with branching stems. Though they are rarely seen on their own, they are a popular secondary flower for arrangements and bouquets.

• Season: June through November
• Colors: White, orange, pink, red, and purple hues
• Scent: A mild to strong, sweet fragrance
• Cost: Affordable

Roses

Perhaps the most traditional wedding bloom, roses are available year-round. That said, their abundance in summer months can make them more affordable than during other times of the year. With over 100 different varieties, roses are one of the most versatile wedding flowers available. They work well on their own or as part of more diverse arrangements. The most popular varieties of roses for weddings are hybrid tea roses, spray roses, and garden roses.

• Season: Year-round
• Colors: White, cream, yellow, apricot, orange, pink, red, burgundy, and lavender hues
• Scent: Absent to intense, depending on the variety
• Cost: Mid-range to expensive

Scabiosa

Distinguished by its tufted blossom atop a wiry stem, the scabiosa is an enchanting bloom to incorporate as a secondary flower in rustic, wildflower bouquets and arrangements. Given its appearance, this flower effortlessly brings whimsy and charm to your wedding florals.

• Season: From spring into early fall
• Colors: White, burgundy, and lavender hues
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Mid-range

Stock

Valued most for its clove-like scent, stock is often used as a secondary flower in summer arrangements. It has a tall stem with dense clusters of small blooms that range in color from white and yellow hues to rich purples.

• Season: Year-round, peaking in the spring and summer months
• Colors: White, yellow, apricot, pink, and purple hues
• Scent: Intense, spicy clove scent
• Cost: Affordable

Sunflower

A bold choice for any summer wedding, sunflowers are sure to bring joy to your celebration. Sunflower wedding decorations are most appropriate for casual weddings, but can be incorporated into a more formal affair under the guidance of the right florist.

• Season: May through November, with a peak during the summer
• Colors: Pale lemon, deep gold, orange, russet, and brown
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Affordable

Tuberose

Native to Mexico, tuberose has an intoxicating and robust musk scent, so they must be used sparingly. The trumpet-shaped blooms are white in color, opening gradually along their stem, while closed buds have a pink hue.

• Season: Summer through the fall months
• Colors: Ivory and pink hues
• Scent: Strong, intoxicating floral musk fragrance
• Cost: Mid-range

Tweedia

Small and feminine, these star-shaped blossoms are revered for their unusual soft blue hues. Tweedia can be used alone to create a petite bouquet, though they are most often used as an accent flower among all white or greenery arrangements. They also make a beautifully delicate boutonniere.

• Season: April through November
• Colors: Blue hues
• Scent: Absent
• Cost: Affordable