Everything You Need to Know About Using Local and Seasonal Flowers in Your New England Wedding

Planning a New England wedding and wondering how to make your florals truly unforgettable? Incorporating local and seasonal flowers into your design is one of the most impactful ways to ensure your day feels authentic, refined, and deeply connected to the region.

As the Founder and Principal Designer of Soulflora, I, Courtney Auvil, have over 12 years of experience helping couples create luxury events that are both gorgeous and meaningful. My passion for using local and USA-grown blooms stems from a deep love for flowers and a commitment to showcasing their beauty and memorable events.

Keep in mind, while this guide is here to inspire and inform, it’s important to remember that nature doesn’t always follow a strict schedule—seasons can vary slightly from year to year. That’s where working with an experienced professional can make all the difference. You don’t need to worry about memorizing every variety or navigating seasonal nuances alone—our expertise ensures that your florals will be stunning and perfectly suited to your wedding, no matter what.

Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about using local and seasonal flowers in your New England wedding!

Why Choose Local and Seasonal Flowers For Your New England Wedding?

First, let’s talk about why it’s a good idea to choose local and seasonal flowers for your New England wedding. Local and seasonal flowers don’t just look stunning—they also bring sustainability, freshness, and regional charm to your event. First, locally sourced flowers reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping and support local growers. It’s not just about sustainability though. Seasonal blooms are at their best, which means that you’ll often experience the most vibrant colors and fragrance.

Choosing seasonal florals is not just a practical decision; it can be a creative one. With a garden-inspired and artistically refined approach, I work closely with couples to craft arrangements that tell their unique story while embracing the best of what New England has to offer.

Seasonal Flower Guide for New England Weddings

Understanding what’s available during your wedding month is key to creating a design that feels intentional and cohesive. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Early Spring (April)

In New England, this is when the growing season begins, and while options are limited, greenhouse-grown varieties shine:

• Daffodil & Narcissus
• Muscari
• Hyacynth
• Specialty Tulips
• Hellebore
• Forced Blooming Branches

Tip: Early spring weddings benefit from minimalistic designs that highlight the delicate beauty of these early blooms.

Late Spring (May)

As the days get warmer and longer, an larger array of flowers becomes available. Some of my favorites include:

• Tulips & Spring Bulbs
• Flowering Branches & Shrubs
• Ranunculus & Anemone
• Anemone
• Viburnum
• Lily of The Valley
• Lilac
• Peonies (late May)

Tip: This season offers romantic, lush florals perfect for elegant tablescapes or a cascading bouquet.

Early Summer (June)

Now, we’re reaching peak season with a wide range of textures and colors. We’ll have a lot more to choose from, including:

• Peony & Tree Peony
• Anemones
• Baptisia
• Poppies
• Astilbe
• Liliacs
• Garden Roses
• Foxgloves
• Forget me Nots
• Sweet Pea
• Delphinium
• Flowering Branch
• Nigella
• Ranunculus
• Viburnum
• Chamomile
• Delphinium
• Greenery

Tip: Layer vibrant blooms with lush greenery for a natural, garden-inspired aesthetic perfect for early summer.

Mid-Summer (July)

The warmth brings out vibrant and whimsical options, like:

• Dahlias (limited)
• Echinacea
• Garden Roses
• Phlox
• Ageratums
• Cosmos
• Foxgloves
• Aster
• Snapdragons
• Forget me Nots
• Nigella
• Queen Anne’s Lace
• Zinnias
• Mint
• Lavender
• Greenery & Other Surprises

Tip: During the summer, I love to incorporate herbs like mint and lavender for subtle fragrance and texture.

Late Summer (August/September)

One of the reasons I love local and seasonal florals in New England in late summer is because of the abundance and bold colors availably in blooms like:

• Dahlias (full bloom)
• Queen Anne’s Lace
• Zinnia
• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Celosias
• Asters
• Nigellas
• Grasses
• Lisianthus
• Cosmos
• Dahlias
• Foxgloves
• Snapdragons
• Tree Hydrangeas
• Rudbeckias
• Amaranthus
• Scabiosas
• Greenery & Other Surprises

Tip: Late summer weddings can take advantage of dramatic arrangements featuring statement flowers like dahlias.

Early Autumn (October)

Lastly, we have the seasonal flowers in New England’s iconic autumns. These options are still available before frost:

• Zinnia (end of season)
• Marigolds
• Celosais
• Dahlias
• Mums
• Strawflowers
• Gomphrenas
• Rudbreckias
• Amaranthus
• Tree Hydrangeas
• Mums
• Greenery & Other Surprises

Tip: Deep, earthy tones pair beautifully with fall foliage and rustic venues.

Tips for Incorporating Seasonal Flowers into Your Wedding Design

One thing I wish more couples and wedding planners knew is that designing with seasonal flowers doesn’t mean limiting your options. Instead, it’s about embracing what’s naturally abundant and using it to your advantage.

Here’s some advice if you want to prioritize using local and seasonal flowers:

• Focus on the Season’s Strengths: Each season offers unique blooms—lean into their natural beauty rather than trying to replicate out-of-season florals.
• Mix Local and USA-Grown Options: Supplement local blooms with other domestic varieties for added depth and variety.
• Trust Your Designer: As a luxury floral designer, my goal is to bring your vision to life while ensuring that the final result feels effortless and luxurious. I’ll guide you in selecting the best seasonal options that align with your style and budget.

Soulflora’s Approach to Using Seasonal Flowers in New England Weddings

At Soulflora, my design philosophy centers around creating florals that feel personal, timeless, and deeply connected to the couple’s story and the region’s natural beauty. Seasonal flowers are at the heart of this approach because they bring a sense of authenticity and spontaneity to the design.

Here’s how I work with seasonal blooms to bring your vision to life:

1. First, I listen to your vision. Every couple has a unique story to tell, and my first step is to listen carefully to what you want your florals (and entire event) to express. Whether it’s the soft romance of spring blooms, the vibrant energy of summer flowers, or the rich, moody hues of autumn, I tailor my designs to align with your preferences and personality.
2. From there, one of the joys of working with local and seasonal flowers is the sheer variety they offer (as I hope you’ve seen in this post). I source blooms at their peak from local New England farms and supplement them with other USA-grown options to ensure each arrangement feels abundant and luxurious.
3. New England has a distinct charm, from the rocky shores of Maine to the rolling hills of Massachusetts. By incorporating flowers that thrive in this region into your design, I work to ake sure that your wedding florals feel like a natural extension of the landscape.
4. From there, it’s time to add thoughtful details. Seasonal flowers often come with interesting textures, unexpected shapes, and unique colors. I love to incorporate these elements into designs, whether it’s the liveliness of Queen Anne’s lace in the summer or the structured elegance of flowering branches in the spring.

FAQs About Using Local and Seasonal Flowers for Your Wedding

Couples often have questions about using seasonal flowers. Here are a few common concerns and my approach to addressing them:

1. Will using seasonal flowers limit my options? Not at all! Seasonal flowers offer a wide variety of textures, shapes, and colors to work with. While some specific flowers may not be available, there’s always an abundance of gorgeous alternatives. For example, if peonies aren’t in season, garden roses can provide a similar lush, romantic look.
2. How do I know which flowers will be available? I provide a seasonal flower guide to help couples understand what’s typically in bloom during their wedding month. This allows us to plan designs that feel intentional and cohesive while staying flexible to nature’s unpredictability.
3. Can I still have luxury florals with seasonal flowers? Absolutely. Seasonal flowers can elevate your wedding with their freshness and unique beauty. By focusing on quality over quantity, we can create designs that exude sophistication and luxury.

How to Start Planning Your New England Wedding Florals

Planning florals for your wedding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Dream Big: Think about the overall mood and aesthetic you want for your wedding. Are you drawn to romantic garden vibes, modern minimalism, or something in between?
2. Gather Inspiration: Save images that inspire you, whether they’re from weddings, art, or nature. This helps me understand your style and preferences. My Pinterest and Instagram are great places to get inspired!
3. Consider the Season: Use the seasonal flower guide as a starting point to see what might be available during your wedding.
4. Book a Consultation: Let’s discuss your vision, budget, and any questions you have. From there, I’ll create a custom proposal to bring your dream florals to life.

Bringing Seasonal Blooms to Your Wedding Design

Seasonal flowers have the power to transform your wedding into a celebration that feels timeless and personal. By embracing what’s local and in season, your florals will not only look stunning but also carry the magic of New England’s natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a summer soirée by the sea or a cozy autumn celebration in the mountains, I’m here to help you create florals that capture the essence of your love story.

Ready to make your wedding florals unforgettable? Let’s connect and start planning your perfect New England wedding flowers today!