18 Seasonal Flowers for Your Summer Wedding

This is prime time for fresh blooms.

Pot of flowers with roses, greenery, and other summer flowers

Photo by Kate Headley; Floral Design by Bloom Floral Design and Compass Floral

If you're having a summer wedding, you're definitely choosing a prime time for flowers. There are so many to choose from, and whether you’re going for a refined, modern look or a rustic, wildflower aesthetic, there are florals in bloom that will perfectly match your vision. 

Opting for in-season flowers means there are a ton of choices for your bouquets and centerpieces. Standards like roses and carnations are certainly available, but you can also find statement pieces such as dahlias or sunflowers during the summer months. The best part about in-season blooms is that they're easier for your florist to get, so your flowers will be fresher and easier on the floral budget. “Choosing flowers that are locally in-season is the least expensive way to go,” says Laurel White, owner of Adornments Flowers and Finery. “The higher the demand, the more expensive.”

Meet the Expert

Laurel White is the owner and lead designer of Adornments Flowers and Finery, a custom floral design company based in San Luis Obispo, California.

Out-of-season flowers have to be imported, which will greatly add to the cost of your floral pieces. With in-season options, bridal bouquets range from $150 to $350 while centerpieces featuring in-season blooms can range from $30 to $250. Keep in mind, White notes, that pricing can fluctuate from year to year or even week to week. The grower or wholesaler your florist works with and the part of the country they are located in can have an impact, too. Overall, though, choosing fresh, beautiful in-season blooms will ultimately produce a better product for a lower bill.

Here are 18 of our favorite in-season flowers perfect for your summer wedding.

01 of 18

Gardenias

Bride in lace peplum dress holding bouquet of gardenias, rusted fall leaves, and greenery

Photo by Kate Ehrenberg Photography

With their strong, sweet scent and large size, gardenias make perfect boutonnieres, but they're also a stunning option for an elegant, standalone bouquet. Gardenias are an incredibly fragile flower beaming with Southern charm, and they only come in white or cream colors. As they start to die, the petals turn brown, so be sure to have a plan for storage if you opt for these stunning blooms. With their price point between $7.50 and $9 per stem, you'll want to keep your bouquet and centerpieces looking their best.

02 of 18

Freesias

White freesia bridal bouquet with greenery

Photo by Michelle Beller

Freesias offer the most perfect wildflower look, as there are multiple bell-shaped blooms on each stem. They're sweet, fragrant, and absolutely beautiful mixed with greenery or bold white flowers. Pricing ranges from $3 to $3.50 per stem, and they come in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, blue, pink, and purple, but you can find multicolored options if you desire.

03 of 18

Orchids

Bride with cascading, tiered veil holding soft and colorful bouquet of pastel orchids and assorted blooms

Photo by Aria Isadora and Samantha Nandez for BFA Weddings; Floral Design by BRRCH

Orchids are such a stunning, elegant choice with a modern twist. Not only do they come in a huge range of colors, but there are also countless varieties—mini orchids, huge orchids, and every shape imaginable. Be aware, though, that each variety has its own scent, ranging from pleasant to putrid. White orchids are typical for wedding bouquets, but shades of pink and purple are available as well.

Be sure to discuss pricing with your florist if you're working within a budget. "Each locality has different availability," says White. "Some places are more expensive because they have to have everything shipped to them." This certainly applies to orchids, as pricing can range anywhere from $1.50 to $9 per stem.

04 of 18

Irises

Purple Iris flowers in vase with greenery and white background

Getty Images 

Irises are mainly associated with a bright purplish hue, but they come in so many other beautiful varieties, including pink, yellow, and white. Some even have a sunset or ombré coloring, making each stem unique and beautiful. Some varieties have little to no scent, while others might give off a fruity essence. Adding white irises to a bouquet adds texture and a little bit of frill, similar to the effect of sweet pea. At the same time, a standalone bouquet can offer a gorgeous, enchanting look for a romantic wedding. At $1.50 to $2.50 per stem, they're an affordable option for any floral budget.

05 of 18

Dahlias

Dahlia floral arrangement with blue thistles, creamy roses, and greenery

 Photo by James X Schulze; Floral Design by Bare Root Flora

With their intricate texture and range of sizes, dahlias are a gorgeous choice to add a statement to any bouquet or centerpiece. "These are the perfect July and August flower," says White. They don't have any scent, but they have an extensive color range—from soft pinks and deep dark burgundies to bright oranges and simple white. You can use them to create a rustic vibe or have them stand on their own for a refined look. Dahlias are an ever-popular flower, causing their pricing to hover around $6.50 to $7 per stem, but their beauty is so worth it.

If more expensive blooms are a must-have for you, talk to your florist about only incorporating a few stems. Pairing statement pieces with additional in-season options will create a stunning bouquet that won't break the bank.

06 of 18

Cornflowers

Groom hugging bride who is holding cornflower bouquet, NYC skyline in the background

Photo by Forged In The North; Floral Design by Doan Ly

Cornflowers are a sweet, earthy wildflower that can add a tiny pop of color to your bouquet or centerpiece. Light blue is the most common color to see for cornflower, but shades of pink, maroon, and white are available as well. They're a lovely delicate flower, perfect for a casual wedding with a fun, whimsical feel. Plus, they're super affordable additions to bouquets and centerpieces at $2 to $2.50 per stem.

07 of 18

Lisianthus

Lisianthus wedding boutonniere on gilded vintage plate

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Floral Design by Madame Artisan Fleuriste

Although sometimes looked down upon because they're so commonly used as "filler flowers," there are some truly gorgeous types of lisianthus out there. Some varieties are so frilly and full they could almost be mistaken for a rose. And with shades of purple, pink, white, and even green, there's an option for every bouquet. Lisianthus flowers don't have any scent, so they're perfect for those with sensitive noses, and they typically range in price from $3.50 to $4.50 per stem.

08 of 18

Delphiniums

Aisle lined with blue delphinium flowers

Photo by Marcus Meisler; Floral Design by Lily Paloma

Tall and stemmy, delphiniums are statement-makers, and they usually work well alone in an arrangement. They come in varying shades of blue and bluish-purple, but you can also find them in white and pink hues. They're the perfect floral option to utilize for a bold, rustic aesthetic, with very little scent to bother any sensitive guests. Pricing on these bold blooms can range from $2.50 to $5 per stem.

09 of 18

Hydrangeas

Laughing brunette bride holding white hydrangea bouquet

Photo by Nic Stephens Photography; Floral Design by Flowerqueen

Hydrangeas are typically seen in more traditional arrangements, especially in white and blue hues, but they are available in stunning pinks, purples, and even greens. They're the perfect flower for a sweet, garden party wedding, offering a feeling of elegance with a touch of nostalgia. Some varieties have a garden-fresh, sweet scent to offer a lovely aroma to a room. Prices for these beautiful blooms can vary depending on color, ranging anywhere from $3.50 to $9 per stem.

10 of 18

Roses

Bride in white wedding dress holding peach colored rose bouquet with fresh greenery

Photo by Nadia Hung Photography; Floral Design by Jill Loves Lace

From standard roses to English garden roses, these blooms are a classic. They exude romance, and you can dress them up or down in a bouquet for any type of wedding. Paired with lush greenery and other florals, a few roses in a bouquet or centerpiece add the perfect touch. Plus, there's no shortage of color options to choose from with shades ranging from red, yellow, pink, and orange to purple and white. Their simple, sweet fragrance is recognizable and will maybe even bring back a romantic memory as you walk down the aisle.

Pricing for these classic blooms depends on type and color. "If it's a certain type of garden rose that's in less production, it will be more expensive," says White. Don't be afraid to substitute varieties to fit seasonal availability as types of roses can have price points between $1.50 and $8 per stem.

11 of 18

Carnations

Bride in lace dress holding posy bouquet of pink carnations

Photo by Marion Colombani Photography; Floral Design by La Maison Dautel

Carnations used to get a bad rap, but they have become so much more than just "filler flowers." Their simple scent and appearance can be the perfect fit for any wedding; you can dress them up as a sophisticated wrapped bouquet or add greenery for more of a natural look. Plus, they might have the largest range of color options of any flower, from dusty rose, white, peach, and yellow to red and even multicolor options. And with a price range of just $1 to $2.50 per stem, substituting them for pricier blooms will shave a few dollars off your bill.

12 of 18

Tweedia

Bride holding greenery bouquet with tweedia

Photo by Golden Hour Studios; Floral Design by Flowers by Maria

These are just the cutest flowers. Small and sweet, tweedia are perfect little additions to an all-white or greenery bouquet. With a sweet, simple scent and look, tweedia is a great addition to a beach wedding or nautical celebration by a lake house. They can sometimes come in pink and white, but light blue is the most popular, with pricing ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 per stem.

13 of 18

Cosmos

Bride holding a rose and cosmos bouquet

Photo by Winsome + Wright Photography; Florals by Mandy Grace Designs

These ethereal, delicate beauties add movement and softness to a bouquet or centerpiece. Just make sure they don't overheat, or they'll start to droop and look a bit sad. We especially love chocolate cosmos, which are a deep, brownish-red and add a little pop of drama, but they also come in shades of pink, purple, white, and orange. Cosmos are a bright, fun addition to a summer garden wedding as a modern twist to traditional daisies. These pops of color will add $2 to $3 per stem to your floral budget.

14 of 18

Chrysanthemums

Tray with chrysanthemum boutonnieres

Photo by Mallory Dawn Photography

Depending on the type of chrysanthemum, these many-layered beauties (also known as mums) almost look like dahlias and add beautiful texture to both bouquets and centerpieces. Available in hues such as yellow, orange, white, red, purple, and pink, there's a mum for every color scheme, and their scent is more herbaceous than sweet and floral. They're a simple, sweet addition to a summer wedding, ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 per stem.

15 of 18

Queen Anne's Lace

Table setting with Queen Anne's lace and lisianthus centerpiece

Photo by Adriana Rivera; Planning and Floral Design by Tatiana Angel of CCC Event Planning

These delicate, wispy wildflowers are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your floral scheme. They can offer a simple, natural look in a standalone bouquet, or add a touch of movement to the rest of your flowers. White Queen Anne's lace is traditional, but soft pink and deeper red hues may be available. Because Queen Anne's lace is actually part of the carrot family, they have a bit of an earthy, vegetable smell to them, but don't let that deter you. They're a stunning addition to a summer bouquet, and they're incredibly affordable, ranging from $1.50 to $2 per stem.

Don't be afraid to incorporate inexpensive filler options into your bouquet or centerpieces. Queen Anne's lace will add movement and fullness to a multi-floral bouquet.

16 of 18

Sunflowers

Bride and groom kissing while bride holds sunflower bouquet

Photo by Alex Tome; Floral Design by Vows Portugal

Sunflowers just scream summer with their bright, happy hues and appearance. They're the perfect bloom for a rustic wedding, but you can dress up a sunflower bouquet with greenery or other colorful blooms for a more polished look. Sunflowers are typically found in shades of yellow, but there are also orange and red varieties available, all with a simple, earthy scent. Each stem ranges from $2.50 to $3 and can easily be combined with smaller blooms for a bit of contrast.

17 of 18

Lilies

Bride holding wedding bouquet of lilies and greenery

 Photo by Zibetti Photo and Film; Floral Design by A La Carte

Lilies are so gorgeous and beaming with grace. Opting for color options such as orange, yellow, pink, and purple can add a bold pop to floral décor, while white lilies will add a touch of elegance to an outdoor summer wedding. They have a beautiful floral scent, but certain varieties may be a bit too overwhelming for some guests. Lilies range from $3.50 to $4.50 per stem, but they pair beautifully with garden roses and lush greenery so you can keep costs down if needed.

18 of 18

Gerbera Daisies

Bride holding white Gerbera daisy and dahlia wedding bouquet

Photo by Veronica Grimm

With bright, bold colors and super-sturdy stalks, gerbera daisies are perfect for a summer wedding that needs a pop of color. They're classic and charming, with sunny summer vibes. These stunning blooms, with a very subtle scent, can run between $2 and $3 per stem, but since they're so large, bouquets or centerpieces typically don't require too many to make a statement. Plus, with color options in white, yellow, orange, red, and pink, there's a hue to fit any color scheme.

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