Calling all my future winter wedding brides! A winter wonderland wedding is undoubtedly gorgeous, and I absolutely love documenting them. From the romance of delicate snowflakes falling and long-sleeved lace dresses paired with chic (faux) fur shawls to stunning bridal and couples portraits with snowy landscapes in the backdrop – there are so many elements that make a winter wedding truly magical. But the freezing temperatures are not so great for fresh flowers, which are essential to a wedding day!
I recently sat down with a dear friend and extremely talented florist, Elena, from Fleurdunorfarm in Vermont, and she gave me excellent winter wedding flowers tips on how to preserve them. And you guys know I am all for “sharing is caring,” so it’s my pleasure to share her tips with all brides-to-be planning a winter wedding. Read on to find out more!
Elena’s Tips For Preserving Winter Wedding Flowers
A winter wedding can be enchanting, but keeping flowers fresh and vibrant is one of the challenges that come with it. Flowers often wilt or die in freezing temperatures before they even have a chance to thrive. However, with careful planning, you can have a winter wedding with your choice of blooms!
Elena is a passionate wedding planner and florist from Fleurdunorfarm, and I trust everything she has to share about flowers and how to care for them. Before I share her list of recommended flowers that can withstand cold temperatures and double up as stunning bridal/bridesmaids bouquets or decor, she also shared some of her secrets to preserving and caring for winter wedding flowers in cold temperatures. You don’t want to miss out on these tips!
- Leave your flowers outside. When you go outdoors with your winter wedding flowers, leave them outside. It will maintain its shape and color for a longer time.
- Do not thaw your arrangement. If you let the flowers freeze and melt, they will begin to yellow and eventually brown.
- Stay away from high-heat sources. Don’t put your winter bouquet near the fireplace as the flowers begin to droop and brown.
- Don’t reuse your winter flowers. They’ll shrivel up and brown. Keep them indoors and covered till they are ready to use.
Types Of Flowers Best For Winter Weddings
While many popular wedding flowers are not in season during winter in the Northeast (the temperatures here can make it hard for bouquets to survive), there are plenty of stunning winter blooms that you can choose for your wedding day.
1. Carnations
Carnations are hardy flowers that can withstand colder temperatures. They come in various colors like white, orange, pink, and burgundy – making them a versatile choice for winter bouquets and centerpieces.
2. Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers are an excellent option for late winter weddings as they are available in a variety of colors and can be easily found from February through March. This is when they’re in prime shape and look great for flowersl arrangements.
3. Tulips
Tulips are incredibly resilient and can easily be found across America’s middle and northern regions. For couples tying the knot here, a unique form of tulip called fringe tulips has become quite popular recently for their delicate fringes along their petals.
4. Roses
Roses are the most beloved choice for winter wedding flowers, and due to their popularity, they’re now available all year round. Chances are you’ve already considered incorporating these iconic blooms – go ahead and finalize it!
5. Red Amaryllis
Let the majestic beauty of amaryllis dazzle on your wedding day! Their fascinating red or pink petals provide a burst of bold color to any bouquet or centerpiece. Whether in singles or bunches, these vibrant blooms can add a festive vibe to your special occasion.
Pro tip: Since fewer flowers are in bloom during peak winter months, consider adding non-floral elements, like berries, pinecones, dusty miller, and eucalyptus greenery, into your flower arrangements to spruce up your winter wedding.
My Recommendations For Winter Brides
As a wedding photographer, I completely understand how much brides care about their flowers. After shooting multiple weddings in the Northeast where temperatures dropped below freezing, I have learned to set expectations with my couples and make sure they can still have a fantastic experience regardless of the temperature outside (you know, with the flowers still alive and all, hahaha!)
But seriously, the key is how I use my photography skills to capture beautiful photos while still keeping the flowers safe and intact. I always ensure that I’m prepared with options that don’t involve risking damage to the flowers.
- If you want to bring your flowers outdoors for bridal or couples portraits, we will have to shoot fast and risk them dying afterward.
- Another way around, we can shoot all the photos after the wedding ceremony. Now, only a few of you would opt for this because we will also be dealing with the earlier sunset times, which means everything has to happen way earlier.
- Thirdly, we don’t include your winter flowers in the pictures (cue collective eye rolls).
- If your budget allows, you can order two sets of flowers – one for your portraits and the other for your wedding ceremony.
Even though they are so wonderful, winter weddings do present a unique challenge when it comes to preserving flowers. With careful planning and following the tips Elena shared, you can ensure that your wedding day flowers stay fresh and look beautiful even in cold temperatures.
Weddings With K. Lenox Photography
If you or someone you know is looking for a wedding photographer, you can get in touch with me by sending an email, and I will get back to you. If you want to see more photographs that I took, you can check out Susie and Taylor’s Dartmouth College Engagement Session. To learn more about my wedding photography style, click on this link. You can also visit my website for more information about my services, and contact me here! To see more of my work, please head to my Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
