Summer Wedding Bouquets

When it comes to planning your wedding flowers at that all important first meeting with your florist, it is common for a couple to feel a little out of their depth and ignorant to the variety of flowers available to them. A good percentage of people understand what a rose or a sunflower looks like, but when it comes to other varieties and species they can feel a little oblivious.

If you are planning a summer wedding, here is a brief guide to some varieties of flowers available to you. We, of course, also recommend asking your florist for their recommendations, keeping in mind that certain flowers may not be available due to the temperature of the season.

Astilbe

This is recognisable from its light, feathery texture, most common in pale pink and dark raspberry. It looks especially divine against a variety of roses and eucalyptus leaves.

Baby’s Breath

Otherwise known as Gypsophila, this is a very popular ‘filler’ for bouquets and also floral decorations. You may have seen it used to adorn backs of chairs, create wreaths and fashion into the famous ‘gypsophila balls’.

Cosmos

There are a wide variety of colour variations of Cosmos so it is worth asking your florist what happens to be doing well that season. The chocolate Cosmos is absolutely delectable, of course given its name.

Dahlia

Again, Dahlias come in a wide range of forms. Breeding and growing them is a real art. Larger, star-shaped Dahlias work wonderfully as a main centrepiece for a bouquet, whereas the cluster variety look beautiful bunched together.

Hydrangea

Some may think that the Hydrangea is too large a flower for a bouquet, but give this a second thought and you’ll see how gorgeously they complete an arrangement. Hydrangeas grow with a natural, dreamy ombré and are most common in whites, blues, greens, lavender and pink.

Peony

Ah, the Peony. The real charmer of the flower family. Starting as a tightly concealed bud, peonies open into a glorious, large, fluffy flower. As a result, you may find that people have particular preference as to how ‘open’ they like their peony flower. Make sure you research the varieties of peonies. Some are named after famous actresses, such as ‘Sarah Bernhardt’.

Protea

A more unusual choice for a wedding bouquet, the Protea variety are unique in form and colour. Originating in the Mediterranean, again there are a number of species available during the British summertime, which come in numerous shapes, colours and sizes.

Sunflower

The flower that epitomises summertime, the Sunflower. We defy anyone to say that this flower does not brighten their day. It works surprisingly beautifully as part of a bouquet, particularly alongside other bright colours.

Spray Roses

Last, but of course not least, is the time old favourite, the Rose. Roses tend to be available all year round, however spray roses are particularly affluent during the summer. Spray roses have a gentle, subtle texture and compliment just about any arrangement. If you’re not keen on the traditional, large roses, consider incorporating spray roses alongside Astilbe and Baby’s Breath.