Wedding Floral Designs: How to Choose the Perfect Blooms for Your Big Day

When planning your wedding, the flowers you choose will play a huge role in setting the tone for your entire event. Whether you're dreaming of romantic roses, whimsical wildflowers, or tropical blooms, your floral design helps tell the story of your special day. But how do you choose the perfect flowers, especially when you're eloping or planning a destination wedding like in Hawaii? It all comes down to timing, trusting your florist, and being open to changes. If you’re eloping with Modern Elopement, we’ve taken the time to create gorgeous designs that you can choose from.

Here’s how to navigate the world of wedding floral design with ease:

1. What's In Season? The Key to Stunning Florals

One of the most important things to consider when selecting your flowers is what’s in season. Flowers bloom during specific times of the year, and opting for in-season blooms will ensure your arrangements are fresh, abundant, and more affordable. Seasonal flowers are often at their peak quality and are generally more cost-effective compared to out-of-season options.

For example, if you’re eloping in Hawaii, you'll find beautiful tropical flowers like:

- Plumeria: Known for their fragrance and soft petals, plumerias are iconic in Hawaii and perfect for lei-making or bouquets.

- Orchids: Available in various colors and shapes, orchids make for an elegant addition to any arrangement.

- Ginger: Bold and bright, ginger flowers add a tropical pop to your wedding day.

That being said, if you have your heart set on a flower that isn’t in season, it may still be possible to source it, but it may come at a premium price. That's where trusting your florist comes in!

2. Trust Your Florist: They’re the Experts

You’ve likely spent countless hours scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram, gathering inspiration for your dream wedding bouquet. But while it's great to have an idea of what you want, it's equally important to trust the florist who’s bringing your vision to life. When we designed our floral collections, we worked with local expert florists to craft each unique look.

Professional florists are not only creative but also know the ins and outs of what’s practical, available, and long-lasting in your wedding’s specific location. Your florist will also understand how certain flowers hold up in different climates — especially in a tropical environment like Hawaii. For instance, flowers that might wilt in the hot sun can be swapped out for sturdier blooms that will still look just as stunning in your photos. If they suggest alternatives or recommend certain blooms that are better suited for your setting or budget, take their advice to heart.

Here are a few things to ask or consider with your florist:

- What local flowers will last the longest in the climate?

- Do you have a backup plan for any blooms that may not be available?

- Can you recommend flowers that fit our color scheme and style?

By leaning on your florist’s expertise, you'll not only get gorgeous arrangements, but you'll also minimize the stress of dealing with floral logistics.

3. Be Open to Substitutions

As much as we’d all love to get exactly what we have in mind, sometimes nature has other plans! Whether it’s due to weather, shipping issues, or availability, certain flowers might not be available when your wedding day rolls around. This is where flexibility comes into play.

Being open to flower substitutions can actually result in more beautiful and unique arrangements than you originally imagined. For example, if peonies aren’t in season, your florist may suggest garden roses or ranunculus as an equally stunning alternative. Or, if you're going for a tropical look, they may recommend swapping in proteas for the texture and visual appeal you're after.

Remember, while it’s tempting to stay married to one particular bloom, the overall look and feel of your wedding flowers is what matters most. Your florist will ensure your floral design still aligns with your vision, even if specific flowers aren’t available. After all, they’re just as invested in making your day beautiful as you are!

4. The Magic of Personalization

One of the best things about floral design is how customizable it can be. Whether you want to incorporate sentimental flowers (like your mother’s favorite bloom) or reflect the culture of your destination, your wedding flowers can be a meaningful extension of your personality.

Here are a few ways to personalize your floral design:

- Incorporate flowers with personal significance: Maybe you want to include a flower that reminds you of home, or one that has a special meaning in your relationship.

- Use flowers in unexpected ways: Flower crowns, lei exchanges, or floral arches are all creative ways to incorporate blooms into your ceremony.

- Go bold with color: If you're eloping in a tropical location like Hawaii, don't be afraid to embrace the vibrant hues and textures of local flowers. They’ll pop beautifully against the landscape!

5. Seasonality & Sustainability

Lastly, consider the environmental impact of your choices. Using seasonal, local flowers reduces the carbon footprint that comes with transporting blooms from distant locations. By opting for florals that are readily available in your elopement destination, you're not only being kind to the earth, but you're also embracing the beauty of the region. In Hawaii, for instance, you can use native flowers to create an authentic, sustainable wedding look.

Your wedding flowers don’t just add beauty to your day; they help tell the story of your love. Whether you’re working with seasonal blooms, getting creative with alternatives, or adding personal touches to your floral designs, the key is to stay flexible and open to the possibilities. By trusting the experts and working with what’s in season, your wedding flowers will perfectly reflect the essence of your day — no matter what style you choose.

Ready to plan your elopement? Let our Elopement Concierge team guide you through every step of the process, from choosing your venue to crafting the perfect floral arrangements. Reach out today, and let's create a day filled with beautiful blooms and lasting memories!