Poppy Belle Design is a Raleigh wedding planner and florist. Feature photo by Mikkel Paige Photography.

Let’s be honest, when you think of weddings, flowers are usually right up there with white gowns, cake and dancing like a fool.

Even in the vaguest of daydreams, most people will at least picture a bouquet, am I right? Flowers and weddings go hand in hand—particularly this time of year with so many pretty things in bloom!

Now, as a Raleigh wedding planner who also doubles as a florist, I’m a bit biased, but I really do think flowers can bring so much to your big day. There’s no doubt about it, though, that bill can add up fast. A great and easy way to save a bit on blooms is to go with flowers that are in season.

And trust me, there are so many options! So here’s a quick guide to what grows when.

Some flowers are more or less year-round, such as carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies and gerbera daisies, and roses. But others are a bit pickier.

Stephen Thrift Photography

Spring

The growing season is here! Spring is one of my favorite times for flowers—shocking for a florist, right?!

Some common ones for this time of year are the calla lily, delphinium, forsythia, freesia, gardenia, hyacinth, irises, daffodils, hydrangeas, sweet pea, casa blanca lily, lilac, orchid, peony, poppy, tulip and ranunculus.

There are lots of tree blossoms that show up in the spring, as well, like dogwood, cherry, and quince. Those could be uber romantic for a barnyard or winery wedding!

Jodi Miller Photography

Summer

Summer can be a bit rougher on flowers around here due to the intense heat. You’ll probably experience your florist being a bit more worried about leaving those blooms outside for long periods of time, lining up someone to make sure they have enough water.

Good choices for this time of year are sunflowers, Asiatic lilies, gerbera daisies, peonies, delphiniums, irises, calla lilies, lisianthus, baby’s breath, carnations, chrysanthemums, dahlias, delphiniums, foxgloves, freesia, gardenia, hydrangea, iris, zinnia, and lilac.

Fall

With more of a harvest feel, fall weddings sometimes shy away from too many flowers, and be prepared for the blooms you do have to boast those deep, rich autumn colors!

Good choices for these months include gerbera daisies, hydrangea, delphinium, amaryllis, carnations, viburnum, irises, narcissus, baby’s breath, freesia, juniper, lily orchid, Queen Ann’s Lace, roses, sunflower and zinnia.

Throw in some leaves, pumpkins and wheat for a wonderfully crisp fall feel!

Winter

Flowers during the cold season can really add a pop of color, especially if it’s snowy white outside (usually not the case around here, I’m afraid).

Things that you can find blooming at this time are carnations, gerbera daisies, helleborus, holly berry, lilies, casa blanca lilies, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, amaryllis, pansy and poinsettias.

Add some ivy and evergreen accents to really set the winter feel!

For more pointed tips on local seasonal flowers, give me a buzz at Knots ‘N Such! I’d be happy to point you in the right direction for blooms on your big day.