When planning an outdoor wedding, choosing flowers is more than just decorative. You need blooms strong enough to withstand natural elements while staying beautiful during your celebration. Incorrect floral selections can result in wilted centerpieces, drooping bouquets, and disappointing photos before you even cut the cake.
In New Jersey, couples planning outdoor weddings at Windows on the Water face unique considerations when selecting their floral arrangements. Our 86-acre lakeside venue offers breathtaking natural scenery, but outdoor conditions mean you need to choose flowers carefully to keep your blooms looking fresh from the ceremony to the reception. With good planning, your wedding flowers can enhance your celebration instead of detracting from it.
What Flowers Hold Up Best in Outdoor Weather?
Roses remain popular for outdoor weddings because they tolerate heat reasonably well. Garden and spray roses offer romantic appeal while standing up to outdoor elements. Orchids, particularly cymbidium and dendrobium varieties, handle temperature changes gracefully and add sophisticated elegance to any setting arrangement.
Other excellent choices for outdoor wedding flowers include:
- Carnations are affordable and durable in different weather conditions, and they are available in many colors to match any wedding palette
- Sunflowers emit cheerful energy and naturally thrive outdoors in full sun.
- Dahlias add dramatic texture and volume while keeping their shape intact over a long period of events
- Zinnias provide vibrant colors and surprisingly strong stems despite their delicate appearance
- Chrysanthemums and alstroemeria also deserve consideration for their exceptional longevity in outdoor settings
Choosing wedding flowers for outdoor conditions requires selecting varieties known for their resilience. Hardy blooms maintain their appearance despite temperature fluctuations, humidity, and direct sunlight.
How Can You Protect Wedding Flowers in Outdoor Settings?
Schedule flower delivery as close to your ceremony as possible. Request that your florist keep arrangements refrigerated until the last possible moment. For ceremonies, position floral arrangements in shaded areas whenever feasible. At Windows on the Water, our two-tiered waterside patio and 4,000-square-foot luxury reception tent provide natural protection from the elements while maintaining a beautiful outdoor setting ambiance.
Consider these protective measures:
- Ask your florist to treat stems with floral preservative and proper hydration techniques before delivery
- Request that flowers be placed in floral foam soaked with water and preservative to extend their lifespan
- Choose varieties at their peak bloom stage rather than buds, ensuring they look their best during your event
Morning ceremonies usually offer cooler temperatures and less direct sunlight. If you need to plan an afternoon wedding, have backup plans for severe weather. Your outdoor wedding planning should always include contingencies for flower protection.
How Do You Work With Your Florist on Outdoor Flower Choices?
Your florist is your partner in creating beautiful, durable floral arrangements for outdoor conditions. Schedule a consultation to discuss your vision and practical considerations.
Share your venue details with your florist, including whether your ceremony and reception occur in full sun, partial shade, or under cover. Discuss your timeline, noting how long flowers need to maintain their appearance. Be transparent about your budget, as hardy flowers sometimes cost more than delicate varieties.
Ask your florist about:
- Their experience with outdoor weddings and which flowers they recommend for your specific date and venue
- Backup options if your preferred flowers aren’t available or suitable for forecasted weather conditions
- Proper care instructions for personal flowers like bouquets and boutonnieres between photos and the ceremony
If extreme weather threatens traditional arrangements, consider exploring nontraditional flower displays. Creative alternatives often prove more resilient while offering unique visual appeal.
Plan Your Outdoor Wedding Flowers With Confidence
Choosing wedding flowers for outdoor settings doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or style. Using protective measures, opting for seasonal flowers, and working with an experienced florist, you can create stunning arrangements that withstand natural elements. Careful planning ensures your flowers stay fresh and vibrant in your memories of the wedding day.
At Windows on the Water, our experienced senior wedding planners assist you with every detail of your outdoor celebration, including floral arrangements and weather plans. Our waterfront venue in Millstone Township, New Jersey, has received the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award and The Knot Best of Weddings recognition for our outstanding service and beautiful natural surroundings. Call our office at (609) 208-9475 or complete a contact form to discuss how we can help you create the perfect outdoor wedding with beautiful floral arrangements.