Summer Wedding Florals
Planning a summer wedding? Warm weather, longer days, and glowing golden hours make summer a magical time to say "I do." But with the beauty of summer comes the reality of heat and if you’re dreaming of a lush, flower filled celebration, that heat can present a few challenges.
Whether you're walking down the aisle in a garden, by the water, or at a rustic outdoor venue, choosing the right summer wedding flowers can make all the difference. Here are some of the best blooms for warm weather weddings and tips to keep them looking gorgeous all day long.
1. Zinnias
Why we love them: Bright, cheerful, and packed with personality, zinnias come in a rainbow of bold colors perfect for a summer wedding bouquet or centerpieces. They're hearty, long lasting, and affordable, making them a favorite for budget conscious couples.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞 (Very heat-tolerant)
2. Sunflowers
Why we love them: Nothing says “summer” like a sunflower. These golden blooms bring a touch of rustic charm to any wedding theme whether it’s country chic, boho, or classic backyard. Plus, they hold up incredibly well in high temps.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
3. Dahlias
Why we love them: Full and dramatic, dahlias are a showstopper in any bouquet or floral arch. While they’re not as tolerant as zinnias or sunflowers, they’re still a solid summer flower when cared for properly.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞 (Moderate)
4. Lisianthus
Why we love them: Soft, romantic, and a little underrated, lisianthus gives that garden inspired look with a delicate touch. These beauties come in whites, purples, and pinks, and work beautifully in both bouquets and boutonnieres.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞
5. Celosia
Why we love them: Unique and textured, celosia adds a fun twist to floral arrangements. It thrives in heat and won’t wilt halfway through your ceremony. Available in red, orange, pink, and yellow, it’s great for bold, modern wedding styles.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞🌞
6. Gerbera Daisies
Why we love them: Bright and playful, gerberas add a splash of joy to summer wedding bouquets. They’re available in tons of vivid shades and hold up relatively well under summer skies.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞🌞
7. Orchids
Why we love them: Tropical and elegant, orchids bring sophistication to beach weddings and destination celebrations. While they love humidity, they’re also sensitive to direct sunlight so keep them shaded.
Heat rating: 🌞🌞🌞 (with care)
Keeping Your Wedding Flowers Fresh in the Summer Heat
Now that you know which flowers are summer-ready, let’s talk about how to help them survive the day. No one wants a wilted bouquet by cocktail hour, especially not in your wedding photos!
🌿 1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Flowers need water just like we do. Keep bouquets and arrangements in water as long as possible before the ceremony. Even a quick dip can make a huge difference.
☂️ 2. Shade is your best friend
Keep flowers (especially delicate ones like orchids or roses) in a cool, shaded area until it's time to use them. A floral cooler is ideal, but even a shady corner of your venue works in a pinch.
💦 3. Mist lightly throughout the day
A light spritz of water helps keep petals hydrated. Ask your florist or coordinator to have a small spray bottle handy.
🧊 4. Use flower-safe cooling methods
Some florists use flower specific cool packs or hydration sprays to give blooms extra staying power. Ask your florist what they recommend for your floral selection.
🌸 5. Go local and seasonal
Choosing flowers that are in season and locally grown means they’re more likely to hold up in your wedding climate. Imported blooms can be more delicate and prone to wilting in the heat.
Final Thoughts
A summer wedding comes with so many perks, beautiful light, vibrant colors, and an abundance of seasonal flowers. With the right choices and a little TLC, your blooms can stay fresh and fabulous from your first look to your last dance.
So whether you’re planning an elegant garden party, a rustic barn wedding, or a breezy beach ceremony, don’t sweat the flowers (literally). Choose heat-loving blooms, prep smart, and let your summer wedding florals shine.