Destination weddings have the exotic romance that dreams are made of, but ensuring you get the best blooms when abroad needs careful planning. Your wedding flowers are more than just the bridal bouquet; they are the romantic decor in every wedding picture.
Get the best flowers for your destination wedding with these floral tips. You can read more about Garden Roses That Inspire Winter Wedding Trends
Choose Flowers That Suit the Climate
Every flower has a preferred climate for thriving, and not all climates are the same.
When making your choices, consider your wedding location’s weather and season. For warm destinations, tropical blooms like orchids and hibiscus are perfect. Cooler climes call for flowers like roses and tulips. Your flowers will look fresher for longer when they match local conditions.
Some weddings may be in challenging conditions, like a ceremony on a Caribbean cruise. You want resilient flowers that look fantastic against the ocean backdrop and hold up well in humidity. Bold blooms that add tropical charm are proteas and anthuriums.
Choose Local Flora
Tie your floral decor in with your chosen destination by using local flora. Every region has unique blooms infused with the beauty of the area. Do some research to find out which flowers are native to your wedding’s location.
Tropical flowers work well for beach weddings. If you are tying the knot in a picturesque meadow, consider adding wildflowers or rustic blooms for whimsical flair. Your flowers should enhance your wedding’s aesthetic and harmonize with the setting.
Cut down on costs and add authenticity by using native plants. Great examples would be using cherry blossoms in Japan or sunflowers in Tuscany.
Understand the Symbolism
Every flower has a different meaning in different cultures, and your destination may have floral traditions you should know about.
The lily has different meanings, depending on where you are. In Western culture, lilies symbolize purity. In China, they bring good luck and happiness to the marriage. However, they are seen as funeral flowers in other cultures.
Countries like China, Japan, and Australia think that the gorgeous chrysanthemum brings good luck. But the same blooms are associated with negativity in France, Spain, and Italy, among others.
Check the flower symbolism of your wedding locale so your Special Day to ensure your arrangements only radiate positivity.
Check Seasonal Availability
Timing is everything when it comes to flowers, so ensure the blooms you want for your wedding are in season. Local florists will be able to tell you which flowers are at their peak around your wedding date.
Match Flowers and Venue
A huge bouquet may look splendid in a grand building, but will be cumbersome on a beach. Your destination wedding’s setting should play a big part in your decision. Evaluate how the venue’s natural elements will complement your floral choices.
For example, if you are getting married outdoors amid breathtaking scenery, a simpler arrangement that doesn’t compete with the scenery will be stunning. On the flip side, indoor venues look incredible with bold centerpieces or cascading arrangements.
Keep It Personal
Make your flower choices stand out by adding a personal touch or a unique bloom. For instance, the world’s newest flower, the Gerbera Alfredo - cultivated in honor of the late Italian florist Alfredo Corvi - is making waves in the floral world. The stunning hues are set to make it one of the trendiest wedding flowers from 2025.
Have a Floral Budget
Destination weddings can be costly, so having a floral budget makes sense. Prioritize items based on importance. Certain arrangements, like your bouquet, may need more financial investment than other decorative aspects.
Flowers are used everywhere from bouquets to centerpieces and garlands. Save money with dual-purpose arrangements. Choose adaptable designs, like ceremony arches that can transition into photo backdrops, or bridesmaid bouquets that double as centerpieces.
Fresh flowers are traditional, but high-quality faux flowers can be a lifesaver if your destination wedding is in a remote area or has a challenging climate. Silk flowers look amazing and blend well with fresh blooms to bulk out sparse arrangements. Use them strategically, such as for big installations, to keep things pretty and cost-effective.
Packing and traveling with wedding essentials can be challenging. Make it smoother with these hacks for travel packing. Take care of your packing, and let your florist handle floral transport.
Consider Allergies and Fragrances
Destination weddings often involve close-knit gatherings where guests can be close to your floral displays. Be aware of allergies or overpowering fragrances. Blooms like peonies or gardenias are stunning but may be too much for certain guests to handle. Choose flowers with subtle scents so everyone can enjoy your celebration without the sneezes.
Love Your Local Florist
Partnering with a skilled local florist reduces stress. A professional florist will guide you through the best floral options, advise on season availability, and handle logistics. Trust their expertise to bring your vision to life.
Local florists will inspire you and help secure the perfect wedding flowers. They will source sustainable blooms, transport them to your venue to create stunning arrangements, and keep them fresh and gorgeous.
Reach out to a few local florists ahead of time and ask about their experience with weddings. Check their online reviews and ask to see their portfolio. Discuss how the flowers will be transported, set up, and kept fresh for the celebration.
Your wedding coordinator and florist need to work together. Historical sites and outdoor venues may have restrictions on flora or specific decor limitations. The earlier they collaborate, the smoother things will run.
Having a local florist who understands the climate and floral options removes a lot of stress. If you want to bring your bouquet home for a keepsake, they will help make appropriate arrangements.
Share the Love
Having a sustainable wedding is about more than avoiding endangered blooms. Your eco-friendly florist will help with locally grown options. Share the love after your big day by donating your flowers to local hospitals or old-age homes.
Final Thoughts
Destination weddings are magical love celebrations, and the right floral arrangements add to the sparkle. Choosing local blooms that match the venue and season, and enlisting a professional florist will make your wedding a fairytale picture. May your celebration bloom as brightly as your love story!
