Fresh, Local & Absolutely Lovely!
By: Kristen Castillo

Tulips in winter, ranunculus in spring, dahlias in summer and chrysanthemums in fall. Using seasonal flowers in your wedding arrangements is beautiful, affordable and makes  sense.

“Seasonal flowers are readily available and the price points are very reasonable,” says Dawn Stone at Embellishmint Floral & Event Design Studio.

Tara McClurkin of Moments in Bloom agrees, saying “Indeed, seasonal flowers are always plentiful, available and at their highest quality.”

Seasonal blooms tend to be more colorful and healthier than their imported counterparts. Plus seasonal florals are typically fuller and larger in size.

The California Fresh Cut Flowers Commission says 75 percent of all domestically grown cut flowers come from California. We’re lucky to have all these fresh flowers right in our neighborhood! Some of the Golden State’s most popular flowers are roses, Gerber daisies, tulips, mums and lilies.
“Flowers are freshest because they’re typically cut within 24 hours versus sitting in a box waiting to be shipped,” says Haydee Dela Cruz, owner and designer at Haydees Creative Flowers.
When flowers are sourced locally it’s a bonus for the local economy too. By resourcing seasonal flowers, you’re “supporting local farmers and producers” which protects local farming and “reduces foreign dependency on flowers,” says DeLa Cruz, noting local farmers often use less harmful chemical and pesticides.
Floral freshness is one of the biggest reasons to choose seasonal buds.
“We can usually get any flower most times of the year but the quality of the flowers suffer if they are not in their natural season,” says Breesa Everett, owner and designer of Blooms by Breesa Lee. “They are usually smaller, weaker and have a shorter vase life.”
Choose seasonal and your flowers will be at their peak.

Winter

In winter, the seasonal flower choices “can vary depending on the weather,” says Stone, who often shops at the Carlsbad flower market because there’s a variety of blooms there that “you can’t order.”
Winter colors tend to be rich and deep, in shades like reds, greens, browns, deep purples and blues.
“If you want that winter feel, do red for the holidays with evergreens dusted with snow,” says Stone.
Winter blooms can include Gerber daisies, Phlox, roses, Asiatic lilies and orchids. Stone likes using blue hydrangea.

Spring

Even in San Diego where the weather is beautiful all year, spring is a season of freshness. Peonies, ranunculus and iris are plentiful this time of year.
“A lot of spring flowers are of the bulb variety,” says Everett, noting spring blooms include tulips, anemones, hyacinth and amaryllis. “Bulbs need to be planted before winter, then the ground freezes and once the ground thaws the flowers are ready to bloom!”
Many of these spring flowers are fragrant and colorful with great texture, which make for interesting bridal bouquets and arrangements.

Summer

During summer months, there are many bright and
abundant flowers to consider. Even in hot weather, your blooms can look absolutely radiant. Think sunflowers, freesia, larkspur, plumeria and lilies.
“Summer flowers include dahlias, spray roses and hydrangeas,” says McClurkin.
There are many filler flowers in season during summer too, including lavender and astilbe.

Fall

The weather can be pretty warm in autumn but cooler temps prevail in the morning and at night.
“Fall to me is later part of September through December,” says Dela Cruz, who explains the color palette this time of year features, “rich reds, deep oranges, rust, amber and yellow gold.”
Autumn flowers include, “Asiatic lily, calla lily, gerberas, roses, mums, amaryllis, snowberry, sunflower, celosia, leucadendron, alstromeria, fall leaves, wheat, ornamental pumpkins and berries and crab apples,” says Dela Cruz.

No matter what time of year you get hitched, make sure to choose seasonal blooms that fit your wedding style.