South Florida is a popular destination for weddings, events and conferences, but northern brides and corporate event planners who have little experience with our heat, humidity, wind and salt air worry about what flowers to choose for a South Florida wedding or outdoor event. Many indoor events often have an outdoor component such as a reception or evening dinner, and nothing is sadder than a festive occasion with sadly wilting (and expensive!) flowers.
I asked my favorite floral designer Gisela Maceira, owner of JM Event Productions Worldwide, Inc. in Coral Springs, FL, – who has created some of the most outrageous and gorgeous events in South Florida – for advice on the best bridal bouquets and floral arrangements for weddings and events for the Florida heat.
Tips For Floral Arrangements To Cope With the Heat
1. When selecting flowers for a bridal bouquet consider how long the bouquet will be out of water. Some flowers do better than others – see my list of Flowers The Manage South Florida Heat below.
2. An event and photographs – a wedding celebration, bridal and family photos, an awards ceremony – can take hours. Have an extra vase filled with water to rehydrate a bouquet during downtime, and scissors to trim the stems needed so they can easily absorb the water. Centerpieces can be designed with enough water and a protective covering to prevent dehydration, but a bridal bouquet or floral gift can wilt quickly in the heat.
3. The time of year and whether your event is indoors or outdoors impacts which flowers can maintain their freshness and beauty during the event. South Florida winters are warm and our summers just plain hot and humid, even with a light breeze. The choice of the best heat resistant flowers will vary depending on the time of year and event logistics.
Flowers That Manage South Florida Heat
- Rose
- Proteas
- Ranunculus
- Brunia
- Sunflowers
- Alstroemerias
- Snapdragon
- Lilium Stargazer
- Orchid
- Freesias
- Magnolia
- Peonies
- Tropical Greenery
- Succulents
4. Wildflowers offer an alternative to a traditional bouquet and are increasingly popular, particularly as bridal couples and event sponsors want to incorporate eco-friendly event practices. Vibrant bouquets full of native flowers such as Bidders, Goldenrod and Black-Eyed Susans grow up and down the East Coast. Local south Florida wildflowers are freshly cut and will typically cope with the heat better than flowers grown in locations that aren’t as hot and humid.
Wedding Flower Trends
Choosing specific flowers for your wedding can be a little overwhelming especially if you don’t know very much about flowers. Here are the blooms Gisela loves and floral tips for weddings in 2020.
1. Choose flowers that best suite your personality
The most popular wedding flower of all time the rose. Actually, 95% of all brides will use roses in their wedding bouquet. There are over 100 different types of roses available year-round, making this true beauty ideal for any bride and groom.
- Garden roses are usually more fragrant, making them perfect for a bridal bouquet.
- Peonies are second to the rose and beloved by brides, they are perfect for a summer wedding: lush, fragrant and they provide a romantic look.
- Anemone makes a dramatic statement, perfect for the modern bride.
- Ranunculus, I am in love with them; they are a cost-effective alternative to roses and ponies and available in so many colors.
- Gardenia, surrounded by dark green waxy leaves have a sultry scent.
- Calla Lily.
- Gerber Daisy is the perfect choice to brighten up a bouquet.
- Hydrangea with its full bushy headband and intense shades of blue, pink and purple – its no wonder they represent virginity! Hydrangea exudes femininity and elegance.
- Lilacs are drapey and romantic
- Orchids are an exotic flower that symbolizes beauty and refinement.
- Dahlia bring charm and sophistication to your wedding day
- Tulips aren’t just for the Easter holiday. They look beautiful in a wedding too and come in many different varieties and colors.
- Sweat pea is a romantic and ruffled flower and comes in a range of colors from pink to purple to white.
- Baby breath is making a comeback, a symbol of purity and innocence.
- Succulents are trendy and have taken over, popping up in all forms from bouquets to boutonniere and centerpieces.
2. Plan anything from an elegant affair to an outdoor wedding – there are flowers perfect for your event. The varied history of the wedding bouquet is they are to
- ward off nasty spirits
- bring fertility and fidelity
- mask body odor
- bring love and luck to the girl who catches the bridal bouquet as the bride makes her escape
All eyes will be on the bride in she walks down the aisle in her wedding dress. An absolutely gorgeous bouquet can complement your style, your dress and your wedding destination. Your bouquet is an essential bridal tradition that began in ancient times and is cherished by modern brides, whether they choose a lavish affair or a simple garden ceremony at home. Flowers add visual beauty and a touch of romance to every wedding.
Your choice of the right flowers for a South Florida wedding are the ultimate bridal accessory that will make your event beautiful and your wedding photos memorable.
