Many flowers are now available all year around including such favourites as roses, tulips, carnations, African daisies, orchids and lilies. These all come in a wide range of colours and it’s very useful for florists to be able to rely on them throughout the year, particular during the winter months. However, many other flowers have a limited season, among them some of the most beautiful, such as peonies, sweet peas, lilac, lily of the valley, bluebells and camellias.
It is best to work with the seasons as much as possible for several reasons. There is a distinctive quality to the natural light at different times of year: gentle in spring, strong in summer, mellow in autumn and cool in winter.
Flowers look at their best and most at home during their natural flowering period because they harmonize with other flowers around them. Roses are the one exception to this rule – they are available all year around and always look right at a wedding. However, many plants look incongruous if used out of season- for instance, a bouquet of sweet peas at a winter wedding would introduce a jarring note, while snowdrops wouldn’t.
Using flowers when they’re naturally in bloom also makes it more likely that your florist will be able to get hold of them and that they will be good value for money. You needn’t limit yourself to cut flowers in winter, for instance, pansies may be easiest to get hold from garden centres as bedding plants. If you observe the seasons, you may also be able to use garden plants, which will save you money.
But perhaps the best argument for observing the seasons is that each one plays host to a marvellous array of flowers. In spring, there are daffodils, bluebells, primroses, ranunculus and tulips, followed by delphiniums, peonies, sweet peas, roses and cornflowers in summer. Hydrangeas, chrysanthemums and Michaelmas daisies are available in autumn, and in winter, hellebores, amaryllis, snowdrops and jasmine appear. Whatever time of year you decide to get married, make the most of what nature has to offer.
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