Planning Flowers for an Outdoor Ceremony
Planning Flowers for an Outdoor Ceremony
There’s something so special about saying your vows surrounded by fresh air, open skies and the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a countryside wedding venue, a meadow, a marquee, or even a private estate, an outdoor wedding ceremony already gives you the most magical backdrop.
When it comes to outdoor wedding flowers, though, there are a few extra things to think about. It’s not just about what looks beautiful, but also about what will work best outside in the elements.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of designing wedding flowers for outdoor ceremonies across Cheshire and the North West, from elegant country houses to relaxed garden celebrations. Here are a few things I’ve learned that can make planning your flowers easier.
Practical Considerations
Outdoor ceremonies come with a few unique challenges, but with planning, flowers can hold up beautifully:
● Heat, wind or rain can all affect delicate blooms. An experienced wedding florist will guide you towards hardy varieties and make sure installations are secure so your flowers stay looking their best throughout the day.
● Countryside wedding venues and outdoor spaces can sometimes be tricky to reach. If your ceremony is in a meadow, woodland, or marquee, allow extra time for your florist to set up and transport your designs safely.
● Choosing local, seasonal wedding flowers is not only eco-friendly but also the most practical option. Seasonal flowers are naturally suited to the conditions, and they’ll feel perfectly at home in your outdoor setting.
What Flowers Work Best for Outdoor Weddings?
One of the biggest questions couples ask me is which wedding flowers hold up best outside. The answer depends a little on your season, but some blooms naturally cope better with the elements than others.
● Roses and Spray Roses – classic, hardy, and available almost all year round.
● Hydrangeas – beautiful in larger arrangements like arches, though they do need plenty of water to stay fresh.
● Delphiniums and Larkspur – tall, elegant flowers that look incredible in outdoor wedding ceremony flowers like meadows or pedestals.
● Seasonal Greenery – foliage like eucalyptus, ruscus, or ivy stands up well in wind and sun and helps tie arrangements into a countryside setting.
If your heart is set on something more delicate, like peonies or sweet peas, it’s still possible, we just need to design carefully and think about shade, hydration, and timing. Working with a local wedding florist means you’ll also get advice on the best seasonal flowers for the time of year, so your arrangements not only look beautiful but also last the whole day.
Reusing Ceremony Flowers
Your outdoor ceremony flowers don’t have to be a “one-moment wonder.” With a little planning, they can be moved and enjoyed right through the rest of your day.
● A wedding flower arch that frames your vows can be relocated to the dancefloor, cake-cutting area, or behind the top table as a stunning backdrop.
● Pedestal arrangements look just as impressive when placed at the entrance to your reception space, welcoming your guests in.
● Aisle meadows can be lifted and used along the front of the top table, around the bar, or even near the dancefloor to add softness and colour.
Repurposing not only makes your flowers go further, but also gives you the most value from your budget. It’s a sustainable choice too, allowing your designs to be enjoyed all day long.
If you’d like more ideas, I’ve also written a blog all about ceremony flowers and how they can be beautifully reused after you’ve said “I do.”
Bringing Your Outdoor Vision to Life
One of the biggest joys of an outdoor wedding is the setting itself with open skies, natural backdrops and a
sense of effortless beauty. Your flowers don’t need to compete with that. In fact, the most effective outdoor wedding flowers are those that feel seasonal, natural and thoughtfully in tune with their surroundings which is my style and the way I love to work.
Think about soft wildflowers in a meadow, lush greenery for a woodland glade, or delicate blossom for a spring garden. Choosing flowers that reflect the landscape will make your ceremony feel rooted and harmonious. You can also take cues from the season, think fresh pastels in spring, vibrant blooms in summer and warm,
muted tones in autumn all work beautifully in open-air settings.
If you’re planning an outdoor celebration, I’d love to hear what you have in mind. Based in Cheshire and working across the North West, I can help you select flowers that feel personal, in-season and completely at home in your chosen venue.
