Style your day with color, texture and blooms that feel like you

Flowers may not be the first decision you make for your wedding, but they’re often the one that pulls everything together. They set the tone, elevate your photos and bring your personality into the space. The right florist will help you do all that and more, but first you’ll want to find the right one and land on a color palette that makes sense for your style, season and setting. Here’s how to make that happen without getting lost in a sea of peonies and Pinterest boards.

Book your florist early

The best local florists book up fast, especially in the spring and fall when Lowcountry weddings are in full swing. Start reaching out about nine-12 months before your date, and sooner if your celebration falls during peak season. Look through full galleries of their past weddings (not just one bouquet). You want to see how they style entire spaces, not just the centerpieces.

What to ask before booking

• Have you worked at my venue before?
• What’s your design style like?
• Can you work with my budget and guest count?
• What’s your minimum spend?
• Do you provide delivery, setup and breakdown?

Know what matters most

Before talking specifics, think about your flower “musts.” Do you care most about your bouquet? Ceremony flowers? A showstopping reception setup? Knowing where you want to go big helps your florist prioritize and offer creative ways to make it all work beautifully.

Pro tip: Trust their ideas. Local florists know what’s in season, what holds up for the season and how to stretch your budget without sacrificing style.

Pick your color palette

You don’t have to know every shade from the Pantone book. Just choose a few key colors (or tones) to guide the look. Start with what feels natural to you:

• Are you drawn to warm or cool colors?
• Do you like bold pops or soft neutrals?
• What season is your wedding in?

Let your surroundings inspire you too. If you’re getting married near the water, soft greens, blues, creams and sandy hues might feel right. A garden wedding might call for cheerful corals, fresh pinks or deep berry tones. And remember: Your palette doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy. A good florist can add texture and variation to keep it interesting.

Don’t forget the details

Your florist can do more than bouquets and table arrangements. Small touches can have a big impact, especially when they tie everything together. Ask about:

• Installations (arches, hanging pieces, staircases)
• Flower crowns or dog collars (yes, really)
• Accent flowers for cakes, signage or bar setups
• Petals for flower girls or a toss at the ceremony exit

Seasonal favorites 

Flowers that shine in spring, summer, fall and winter

Working with in-season flowers not only helps your arrangements last longer in the Southern heat, it also supports local growers and often gives you more bloom for your buck. Here’s a quick look at some beloved Lowcountry flowers by season:

Spring (March-May)

• Peonies: Soft, full and endlessly romantic
• Ranunculus: Delicate, layered and available in bold and pastel shades
• Snapdragons: Great for height and structure
• Iris: Elegant and often found in blues and purples
• Garden roses: Fragrant and fuller than standard roses

Summer (June-August)

• Zinnias: Bright, cheerful and heat-loving
• Sunflowers: Perfect for a bold, sunny vibe
• Hydrangeas: Iconic Lowcountry bloom, available in blues, whites and pinks
• Celosia: Velvety and unique in shape and texture
• Cosmos: Whimsical, with a soft, natural feel

Fall (September-November)

• Dahlias: Show-stopping and rich in color
• Marigolds: Bold and perfect for golden, autumn tones
• Chrysanthemums: Classic and versatile
• Amaranthus: Adds drama with its cascading form
• Scabiosa: Textural and romantic

Winter (December-February)

• Camellias: A Southern favorite that blooms even in the cold
• Anemones: Crisp whites and dark centers for contrast
• Poppies: Playful and bright
• Eucalyptus: Adds beautiful greenery and scent year-round
• Evergreens and berries: Great for December weddings