Growing Flowers for Weddings

Weddings are one of the most lucrative markets in flower farming. The secret isn’t just growing beautiful blooms, it’s growing the right ones. 

Grow the varieties:

• That hold up under pressure

• Photograph like a dream

• Make brides gasp when they see their bouquet

The most sought-after blooms can also be the priciest and hardest to source. Finding the right color, form, and freshness is often a challenge. Some of the flowers we’ll cover require up-front investment and patience, as they take a few years to mature before you can harvest them. But once they’re established, they’ll reward you with reliable, high-value stems for years to come. Others are beautiful annuals, perfect for growers ready to dive into wedding work now.

As farmer-florists, we’re always aiming to maximize every crop. We use each stem, bud, and bloom to create arrangements full of texture, movement, and meaning. This guide provides:

• What to look for in wedding flowers

• Our top five high-performing varieties

• Practical tips to provide clients and floral designers with fresh, premium blooms grown with intention

What to Look for in Wedding Flowers

The biggest secret to growing flowers for weddings? Grow blooms that check all the right boxes. Durable, versatile, easy-to-grow flowers that transport well and have a long vase life. 

Durability: Wedding blooms need to hold up well, even out of water for extended periods. They need to look vibrant through the ceremony, reception, and beyond.

Versatility: The best varieties can;

• Star in a bridal bouquet

• Make a statement on an arbor

• Tie the boutonniere to the rest of the palette

• Bring charm to a dinner table 

Bonus points for blooms that can dress up for a black tie or fit right into a rustic backyard celebration

Ease of growing: Choose varieties that thrive with standard field or tunnel care. Think solid germination, healthy growth, and minimal fuss.

Transport-friendliness: Wedding flowers often require travel. Your blooms have to handle bumpy rides without bruising, shattering, or dropping petals. Open but sturdy flowers are best for handling the journey from field to venue.

Good vase life: Flowers have to hold up from harvest, through design, transport, and the big day, all the way to the final toast. Bonus if they still look good the next morning on someone’s kitchen table.

Bridal bouquet preservation is a growing trend. These brides need their flowers to hold their shape and color long after the day is done.

Top 5 Flowers to Grow for Weddings

These 5 tried-and-true flowers are some of the best for turning petals into profit. They’re beautiful, strategic, and can help you achieve higher profit margins. If you’re ready to grow smarter and sell blooms couples actually want, this list is your starting point.

1. Peonies, Spring Stunners 

Why are Peonies so Popular?

Wide range: They range from lush doubles to wispy singles that resemble giant poppies. Some varieties are also wonderfully fragrant, adding to their charm.

Great versatility: While fresh blooms steal the show in spring, their foliage turns warm, rich tones in fall. This foliage is perfect for adding texture to late-season designs. 

Exceptional vase life: Harvest them at the soft “marshmallow” bud stage, and peonies can be dry-stored for up to 2 months. This is ideal for wedding work that requires flexibility in timing.

Popular Peony Varieties 

• ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Colonel Owen Cousins’ are relatively affordable investments. 

• Favorites like ‘Brother Chuck’, ‘Etched Salmon’, and ‘Red Charm’ offer a range of colors and forms. 

With so many stunning cultivars to choose from, it’s easy to see why they’re a wedding favorite.

Growing Tips for Peonies

• Grown them from bare roots, ideally planted in fall (though spring works, too). They take about three to five years to mature for regular cutting.

• Choose a mix of early, midseason, and late-blooming cultivars to extend your harvest window.

• Most traditional peonies are herbaceous and require a winter chill to bloom. But modern breeding has introduced low-chill “Latina” cultivars. They thrive in warmer climates without prolonged cold periods.

• When planting, select a sunny location with well-drained soil, and give them room. Peonies don’t like root competition. They’re prone to disease in cool, damp springs. Preventive fungicide treatments can help maintain healthy growth. For long-term production, allot them a permanent spot where they can mature undisturbed.

Best Uses for Peonies at Weddings

Peonies shine in bridal bouquets, large-scale installations, and lush centerpieces. Side buds and smaller blooms are beautiful in bud vases or as delicate accents. Small flowers can also tie boutonnières back to the larger bouquet designs for a cohesive look.  

2. Roses, the Captivating Classic 

Why Roses are Popular Wedding Flowers

Roses are consistently the top-selling cut flower worldwide. For couples wanting something unique, locally grown garden roses deliver what wholesalers can’t: 

• Real fragrance

• Natural forms

• Unforgettable freshness

From lush garden varieties to airy singles, roses offer an endless array of options in both form and scent. They can feature notes of myrrh, tea, and apple.

There are two common types of garden roses worth knowing for wedding work: 

1. David Austins are bred for their old-world charm. They’re full, ruffled blooms with exceptional fragrance and romantic appeal. 

2. Floribundas are renowned for their robust growth, profuse flowering, and diverse color range. Both have beloved varieties that perform beautifully in wedding designs. 

Garden roses are delicate and ephemeral. Harvesting at just the right bud stage is critical, but the result is one of the most luxurious blooms a grower can offer.

A few of the most-loved roses for weddings include:

Growing Tips for Roses

• Grow roses from bare-root plants, either grafted or own-root. For Zone 4 and colder, own-root plants or cuttings are ideal. Plants regenerate true to type after winter damage. 

• Spring planting is best to help roots establish before summer heat sets in. 

• Roses thrive in full sun but also enjoy afternoon shade in hotter climates. 

• Keep their beds weed-free. 

• Monitor closely for common issues such as aphids, black spot, and powdery mildew. Use insect netting at transplant to keep pests out. 

• Top-dress with compost to enrich the soil and support strong early growth. 

• Feed sparingly but consistently during active growth and bloom flushes. Compost tea offers a gentle, natural boost. Add slow-release fertilizer or fish emulsion as needed. 

• Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage foliage at the expense of blooms.

• Prune in early spring, “when the forsythia blooms”. Use sharp, heavy-duty pruners for clean cuts on woody stems. 

• Use trellises, arbors, or other support structures to encourage airflow and healthy growth. Climbing and rambling varieties will perform best with supports. 

Best Uses for Roses at Weddings

• Focal blooms in bouquets

• Boutonnieres, corsages, hair combs

• Centerpieces, arches, and installs

3. Ranunculus, the “Rose of Spring”

Why are Ranunculus Popular?

• They have the same romantic, layered look as roses

• Faster turnaround and no thorns. These annuals are grown from corms (similar to tulips). 

• Wide range of colors and forms, from soft pastels to moody tones. One of the best parts is that they’re quick and flexible. From pre-sprouting to bloom, ranunculus take about 90 days.

• They’re easy to force in winter with little effort.

• Beginner-friendly 

Ranunculus are also surprisingly tough. Hold ranunculus in a cooler at 38°F-40°F (3°C-4°C). At the marshmallow stage, you can also store them dry, wrapped in paper, for up to 7 days before use without losing vase life.

Popular Ranunculus Choices

1. The Elegance series: full, double blooms and dependable performance. 

2. Butterfly ranunculus: airy, shimmering aesthetic, ideal for modern garden-style weddings. 

3. ‘Amandine’, ‘La Belle’, and ‘Cloni’: each offers unique bloom times and textures.

Growing Tips for Ranunculus

• Ranunculus thrive in cool spring conditions. They prefer daytime temperatures in the 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) range and nights just above freezing. Good airflow and well-draining soil will prevent fungal and bacterial disease.

• They’re sensitive to freeze-thaw cycles, so grow them under a low tunnel or hoop house for protection. Once temperatures consistently rise above 80°F (26°C), ranunculus will shut down. Switching from frost blankets to shade cloth during heat waves can help extend your harvest window.

• Many growers stagger planting dates or pre-sprout corms in waves. This technique helps stretch the harvest window, perfect for early-spring wedding dates.

If you want to learn more check out, How to Grow Ranunculus: Step-by-Step Planting Guide.

Best Uses For Ranunculus in Weddings

1. Cascading bouquets

2. Hair pieces

3. Centerpieces

4. Dahlias, the Boldest Blooms

Why are Dahlias Popular Wedding Flowers?

If there’s one flower on this list that truly stands out for local growers, it’s dahlias. They’re always on-trend. In fact, they’re now being requested even more than peonies.

Dahlias come in a wide range of forms, colors, and sizes. New varieties are released regularly by small-scale breeders. While they may lack fragrance, they more than make up for it in visual impact and variety. Their bold blooms make a statement in any arrangement. Choose the deep, moody colors for fall bouquets. 

Dahlias don’t ship or store well, at least not to the standards of the global cut flower market. This makes them a perfect local specialty for weddings and events close to home.

Some of Our Favorite Wedding-Friendly Varieties

1. ‘Ryecroft Jan’

2. ‘Café au Lait’

3. ‘Cornel Bronze’

4. ‘Rose Toscano’

They’re all reliable, beautiful, and easy to design with across many styles. They’re also beginner-friendly. 

Growing Tips for Dahlias

• Dahlias thrive in warm weather and bloom at different times. Ball-shaped types often bloom early, while dinner plate varieties bloom later.

• Dahlias are frost-sensitive, and their tubers can rot in freeze-thaw cycles. Wait to plant until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 55°F (12°C).

• Some varieties grow tall and top-heavy. Trellis or stake them with flower netting to keep them upright. 

• Consistent moisture with drip irrigation supports healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Best Uses For Dahlias in Weddings

Dinnerplate dahlias, reaching up to 9 inches across, are ideal for large installations and bold statement pieces. 

Dahlias also work beautifully in bouquets, centerpieces, and detailed designs. The smaller pom varieties are perfect for adding texture and charm in intricate arrangements.

5. Lisianthus, the “Prairie Rose” 

Why do Flower Farmers Love Lisianthus?

For growers diving into weddings, especially those lacking roses, lisianthus are marvelous. Even if you do grow roses, they’re still worth having. Lisianthus are a cherished crop for flower farmers. Many of the desirable colors and forms aren’t reliably available wholesale.

Growing Tips for Lisianthus

• Starting lisanthus from plugs is ideal, as they germinate and grow slowly. 

• They're prone to root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Preventative fungicide drenches help keep issues in check.

• They establish best in cooler spring weather. Warm weather too early can cause them to rosette, pushing only leaf growth and delaying bloom. Once that happens, it’s tough to reverse.

• Lisianthus typically bloom in mid to late summer in one strong flush. Sometimes they’ll produce a lighter second one before frost. Use low tunnels in the fall and grow different groups of varieties to help extend harvest. 

• Use horizontal trellising with flower netting for straighter stems and better support.

Best Use For Lisianthus in Weddings

Lisianthus are tough, hold up well out of water, and are excellent for large installs, bouquets, and wearables. Wiring will help prevent snapped stems. 

• ‘Doublini’ series is ideal for crowns, boutonnières, and bud vases.

• Single-petal types like ‘Echo’ offer a light, airy charm.

• Larger ruffled varieties, such as the ‘Voyage’ series, shine as focal flowers. 

• Pair well with dahlias.

Care and Harvesting Tips for Wedding Flowers

Timing the Harvest

When harvesting for weddings, you have more flexibility than with retail or long-term storage. The goal isn’t to extend vase life. It’s to have flowers looking fresh, fully open, and at their peak for the event itself.

Generally, we cut stems at the soft-bud stage, just before they open. But with wedding work, you can harvest blooms more open if they’ll be used right away.

Some cultivars actually perform better that way. Dahlias, for example, won’t continue opening after harvest and should be cut fully open. Growers often let the first lisianthus bloom open and sacrifice it, then cut the stem when the second bloom is just opening or at the swollen bud stage. This ensures the rest of the spray matures properly for design work.

Hydration 

Always harvest in the coolest part of the day, ideally 12 hours before designing. This gives blooms time to fully rehydrate and settle before use. Cut stems when they’re fully hydrated, and place them into clean buckets of water right away. From there, maintain freshness with consistent post-harvest handling. 

Storage

• A cool, dark space: pauses the blooming process and ensures flowers are at their peak at design time.

• A floral cooler is ideal, but an air-conditioned room or even a cool garage can work well in a pinch. 

• Avoid overcrowding storage areas. 

• Good airflow and space between buckets help prevent bruising and stem breakage.

Travel Preparation

Secure packaging is a must. We often use bulb crates lined with packing paper or foam to keep floral containers from shifting and potentially snapping stems.

To keep arrangements or buckets upright, use sandbags or even long socks filled with sand. A little prep here goes a long way in keeping your work looking polished and professional when it arrives on site.

Bring extra water with you in case containers spill during transit. This is crucial if the venue doesn’t have easy access to water.  

Trends to Watch for in Wedding Flowers 

Much like fashion, wedding flower trends come and go, but some classics never fade. 

• White and blush remain timeless, especially in spring and summer. Soft beige accents, like bunny tail grass, offer subtle sophistication that couples love.

• In fall and winter, it’s all about rich, moody tones. Think jewel tones like ruby reds, mauves, deep greens, and even burnt oranges. Rustic fall bouquets bring warmth and depth to seasonal celebrations.

• Couples are increasingly sustainability-focused. They ask where their flowers come from, how they’re grown, and what’s in season. Locally-grown, organic, and regenerative blooms are in demand more than ever.
  This mindset extends to floristry too:

• No-foam techniques

• Low-waste practices

• Compostable materials 

Many of our couples love knowing that leftover flowers are composted, returning to the earth to grow the next season’s blooms.

There’s also a movement toward smaller, more intentional design. 

• Airy bouquets with minimal greenery

• Refined compotes (small, pedistaled bowls)

• Centerpieces that feel personal and natural rather than oversized or overdone

With planning, the right varieties, and thoughtful care, you’ll be a part of someone’s most cherished memories, one bouquet at a time.

Scaling Up For the Wedding Market

If you’re already set up to grow flowers, you can scale up to meet the market demands for weddings. Use the same infrastructure and tools you already have, just plan staggered successions to ensure a consistent supply of the most sought-after flowers. Plant multiple popular lisianthus and ranunculus to have offerings from spring to fall. 

FAQs About Growing Flowers for Weddings

What growing zones are best for roses, dahlias, and ranunculus?

• Roses: Best in Zones 4–8. In colder zones, plant own-root varieties for better winter survival.

• Dahlias: Grown as annuals in most zones. In Zones 6 and below, lift and store tubers after frost.

• Ranunculus: Can be grown as annuals in all zones with season extension. Use low tunnels or hoop houses in colder climates.

Can I grow these flowers successfully in a greenhouse year-round?

Yes, high tunnels and greenhouses are valuable for growers aiming to produce blooms year-round. While some flowers still follow seasonal cues, many can be grown earlier, later, or even out of season in high tunnels. 

What colors are most popular for wedding flowers?

Blush, white, cream, and soft neutrals dominate spring and summer palettes. In fall and winter, jewel tones like mauve, burgundy, and rust shine. When in doubt, grow white—it works in every season and theme.

How can I make my cut flowers last longer?

Use proper post-harvest care: harvest in the cool of the day, place stems in clean water immediately, allow at least 12 hours to hydrate, then store in a cool, dark place, such as a floral cooler or an air-conditioned room.

What is the profit margin on wedding flowers?

A good target is around 70% profit margin. Many florists use a 2.5-5x markup on cost of goods sold (COGs), then add 20-30% for labor and design. Clear cost tracking and smart sourcing help maintain strong margins.

How can I price my flowers for wedding clients?

Know your total costs to grow each crop. Include materials, labor, and overhead, then break that down into a per-stem or per-bundle price. Use that number to set prices with a 2.5–5x markup plus 20–30% for labor when doing design work.

What is a realistic budget for wedding flowers?

Couples often spend 10-20% of their total wedding budget on flowers. Averages range from $2,500 to $6,000.

Can I make money growing flowers?

Absolutely. Success depends on good planning, quality growing practices, and finding the right markets. Flower farming is a great side hustle for folks who enjoy their full-time careers but want to grow on the side. Whether you have a ¼ acre field, a DIY hoop house, or a small garden plot, you can make money growing flowers. 

What makes wedding flowers so expensive?

The time, labor, and skill required to source, harvest, design, and deliver flowers on a strict timeline adds up quickly.

Do you need a license to grow and sell flowers?

Regulations vary by state, but most small growers need a business license and may need to collect sales tax. Check with your local authorities.

Written by: Jessica Chase, Sierra Flower Farm, Photography by Graham Chase