January 30th, 2024
Written By Meghan Shaw
Where do you begin your wedding flower plans? What if you started with what's in season that grows right here in New Jersey?
When I connect with clients, I like to start with their inspirational photos, a quick questionnaire and chat. From there, I create a custom recipe of flowers and design concepts for each wedding that’s inspired our conversation. To date, no two recipes have been alike.
But each time I build a recipe, I start with a few flowers that I can source locally, whenever possible.
In this article, I share some of my go-to's, which I can typically find growing at a local NJ farm.
1. Peonies
Peonies, particularly popular in late spring, are known for their large, unique blooms and textured petals. They make excellent choices for statement pieces like all-peony bouquets or ceremony arrangements. They also happen to be edible if grown without pesticides; making it a nice option for a high drama cake design.
2. Ranunculus
With their layers of soft petals and unique stems that allow for airy designs, ranunculus sprinkles nicely into compote arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres and bud vases. This is the first flower I fell in love with and they have become more popular (and available) through the years. While they are now accessible all year, we can also source them locally in the spring in NJ.
3. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are loved for their bold yet delicate appearance. They come in several colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple, making a big impact in arrangements. When the season turns, they also look great dried; making an excellent addition to a neutral palette with tons of texture. They can sometimes be finicky when used as a cut flower, so it’s important that they are processed right ahead to avoid wilting.
4. Scabiosa
Scabiosa holds the weight of a focal flower, but also plays a role in adding a dainty and airy look to arrangements. They come in a variety of colors that scale from neutral to deep burgundy. We can access these beauties year round and for a short period of time, we are lucky enough to have easy access to locally grown. Our favorite happens to be the Black Knight which boasts a deep midnight burgundy tone and wiry stems.
5. Oralaya
A white and lacey bloom that adds a whimsical touch to any arrangement, oralaya is an excellent accent addition to wedding arrangements and bouquets. They mix well with anything and are often available locally in late spring to early summer.
6. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas add a soft, ethereal look to wedding bouquets. These delicate flowers, often in variegated colors, pair beautifully with lush greenery. We often have access to these grown locally during the springtime. They smell amazing and would make a beautiful mono arrangement for flower girls or junior bridesmaids.
7. Poppies
Poppies add a beautiful whimsiness to arrangements and bouquets. Their stems and petals almost dance between their narrow and wiry stems that lead to their delicate petals and bold centers. From white to bold, these flowers come in a variety of shades and are inherently unique. While their shelf life is not the longest, they do make an excellent cut flower for events.
8. Dahlias
Dahlias are at their height in New Jersey in the late summer to early fall and there are so many wonderful flower farms we work with who have a passion for growing these beauties. They can run from small and dainty to the size of a dinner plate. We hunt the local co-ops and farms for heirloom types to nestle into our bridal bouquets for a dramatic focal point. Totally Tangerine happens to be one of my favorites.
9. Celosia
Celosia adds some texture and color to arrangements and is typically found in late summer to early fall blooming in NJ. Texas Plum Vintage Rose has the most beautiful shade of pink that's a bit muted and is often a go-to for my designs in late summer and early fall.
10. Amaranth
This flower adds drama to arrangements with its long hanging blooms. From green to a burnt rust color to maroon, these flowers add texture and an unexpected flair.
Whether you know exactly which types of flowers you want or simply want a specific look or aesthetic, we start from scratch in our plans and use our experience to create a vibe for your flowers that is unique with a solid nod to locally grown.
