From Farm to Aisle: Choosing American Grown for Your Wedding Florals

It’s not only the holiday season, but it’s engagement season! Did you know that around 40% of engagements happen between November and February? With the holidays, the New Year and Valentine’s Day, the timing for “engagement season” makes sense. Why not begin a new chapter with your significant other while you’re surrounded by love, celebrations and happiness? So, CONGRATULATIONS if you are newly engaged! Cheers to you and yours as you embark on this new journey together.

As you get bombarded with questions like “When’s the date?” and you start to dig into planning, you’ll learn every detail matters, and the choice of flowers and foliage is no exception. They not only add color, texture and extra detail to your decor, but they help set the mood for a celebratory chapter of life – so why not be intentional about your flower and foliage sourcing.

Read on as we share tips and inspiration for incorporating homegrown flowers and foliage into your wedding day, which seasonal florals to consider and advice on how to have an American grown wedding!

The Advantages of Using American Grown Flowers and Foliage

Sustainability: Choosing locally grown flowers and foliage significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting flowers across long distances. It’s an eco-friendly choice that contributes to a healthier planet.

Seasonal Beauty: Local flowers and foliage are often at their peak during specific seasons, allowing you to embrace the natural beauty and colors of each season in your wedding decor.

Supporting Local Businesses: By purchasing from local growers, you’re supporting family businesses and helping to strengthen your community’s economy.

Unique Varieties: American floral farms offer a wide array of unique and special flower and foliage varieties that can add a distinctive touch to your wedding decor.

Planning Ahead: Research and Consultation

Start Early: Begin your wedding planning process by researching local flower farms and florists who specialize in using homegrown florals. Start this process at least 9-12 months before your wedding to ensure you have access to the best seasonal blooms.

Consult with Experts: Schedule consultations with local florists who are experienced in working with locally sourced flowers and foliage. They can provide valuable insights into what will be in season and how to best incorporate them into your wedding theme.

Get to Know the Farms: Follow the farms on social media so you can have a greater connection to where your wedding flowers and foliage are coming from.

Choosing the Right Seasonal Blooms

With many flowers and foliage options to consider, how do you choose? We recommend focusing on the specific color palettes and look and/or feel you’re wanting versus the specific varietal. However, the time of year that you’re planning your wedding can play a factor in what American grown flowers and foliage are available. Here’s an outline of few flowers and foliage that are in season at different parts of the year:

Spring: Think of tulips, daffodils, peonies, lilacs paired with lush ferns for a vibrant and fresh spring wedding.

Summer: Opt for sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, delphiniums and bright greens like boxwood or ruscus to capture the vibrant colors of summer perfectly

Fall: Embrace the rich, warm tones of autumn with dahlias, chrysanthemums, and asters combined with grasses, nandina and magnolia.

Winter: Evergreens, anemones, hellebores, and year-round foliage like eucalyptus and pittosporum can create a winter wonderland.

Designed by Kelly Shore by Petals by the Shore

“Designing with American Grown flowers & foliage allow me, as a wedding floral designer, to capture the season and place and connect our couples to the communities that grow the florals that bring their wedding day to life. There is a beautiful synergy that is woven between consumer, designer and farmer.” – Kelly Shore, Petals by the Shore

Buying American Grown for Your Wedding

It’s more than just selecting beautiful blossoms; it’s about making a conscious decision to support local farmers and businesses and celebrating the time, place and people behind your wedding florals. So, as you plan and prepare for your big day, consider the impact of your choices. Embrace the beauty of homegrown flowers and foliage, and let your wedding be a celebration that not only marks the beginning of a new chapter but also leaves a positive footprint on the communities that surround you.

Here’s how procuring flowers and foliage for your American Grown wedding is a simple yet meaningful process:

1. Ask for American grown flowers and foliage at your local retailers and florists.
2. Buy from your local flower and foliage farmers.
3. Search our membership directory to buy American grown from floral farmers throughout the U.S. (Pro tip: Use the filters to find farms that sell to consumers)

An all-American wedding with locally grown flowers and foliage is not only a beautiful and sustainable choice but also a meaningful way to support local businesses and showcase the natural beauty of your region and the people connected to your florals. With careful planning, consultation with experts, and a creative touch, you can create a wedding that is not only visually stunning but also gives back to your community.

We would love to see (and celebrate!) your American grown wedding. Share and tag us on Instagram! Keep up with more floral tips and inspiration on our blog or by joining our email list.