Some flowers handle summer heat better than others. If you’re getting married in the hotter months, it's smart to pick blooms that naturally withstand high temperatures.

Best fresh flowers for summer weddings:

• Roses: Hardy and classic, they survive heat with proper care.

• Sunflowers: Built for sunny conditions, sunflowers thrive in summer.

• Zinnias: These vibrant, bold flowers love the heat.

• Succulents: Technically plants, but they add a fresh, green touch that resists wilting.

• Orchids: Tropical and elegant, orchids love humidity.

• Dahlias: A summer favorite that adds fullness to bouquets.

Avoid fragile flowers like hydrangeas, gardenias, and lilacs unless you’re prepared to give them extra special treatment to survive the summer heat.

Timing is everything when working with fresh flowers. To keep them looking their best, plan for your florist to deliver the flowers as close to the event time as possible.

Important delivery tips:

• Ask for early morning delivery: Cooler temperatures mean less stress on fresh flowers.

• Have a cool, shaded storage area ready: Fresh flowers should stay out of direct sunlight until it’s time for the ceremony.

• Minimize time outdoors: Only display flowers when absolutely necessary.

The less time your fresh flowers spend exposed to summer heat, the better they’ll look.

Water is life for fresh flowers, especially under the strain of summer heat. Hydration keeps stems strong and petals vibrant.

Hydration tips:

• Use floral foam soaked in water for arrangements: This keeps centerpieces and installations hydrated.

• Keep bouquets in vases: Before photos and the ceremony, let bridal bouquets rest in vases filled with water.

• Mist fresh flowers lightly: A gentle misting keeps blooms cool without soaking them.

Regular hydration prevents fresh flowers from drooping and helps them maintain their beautiful appearance even during a long, hot day.

Proper storage can make all the difference in keeping fresh flowers alive and gorgeous.

Storage strategies:

• Refrigerate flowers if possible: Just be sure your refrigerator isn’t too cold or full of fruits (which release ethylene gas that can damage flowers).

• Designate a cool room: Use a shaded, air-conditioned room to store flowers until they’re needed.

• Keep flowers away from vents or direct air blasts: Sudden temperature changes can shock fresh flowers.

The goal is to maintain a consistent, cool environment for your fresh flowers before they’re put on display.

If your ceremony or reception is outside, your fresh flowers will need extra protection.

Outdoor tips for fresh flowers:

• Set up shade: Use tents, umbrellas, or pergolas to shield flowers from direct sun.

• Choose sturdy containers: Heavy vases or floral stands prevent accidents if the wind picks up.

• Anchor floral arrangements securely: Summer heat often comes with breezes that can knock over unstable displays.

• Refresh flowers halfway through the day: Assign someone to check and mist floral arrangements if needed.

Creating a cooler microclimate for your fresh flowers outdoors helps maintain their freshness even in intense summer heat.

Professional florists often use floral preservatives to keep fresh flowers vibrant longer. These solutions feed the flowers and slow bacterial growth in the water.

How to use preservatives:

• Add preservative to vases and water sources: This keeps water clean and nourishes the flowers.

• Mist arrangements lightly with diluted preservative spray: This helps maintain moisture without drenching petals.

Floral preservatives are an easy, affordable way to extend the life of your fresh flowers.

The way you design your flower arrangements can help them handle summer heat better.

Design tips:

• Tighter bouquets: Compact arrangements are less exposed to the sun.

• Minimize greenery that wilts quickly: Choose hardy foliage.

• Use fewer delicate flowers in exposed arrangements: Save delicate blooms for indoor spaces.

• Plan for swap-outs: Have backup flowers available for key moments like the bouquet toss if the original blooms start to fade.

Strategic design choices will help your flowers stay stunning throughout your wedding day.

Your photographer and wedding coordinator should know about your fresh flowers’ limitations.

Why it matters:

• Photographers can prioritize flower shots early: Capturing images before the summer heat has an impact ensures your flowers look their best in photos.

• Coordinators can schedule setup strategically: Timing floral placement at the last possible moment keeps arrangements fresher.

Good communication helps everyone protect your flowers and your investment in beautiful floral design.

Many couples who planned summer weddings have shared tips for keeping fresh flowers fresh:

• One bride in Texas had her florist use floral foam bases soaked in cold water and kept arrangements in a walk-in cooler until moments before the ceremony.

• A couple in Florida invested in misting fans around their outdoor ceremony space to cool the air and keep the fresh flowers lively.

• An Arizona bride opted for tropical flowers like orchids and anthuriums that thrived in the summer heat and looked stunning even at sunset.

Their experiences show that with a little planning, fresh flowers can flourish even during the hottest summer weddings.