Wedding flower bouquets are usually full of roses. And I have to admit that our daughter chose magnificent white roses for her bouquet when she was married. But having said that, bouquets can be significantly cheaper and yet look just as stunning, if you use other flower varieties. It is only tradition, and therefore demand, that pushes up the price of roses in the wedding season.
Cost is not the only thing you save. By using fresh cut local flowers, in season at the time of your wedding, will support local growers, keep your carbon footprint low and give you and your guests an appreciation of the floral wealth of your town or city.
Here are some other types of flowers that would be available in most areas of the NW states during Spring and Summer, when many young brides say "I do!"
Peonies will always look good in a wedding bouquet and they bloom at the right time for weddings. They are breathtaking when cut fresh and in perfect bloom. We have three established peonies in a section of our home garden, with a fourth small one that's just starting to exert itself. So I can say with absolute confidence the freshness and vibrancy beauty of these peonies has to be experienced to be believed. They would always make a magnificent bridal bouquet.
So would the stately, delicately fragrant, Lily of the Valley, the colorful Ranunculus, or a selection of tulips since they bring color and liveliness into any setting. The beautifully smelling lilac goes well with tulips, and bouquets or flower arrangements will benefit from planets like Lady's Mantel or Lamb's Ear. And it's well known that Delphiniums and the common Sweet Pea will always catch eyes and add to bouquets that need a little height or body.
So, consider sing non-traditional, fresh cut, flowers for your wedding bouquet. Or for your bride's maids bouquets. There are plenty of flowers out there that will look just as gorgeous as the traditional rose. So take and chance!
