32 Ideas for In-Season Summer Wedding Flowers That Are Pure Sunshine

We're (summer) lovin' these beautiful blooms.

bride holding protea and bougainvillea bouquet

Photo: Ashley Cox Photography

Updated Mar 14, 2024

Summer is a season of vibrance and abundance—and you can see that reflected in the bursting blossoms that show off candy colors and eye-catching textures every June, July and August. The warm temps nudge so many varieties to bloom, which is why summer wedding flowers are some of the most stunning and varied. You can use in-season florals as the springboard to dream up summer wedding ideas, nail your summer wedding color palette and even inspire your cocktail menu (nothing beats a floral garnish). Of course, your holy grail of knowledge for summer flowers for your wedding will always be a rockstar florist (there are tons on The Knot Vendor Marketplace). And that's why we tapped the pros at Boston-based Table & Tulip and Winston Flowers for their expert tips and tricks on how to pick your petals. Scroll down to see what's in season.

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In this article: Tips for Sourcing | In-Season Flowers | Year-Round Flowers | Ideas | Bouquets

Tips for Sourcing In-Season Summer Wedding Flowers

Once you find a wedding florist, the world is your oyster when it comes to summer blooms. But just because something is in season doesn't mean it's the best choice for your nuptials. The expert-backed tips below will help you compose the right questions for your florist and get a better idea of your options as you plan your summer wedding.

Go Seasonal and Local

"Communicate that you want us to source from local flower farms and encourage designers to forage for local products," says Kasie Lyons, Table & Tulip's Wedding and Event Coordinator. "At that time of year, there are so many beautiful vines, colorful foliage and berries often available in our own backyards. Incorporating these elements will add a unique touch to each arrangement, ensuring they stand out from others and also reflect the environment that they're in." Lyons even suggests going hyper local—as in seeing what's in bloom near the ceremony area and playing into those colors and textures to make your event seamless with its surroundings.

Work With the Weather

We totally get why you'd want your summer wedding to take place at an outdoor venue drenched in sunshine, but certain flowers might not be as happy with your decision. "It's important to keep in mind the location and temperature of your wedding site," says Lyons. "Outdoor weddings in the peak of summer require our team to rely on more hardy and heat-resistant blooms so that your flowers look beautiful the entire day." For example, some delicate flowers, like hydrangea, may be procurable during summertime, yet not necessarily the best bet for your wedding-day needs. You don't have to avoid delicate flowers altogether, but make sure to get some tips from your florist to use them sparingly and thoughtfully.

Trust Your Pros

No petal panic here: Your florist really does know best when it comes to what florals will stay lively looking as you dance the night away, so stay amenable to adjustments and trust their expert instincts. "Make a list of any and all likes—and even dislikes—to bring to your meeting," says Scott Bosse, Senior Relationship Manager of Events at Winston Flowers. "If your favorite flowers are not in season, your florist can come up with alternatives that evoke a similar look and feel." Lyons echoes that sentiment: "Flexibility within the specific flower varieties allows our team to work magic, while still adhering to the color palette and aesthetic vision our couples have in mind."

In-Season Summer Wedding Flowers

Oh, you lucky summer to-be-weds—you have a bevy of blooms to choose from that couples throwing a winter, spring or fall wedding won't readily have as options. Sourcing in-season florals for your summer wedding flower arrangements and bouquets ensure they're ultra fresh and vibrant. Plus, seasonal blossoms are generally more budget friendly than shipping in out-of-season flowers from elsewhere. Here are some of our favorite summertime beauties:

Peony

Peonies have a fairly limited growing season that begins in the spring and ends midway through the summer, generally in late June. And while the plant is only available for a short time every year, its lush petal structure is a dreamy option for bouquets and makes it one of our favorite flowers in season in June.

Cornflower

Often when to-be-weds say they want wildflowers in their arrangements, cornflowers are a go-to variety to add to the mix. The blue blooms also add a fun pop of contrast to greenery-centric designs.

Dahlia

Like peonies, dahlias are a show-stopping flower that can sometimes be hard to come by. They're one of the most stunning flowers in season in July, given their geometric shape and juicy colors.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea can be a great option for large-scale installations, like wedding arches, but should be used strategically since they're fairly delicate. But you can't beat the classic New England-summer aesthetic of the multi-flowered blossoms. In some cases, these can be sourced year round, though they can be smaller and fall within a more-limited color range.

Rose

"You can never go wrong with classic roses," says Bosse. They're always elegant and very versatile because they come in such a wide array of colors and varieties." Roses are the most popular wedding flower, and it's not hard to see why so many couples love the bloom. Since roses are so commonly used in wedding arrangements, they're relatively easy to procure, BUT the blossoms hit peak season in June, so your options for colors and shapes will be much more abundant at this time.

Clematis

Star-shaped clematis are so statement making, they can be the centerpiece of a July wedding bouquet.

Tweedia

Tweedia is another fun blue summer flower. It starts blooming during the late summer and continues to bloom into the fall, and is relatively small, which makes it a great boutonniere option.

Cosmo

Cosmos are often mistaken for daisies, since they share a bit of a resemblance with the flower. With wider, more spaced-out petals, cosmos come in a wide variety of colors, from hot pink to dark burgundy.

Ranucula

Ranunculus pack seemingly endless petals into their round little blossoms. A perfect pairing with peonies and roses, these flowers are in season throughout the three summer months.

Poppy

Red poppies are iconic June wedding flowers. As they should be—their vibrant reds and other warm hues are the perfect way to herald the arrival of warm weather.

Sunflower

Speaking of iconic summer flowers, the sunflower is perhaps one of the most seen July wedding flowers. They are seriously pure sunshine and are an ideal choice for rustic weddings.

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's lace is similar to baby's breath and works well as a filler for arrangements. The June plant's delicate blooms really do look like an intricate doily.

Zinnia

Another solid option for to-be-weds who like the wildflower look, zinnias come in a wide variety of colors from yellow and orange to darker reds. They peak in August and can stand up to sun, so zinnias are ideal late summer wedding flowers.

Stock

Stock flowers bloom from spring and into summer. The long stems and white blooms of stock makes the plant a great filler option for arrangements, especially if you have a mostly white wedding color palette.

Astrantia

Almost appearing like a colorful cross between Queen Anne's lace and a daisy, these small August wedding flowers have centers that look like bursting fireworks.

Astilbe

Astilbe blooms throughout the summer months and adds cascading drama to a summer wedding bouquet in a delicate, understated way.

Freesia

Although Miranda Priestly iconically insulted freesias in "The Devil Wears Prada," these white flowers are actually a great option for weddings. As Meryl Streep's quote, "Do I smell freesias?" suggests, the blooms are rather fragrant and, as such, may be best when used sparsely.

Scabiosa

Also called pincushion flowers for the shape of their centers, scabiosa are full of texture and come in a variety of colors, making them one of many bright-hued blooms that are perfect wedding flowers for a July wedding.

Iris

Fans of purple, irises are the way to go. The early summer-flowering plant has a unique petal structure that almost resembles an orchid, thanks to its Rorschach-like appearance.

Delphinium

Delphinium is a tall plant that shares a silhouette with stock and snapdragon. The whimsical floral comes in a variety of colorways, including the popular summer wedding flower colors of pink and blue, and it's available throughout the season.

Sweet Pea

Delicate sweetpeas bloom in June and display a striking array of colors—you can find everything from blushing peach tones, to periwinkle, to a minge of pink and purple on the same blossom.

Protea

Not only are proteas super trendy and eye-catching, but the plant is also hearty, which makes it a smart choice for hot summer weddings. The bloom comes in a few varieties, such as pincushion and king, and has a fairly long growing season (with Blushing Bride protea peaking in June) making them a reliable choice for summer couples.

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Snapdragon

Snapdragons bloom from spring until the first frost of fall, but should be used thoughtfully during the summer since intense heat can cause the flower to rapidly wilt.

Feverfew

You'll see these daisy-like wispy blooms (which are a wedding flower trend this year, by the way) filling the gaps between larger blossoms. We love the July flower's joyful, yet delicate look.

Pierus

Pierus has a bevy of tiny bell-shaped flowers that decorate every stem. Appearing typically in hues from white to deep pink, they are most in season in June.

Allium

You've probably seen these purple puff balls spring up in summer gardens come July—they make otherworldly additions to summer wedding flower arrangements.

Bougainvillia

wedding arch decorated with bougainvillea

Especially popular in California, this vibrant fuchsia flowering vine is a nice addition to arrangements looking for a pop of color.

Year-Round Flowers to Consider for a Summer Wedding

Many popular flowers, especially much-beloved garden roses, are available all year long. So as you're deciding on the ideal varieties to use in your summer wedding, don't limit yourself only to summer seasonal flowers, consider year-round options that may lend themselves to your aesthetic.

Lisianthus

Lisianthus blooms can easily be mistaken for roses, since they have a similar look. However, a lisianthus is generally a bit smaller than a rose, which makes it a great option for boutonnieres.

Carnation

If you're looking to save some money on your floral budget, carnations are a solid filler flower option to consider. Since their ruffled texture is similar to peonies, you could consider having peonies in your bouquet, while asking the florist to swap in carnations for bridesmaid bouquets as a budget-conscious option.

Daisy

Daisies are a fun and whimsical option to incorporate in your designs. If you're looking for a burst of color, Gerbera daisies are the way to go since they come in myriad colors.

Orchid

Orchids have a distinctive silhouette and elegant look that errs on the tropical side, so they feel like a perfect fit for a summer affair.

Anthurium

A great choice for beach weddings, anthurium is identifiable by its heart-shaped leaf bloom that has a prominent stamen. Anthurium is a hearty plant that can be cultivated year-round, but its tropical vibe makes it an especially great fit for summer celebrations.

Chrysanthemum

Crystalanthemums, especially spider mums, add nice texture to any arrangement they're included in.

Summer Wedding Flower Ideas

Now that you have a solid grasp on what flowers are available on your wedding date, it's time to dream up beautiful arrangement ideas to fill the celebration. Let these eye-catching summer centerpieces, ceremony showpieces and other day-of floral touches inform your own design decisions. Don't forget to save your favorite options to share with your florist!

1. Peony and Rose Aisle Florals

Light and fluffy peonies keep these aisle-lining arrangements looking ethereal, while more structured roses and orchids bring shape. Peonies + pastels are the perfect formula for June-wedding florals that sing.

2. Orange Zinnia Table Arrangement

Orange zinnias were the focal point of this wildflower-inspired arrangement. The golden tones evoke the late-summer sun and make it ideal for August nuptials (psst: it's a lovely color scheme for August wedding bouquets, too).

3. Colorful Rose and Delphinium Chuppah

couple underneath colorful floral chuppah at Jewish wedding

Flowers in a rainbow of colors decorate this chuppah at a mountain wedding in Colorado.

4. Fountain of Roses

If you're having a June wedding at a venue with a defunct fountain, consider this your sign to fill it up with different hues of pink roses that cascade down like water.

5. Rose and Delphinium Ground-Grazing Flowers

A seaside summer wedding calls for soft pastels and lush greenery, plus some delphiniums for drama.

6. Dahlia and Wildflower Arch

Wondering what flowers are in season in July and what to do with them at your wedding? This. We spy orange dahlias, Queen Anne's lace and colorful wildflowers in this ceremony arch.

7. Staircase Decked Out With Stock, Delphinium and Peonies

These staircase-hugging florals exude whimsy and elegance, incorporating cotton candy pinks and blues as well as soft purples and yellows. It's like the beginning of a summer sunset.

8. Multi-Hued Hydrangea Arch

A blend of different-colored hydrangea blooms will evoke New England old money elegance every time. We love how this arch keeps things soft with plenty of movement, thanks to the wild greenery.

9. Ranunculus and Stock Fruit-Forward Arrangement

Halved citrus fruits play up the juicy tones in this summer floral arrangement bursting with ranunculus and stock.

10. Minimalist Poppy Bud Vases

A striking red poppy can speak for itself. Consider showcasing single stems of the rouge bloom in bud vases at your June nuptials.

11. Chinoiserie Vases Holding Hydrangeas and Delphiniums

Coastal cottage vibes abound at this seaside ceremony, where the aisle was flanked by two stately Chinoiserie vases holding up white hydrangeas and purple-blue delphinium.

12. Peony and Rose Golden Hour-Colored Archway

On the topic of summer flower colors, Bosse says: "A lot of the colors we think of for summer are inspired by the golden hour: warm, glowing, vibrant tones." This wedding arch with peony, rose, bougainvillea and other vibrant blossoms encapsulates that palette perfectly.

13. Zinnia and Rose Petite Arrangements

You don't need to go big to make a statement. This zinnia-forward arrangement has a soft, asymmetrical silhouette that captures the carefree fun of summer nuptials.

14. White Delphinium-Lined Aisle

Stately, yet soft delphiniums gently delineate a ceremony aisle at this summer wedding in Maine. They look like sea mist floating in from the coast.

15. Framing Florals With Protea, Zinnias and Roses

Retro vibes abound in this pair of flank arrangements that showcase dahlia, roses, protea, zinnias and anthurium. The orange-peach tones contrast with the pops of bright blue to create some serious summer eye candy.

16. Ikebana Arrangement With Cosmos, Dahlia and Rose

The loose, freeform style of these florals feel laidback, so they feel like a perfect fit for nuptials in the dog days of summer. Plus, that's when dahlias are in peak season.

17. Disco Anthurium Showstopper

A single iridescent anthurium is the star of this asymmetrical disco floral showpiece. The addition of feathery fronds plays up the florals' fun textures (and the party vibes of this arrangement make it perfect for sitting pretty as your guests move and groove into the wee hours).

Summer Wedding Bouquets

The best summer bouquet is one filled with flowers that reflect the season, the region and the energy of your special day. That said, we're also partial to these options, which feature some of our favorite bouquet flowers (hi peonies and delphinium).

18. Cascading Bouquet With Clover and Cornflower

Colorful clover and cornflower blooms bring a burst of color to this cascading bouquet.

19. Bevy of Peachy-Tropical Anthurium Bouquets

These coordinating, but not matchy-matchy bouquets showcase tropical and classic blooms in all shades of pink, like anthurium, peonies, dahlias, roses and orchids.

20. Dahlia, Ranunculus and Peony Bouquet

The subtle difference in textures makes this bunch one of the most stunning late June wedding bouquets. The geometric dahlia plays so well with fluffy peonies and a spray of delicate chamomile flowers.

21. Colorful Wildflower-Inspired Bouquet

bride holding white-and-yellow wedding bouquet

Cascading vines add a perfectly undone feel to this bouquet, which includes yellow ranunculus, pink roses and blue cornflower. This is giving late-summer energy to us, so we'd chalk it up to being a homerun wedding bouquet for August weddings.

22. Bright Cosmo and Queen Anne's Lace Bouquet

This bright summer wedding bouquet looks just-foraged from a field, bursting with cosmos Queen Anne's lace, delphinium and zinnias. It seriously radiates joy.

23. All-White Summer Wedding Bouquet

While summer wedding bouquet flowers are often colorful blooms, a delicate all-white bouquet can evoke sea mist, early morning sunshine and dewy fields of wildflowers. This one features freesia and late-summer-blooming tweedia.

24. Pastel Rose and Sweet Pea Bouquet

Soft pinks and dusty purples feel like the last dregs of a summer sunset. This bouquet captures that magic with sweet pea, rose, clematis and cosmos.

25. Orange-and-White Ranunculus, Rose and Sweet Pea Bouquet

Orange roses and white butterfly ranunculus blooms work harmoniously in this bouquet for a summer desert wedding.

26. Whimsical Blue and White Peony Bouquet

A bundle of blooms that looks like fluffy white clouds suspended in a vibrant blue summer sky is one of our favorite summer wedding bouquet ideas. Peonies, freesias and feverfew are just a few of the blooms that help achieve this look.