The Most Popular Summer Wedding Flowers
Why Summer is a Dream Season for Weddings
The Season of Abundance and Bloom
Summer weddings are like nature’s way of showing off—there’s something magical about walking down the aisle when the world is in full bloom. The longer days, balmy nights, and radiant sunshine make it the perfect season to celebrate love. And let’s be honest, summer gives us the widest range of floral options, both in terms of availability and affordability.
Farmers’ markets are brimming with color, and local florists are flooded with fresh-cut flowers. You get blooms that look like they were kissed by the sun itself—vivid, full of life, and radiating with personality. Want classic roses in soft blush tones? Easy. Need sunflowers for a rustic barn wedding? No problem. Summer is the one time of year when even exotic flowers like orchids and birds of paradise are easier to come by.
And here's a bonus: seasonal flowers are generally more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Since they're grown locally, you're not paying for them to be flown halfway across the world. So you’re not just planning a beautiful wedding—you’re planning a smart one.
Personal Reflection: Planning My July Wedding
Let me take you back to my own wedding—July 14th, Charleston, South Carolina. The sun was relentless, the cicadas were singing, and the air was thick enough to cut with a butter knife. I'd originally planned for soft gardenias and delicate tulips in my bouquet. Spoiler alert: those didn’t make it past rehearsal.
Thankfully, our florist—bless her Southern soul—stepped in and gently steered me toward dahlias, zinnias, and lisianthus. She even threw in a few peach roses and trailing eucalyptus. It was breathtaking. The bouquet held up all day. From morning photos to the sparkler exit at night, not a single bloom wilted.
That experience taught me a golden rule of summer weddings: pick flowers that match your environment. Not just for looks, but for longevity. That bouquet still lives on in my photos—and in a shadow box in my hallway.
The Vibe That Only Summer Flowers Can Bring
Summer flowers aren’t just about beauty—they bring a whole mood with them. Think about it. Sunflowers instantly make you smile. Peonies scream elegance and luxury. Wildflowers like daisies and cosmos bring a breezy, barefoot-on-the-beach kind of vibe.
Want a romantic garden party aesthetic? Lean into soft hydrangeas, blush roses, and trailing vines. Planning something tropical? Fill your arrangements with orchids, monstera leaves, and bold anthuriums. The versatility of summer flowers means you can go from boho to ballroom without skipping a beat.
Classic Summer Wedding Flowers That Never Go Out of Style
Roses: Romance in Every Petal
Let’s start with the OG wedding flower: the rose. Timeless, versatile, and symbolic of love—roses are the all-star of the floral world. What makes them especially great for summer weddings is the sheer range of colors and types available.
From pastel garden roses with their lush, petal-heavy blooms to vibrant red or coral hybrid teas, there’s a rose for every style and color palette. Plus, they hold up surprisingly well in heat when hydrated properly. Pro tip: mix in spray roses to add volume without overwhelming your bouquet.
And the scent? Intoxicating. There’s nothing like the subtle aroma of fresh roses wafting through a summer evening ceremony.
Peonies: Puffy, Playful, and Perfect
If roses are the queen, peonies are the empress. They’re lush, fragrant, and dramatic in the best way. Brides love them for their fullness and softness—each bloom is like a cloud of petals.
Now, here’s the catch: peony season typically runs from late spring to early summer. So if your wedding is in early to mid-June, you’re golden. Planning for late July or August? You’ll need a flexible budget or a good alternative (think garden roses or ranunculus).
Still, for the short time they’re available, peonies make a serious impact. I once saw a bride carry a bouquet of nothing but white peonies and eucalyptus. Simple, elegant, unforgettable.
Sunflowers: Golden Hour in Bloom
If you're planning a rustic or country-themed wedding, sunflowers are your best friend. They’re cheerful, bold, and oh-so-summer. And don’t let their casual vibe fool you—they can be dressed up too. Mix them with dusty miller, white lisianthus, and soft greenery for a refined take on country chic.
Sunflowers are also incredibly heat-tolerant. I helped set up an outdoor wedding in Kansas last July, and the sunflowers looked just as fresh at the reception as they did at the ceremony, even after six hours in the heat.
Bonus: they symbolize loyalty and adoration—two things every marriage needs more of.
Hydrangeas: For the Luxe and Lavish Bride
Hydrangeas are like floral royalty. Each bloom is a puff of petals that adds volume, texture, and a touch of luxury. Available in soft blues, creamy whites, purples, and even lime green, hydrangeas are perfect for creating large, eye-catching arrangements without needing a ton of stems.
They’re best used in cooler climates or shaded venues since they can be a bit thirsty. One trick florists use is soaking the heads in water before the event—yes, literally dipping the flower heads in water to keep them from wilting.
Use hydrangeas in centerpieces, arches, or altar installations for major wow-factor with minimal fuss.
Exotic Summer Blooms for a Unique, Stand-Out Style
Orchids: Sleek, Stylish, and Tropical
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding—or just want your wedding to feel like one—orchids are your golden ticket. These exotic blooms ooze sophistication and drama with their unique shapes and satin-like petals. Available in white, pink, purple, and even green, orchids can be your go-to flower for a modern, upscale summer affair.
I helped a couple from Miami incorporate cascading white phalaenopsis orchids into their chuppah. Combined with monstera leaves and metallic gold vases, the whole scene looked like it came straight out of a luxury wedding magazine. The best part? Orchids are surprisingly resilient. They can handle heat and humidity better than you might expect, making them ideal for sultry summer weddings, both indoors and out.
Bird of Paradise: Bold and Unapologetic
Want your floral arrangements to pop? Meet the bird of paradise. It’s the peacock of the flower world—vibrant, daring, and impossible to ignore. These flowers bring a splash of the tropics to your celebration, with bright orange, purple, and blue tones that resemble a bird mid-flight.
They’re not your typical wedding bloom, and that’s exactly what makes them stand out. For a couple I worked with in Laguna Beach, we paired birds of paradise with palm fronds, ginger flowers, and proteas for a bold, island-inspired arch. Guests were blown away—literally and figuratively, thanks to the ocean breeze.
Bird of paradise is a statement flower, so use it sparingly. One or two stems in a bouquet or centerpiece can create serious impact.
Protea: Wild Beauty with a Punch
Protea is the rebel of the summer floral scene. With its massive, sculptural blooms and prehistoric look, this South African native turns any bouquet into a work of art. Brides who want to break away from tradition adore protea for its wild, untamed vibe.
You’ll typically find it in shades of blush, coral, and ivory, making it easier to blend into romantic palettes than you’d expect. One of my most memorable weddings in Austin used king proteas as the focal flower, surrounded by pampas grass and succulents. It was earthy, boho, and unforgettable.
Plus, proteas are extremely durable. These things can sit in the sun all day and still look like they’ve just been picked. If you're planning a wedding in the Southwest or a desert setting, protea’s your best friend.
Anthuriums: Tropical Glam for Your Tablescape
Another tropical gem, anthuriums are heart-shaped flowers with a waxy texture and bold look. They come in bright reds, pinks, and whites—perfect for beach weddings or destination-style decor. While often used in Hawaiian arrangements, these blooms have gone mainstream in the best way.
Designers now pair anthuriums with pampas grass, orchids, and roses for trendy, Instagram-worthy wedding arrangements. If you want your tables to feel fresh and high-fashion, these are a must-have.
And they last forever. I had a bride in Palm Springs whose table arrangements included anthuriums. Not only did they survive the 100°F weather, but she said the leftovers were still going strong a week later.
Best Flowers for Outdoor Summer Weddings (That Can Handle the Heat)
Lavender: Rustic and Fragrant
Lavender is a small flower with big charm. It’s hardy, drought-resistant, and smells like a spa in Provence. Whether used in bouquets, boutonnieres, or scattered along the aisle, it brings a calming, rustic feel to any outdoor ceremony.
For one lakeside wedding in Michigan, we filled small burlap bags with dried lavender and used them as aisle markers. Guests could take them home as favors—and their cars smelled amazing for weeks. Lavender is especially great for couples going for a boho or countryside aesthetic.
Bonus points: It repels bugs. Yep, lavender is nature’s air freshener and your personal mosquito repellent.
Daisies: Whimsy That Lasts
Daisies are like the sunflower’s playful little cousin—simple, bright, and totally unpretentious. They’re also tough as nails. Daisies thrive in full sun and can stand up to wind, heat, and the occasional summer storm.
They’re great for casual outdoor weddings, especially in rural or farm settings. Use them solo for a minimal look or mix them with wildflowers and baby’s breath for a dreamy, romantic bouquet. I once saw a bride carry a bouquet made entirely of daisies and chamomile—she looked like she stepped out of a vintage postcard.
Their longevity is impressive too. Even after a hot day in the sun, daisies stay cheery and fresh-looking through the night.
Marigolds: Heatproof and Happy
Marigolds don’t get enough love in the wedding world, which is a shame because they are made for summer. These fiery-orange and yellow flowers are vibrant, fragrant, and heat-resistant. They’re especially meaningful in South Asian weddings, where marigold garlands symbolize joy and prosperity.
We used marigolds to decorate a backyard altar in Arizona, and the effect was stunning. Combined with greenery and some hanging fairy lights, the look was both festive and heartfelt. They also work well for DIY flower installations because they’re sturdy and don’t droop easily.
Zinnias and Cosmos: Color Without the Cost
Want color and volume on a budget? Zinnias and cosmos are your go-to summer wedding flowers. Both are affordable, available in every color imaginable, and grow abundantly in American gardens.
Cosmos are delicate and airy, with petals that flutter in the breeze. Zinnias, on the other hand, have bold, round blooms that look fabulous in centerpieces. I once worked a wedding in Oklahoma where we filled vintage watering cans with zinnias, lavender, and cosmos. It was Pinterest-worthy and cost a fraction of what imported flowers would have.
If you’re doing a DIY wedding or looking for sustainable, local florals, these are hard to beat.
Picking the Right Color Palette for Summer Wedding Flowers
Matching Flowers with Themes and Venues
Choosing the right flower colors isn’t just about what’s trending—it’s about making your entire wedding feel cohesive and intentional. One of the easiest ways to do this is to match your flower palette with your wedding theme and venue. For example, if you're having a seaside wedding on the coast of California, consider soft ocean-inspired tones like seafoam green, ivory, and dusty blue. These shades echo the surrounding landscape and create a serene, dreamy atmosphere.
Planning a barn wedding in Texas? Go rustic with bold reds, golden yellows, and earthy greenery. At a glam rooftop wedding in Chicago? Think monochrome whites with metallic accents—like white roses, orchids, and silver eucalyptus. Flowers should talk to your location and theme, not shout over them.
I worked with one bride whose wedding was at a historic estate in Virginia. She chose soft peach peonies, champagne roses, and trailing ivy—her florals looked like they belonged in a Jane Austen novel, blending seamlessly with the antique surroundings.
Balancing Bold and Subtle Tones
Summer screams color—but that doesn’t mean you need to throw every shade in the Crayola box into your bouquet. The key to creating a visually pleasing arrangement is balance.
Start with one or two anchor colors—these are your main shades. Then, add in one accent color to provide contrast or pop. Finally, fill in with neutrals (like white, cream, or soft green) to soften the look and avoid color overload.
One couple I worked with chose hot pink as their primary color. Alone, it was a lot. But once we blended in coral roses, blush zinnias, and pale green ranunculus, it became a gorgeous ombré-style palette that felt both vibrant and refined.
If you’re unsure, your florist can help create a color wheel for you—or just bring fabric swatches, Pinterest boards, or even paint chips to your consult.
Real Examples from Outdoor, Beach, and Garden Weddings
Still stuck? Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of how couples successfully nailed their summer floral color palettes:
Outdoor Vineyard Wedding in Napa Valley: Burgundy dahlias, blush roses, peach lisianthus, and dusty miller created a wine-inspired look that mirrored the vineyard backdrop.
Beach Wedding in Key West: White orchids, pale blue hydrangeas, and silver-dollar eucalyptus kept the palette cool and coastal, with a few coral peonies for warmth.
Garden Wedding in Savannah, GA: Soft pink peonies, white garden roses, lavender sprigs, and trailing green amaranthus matched the romantic Southern charm perfectly.
Each of these weddings used flower colors not just for decoration, but as a storytelling tool—setting the mood and tying every visual element together.
Expert Tips for Arranging Summer Wedding Flowers
Building the Perfect Bouquet—Step by Step
Creating a bouquet that looks effortless but holds up in summer heat? It’s part art, part science. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you (or your florist) nail it:
Start with a Focal Flower – Think garden rose, peony, or protea. This flower sets the tone and sits at the center.
Add Secondary Blooms – Choose two or three supporting flowers in complementary tones and sizes. Dahlias, lisianthus, and zinnias work great.
Incorporate Greenery – Add volume and texture with eucalyptus, ruscus, or ferns.
Layer In Some Texture – Add things like billy balls, thistle, or dried lavender for interest.
Bind with Style – Wrap stems tightly with ribbon, twine, or velvet strips that match your wedding colors.
Pro Tip: Ask your florist to use cold water tubes for the stems or prep an emergency "hydration station" at the venue with buckets of water to keep arrangements fresh pre-ceremony.
Centerpieces That Wow (Without Wilting)
Summer weddings often mean outdoor receptions—hello, sun exposure. So your floral centerpieces need to be both stunning and sturdy. Start by choosing heat-resistant blooms like zinnias, marigolds, or sunflowers. Then, keep the designs low and wide to allow airflow and prevent toppling in the wind.
One event I helped plan in Utah used vintage brass bowls filled with dahlias, cosmos, and herbs like rosemary and mint. Guests couldn’t stop sniffing them—and they held up for 12 hours under the sun. Win-win.
For extra durability, floral foam soaked in water or reusable flower cages can keep stems hydrated without the need for obvious vases.
Keeping Florals Fresh in the Summer Heat
Here’s a checklist to ensure your florals stay perky:
Keep flowers in cold water right up until use.
Transport them in coolers or insulated floral boxes.
Store them in a shaded area at the venue.
Re-trim stems before arranging.
Use hydration sprays for sensitive petals.
Have backup boutonnieres and corsages on ice—especially for long outdoor ceremonies.
I once worked with a florist who even brought a battery-powered fan just for the flowers. Extreme? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Preserving Your Summer Wedding Flowers for a Lifetime
Air Drying vs. Pressing vs. Silica Gel
So the big day has passed, and your bouquet is too beautiful to toss? Good news—you can preserve it. Here are your best bets:
Air Drying: Hang the bouquet upside down in a cool, dark, dry space for 1–2 weeks. Easy and inexpensive.
Pressing: Place individual petals between parchment paper in a heavy book. Great for flat keepsakes like framed art or bookmarks.
Silica Gel: This method keeps the flower’s shape and color intact. Bury the bouquet in silica crystals for a week, and voilà—lifelike, dry florals.
My Experience with Professional Preservation
I opted to have my bouquet professionally preserved in a resin block. It wasn’t cheap, but when I walk past that block on my desk every day, I smile. It’s a little piece of my wedding frozen in time.
Professionals can also create shadow boxes, jewelry, or even Christmas ornaments using your preserved blooms. If you're sentimental like me, it's 100% worth the splurge.
Turning Bouquets into Long-Lasting Keepsakes
Beyond preservation, consider creative ways to repurpose your wedding flowers:
Frame pressed petals with your vows.
Add dried blooms to homemade candles.
Create flower confetti for anniversaries.
These small touches can turn your wedding bouquet into heirlooms that you’ll treasure for years—or even pass down to the next generation.
Summer Wedding Flower Checklist for Brides-to-Be
To keep your flower planning smooth and stress-free, here’s a comprehensive checklist tailored for summer weddings:
6+ Months Before:
Choose your wedding theme and color palette.
Set your floral budget.
Research and meet with local florists.
3–5 Months Before:
Finalize floral designs with your florist.
Book any rentals (vases, arches, flower stands).
Confirm backup flower options (in case of seasonal shortages).
1 Month Before:
Review your final guest count for centerpiece planning.
Confirm delivery logistics and setup timing.
Schedule a final mock-up if desired.
Wedding Week:
Store flowers in a cool, shaded area.
Prep water buckets or hydration vials.
Designate someone to oversee flower arrival and placement.
Keep a small bouquet survival kit: scissors, extra ribbon, hydration spray.
Post-Wedding:
Arrange for flower preservation or donation.
Dry petals for keepsakes or creative projects.
Write a glowing review for your florist (they’ll love you for it).
Conclusion
Summer weddings give you everything—sunshine, warm breezes, and an unmatched bounty of beautiful blooms. Whether you're drawn to classic florals like roses and peonies, or you want to spice things up with tropical stunners like protea and bird of paradise, the options are endless and glorious.
But here’s the thing: your flowers aren’t just décor. They’re part of your story. They’ll be in every photo, held in every hand, and etched into the memories of everyone who shares your special day. From selecting your color palette to preserving your bouquet after the celebration, each choice contributes to a wedding that’s not just pretty—but personal.
So take your time, stay true to your vibe, and let nature’s finest be your co-designer. Summer doesn’t just bloom—it booms. Let your wedding flowers do the same.