Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and choosing your flowers is one of the most exciting parts! If you're drawn to the idea of fresh, seasonal blooms and supporting local growers, working with a flower farm is a fantastic option. But how does it work, and what should you expect? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your locally grown wedding flowers.&nbsp;<h2>1. Know Your Floral Needs</h2>Before reaching out to a farmer, take some time to think about what you need:&nbsp;<ul><li>Are you looking for full floral design services, or do you just want buckets of blooms to arrange yourself? If you love arranging flowers and want a hands-on experience, DIY buckets can be a fun and cost-effective option. If you'd rather leave the design to a professional, a full-service florist might be the best choice.&nbsp;</li><li>Do you need specific flowers, or are you open to a seasonal mix? Flower availability is seasonal, so if you are very set on a specific flower—like peonies in May or dahlias in late summer—keep in mind that they will only be available during those months. Being flexible with a seasonal mix will guarantee that you have the best selection of what's available at that time of the year. <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">(Read more: Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers)</a></li><li>What is your color palette and overall floral vision?&nbsp;&nbsp;Consider your wedding colors and style—do you want a soft, romantic look with pastels or a bold, vibrant arrangement? Sharing inspirational photos or creating a Pinterest board can help your farmer understand your vision. <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/a-seasonal-approach-to-color-palettes-for-diy-events">(Read more: A Seasonal Approach to Color Palettes for DIY events)&nbsp;</a></li></ul>Having a clear idea of your needs will help your farmer guide you in the right direction.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:3600/2400;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051769/Glick_Wedding_119_5c20da564b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-119.jpg" width="3600" height="2400"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>2. Find the Right Flower Farm&nbsp;</h2>Not all flower farmers offer wedding services, so it’s important to find one who aligns with your vision. Here’s where to start:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sign up for Rooted Farmers, an online marketplace that connects you to local growers near you.&nbsp;</li><li>Ask local florists—some source from flower farms and may have recommendations.&nbsp;</li><li>Look at social media—many farmers showcase their blooms and wedding offerings on Instagram.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out Collectives — Collectives/hubs are groups of multiple growers that will allow you to access a broader selection of flowers and services while simplifying communication and logistics. Log on to Rooted Farmers to find a hub near you.</li></ul><h2>3. Communicate Early &amp; Be Flexible&nbsp;</h2>Local flower farms work with nature’s schedule, which means availability will depend on the season. Reach out as early as possible—ideally 6-12 months before your wedding—to discuss your needs.&nbsp;Be prepared for some flexibility. Unlike traditional wholesalers, local flower farmers can’t guarantee specific blooms far in advance, but they can provide stunning, in-season alternatives that align with your colors and style.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051775/Glick_Wedding_94_8a51fcb48b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-94.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>4. Understand Pricing &amp; Offerings&nbsp;</h2>Each farm operates differently, but common options include:&nbsp;<ul><li>DIY Buckets – A mix of seasonal blooms for you to arrange.&nbsp;</li><li>À La Carte Design – Bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces made for you, without installation.&nbsp;</li><li>Full-Service Weddings – Some farmers offer full design and installation services.&nbsp;</li></ul>Flowers can be a costly expense of your wedding, consider your budget so that the farm can offer you options that best fit your price range. Ask about pricing, minimum orders, and whether they offer consultations or farm visits. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051768/Glick_Wedding_79_aaaf7d4e2e.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-79.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>5. Pick Up and Storage Tips&nbsp;</h2>If you’re purchasing DIY flowers, plan for pickup a day or two before your wedding. Bring clean buckets, transport them in a cool vehicle, and store them in a shaded, air-conditioned space until arranging time. Ask the farm if they have any recommendations for processing; some good practices are to recut stems and change out the water daily to ensure your flowers stay fresh and hydrated. &nbsp;For pre-arranged florals, confirm pickup or delivery details ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051772/Glick_Wedding_91_341b37d77b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-91.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>6. Enjoy the Beauty of Local Blooms!&nbsp;</h2>Working with a flower farmer means your wedding flowers will be fresh, unique, and sustainably sourced. Embrace the beauty of seasonal blooms, trust your farmer’s expertise, and enjoy the process of incorporating locally grown flowers into your special day.&nbsp;Choosing local flowers isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about supporting small farms, reducing your environmental impact, and celebrating the beauty of what’s in bloom around you. By working closely with a flower farmer, you’ll create a wedding full of fresh, meaningful, and one-of-a-kind floral arrangements.&nbsp;

If you're drawn to the idea of fresh, seasonal blooms and supporting local growers, working with a flower farm is a fantastic option. But how does it work, and what should you expect? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your locally grown wedding flowers.

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DIY Weddings: 6 Tips on How to Work With a Local Flower Farm

Whether you are designing for a friend’s shower, or bringing your wedding together on a budget, color is one of the foundations of bringing your event together in style!It can be easy to feel stuck with choices to fit popular color palettes, but local flowers bring exciting and fun textures, colors, and shapes to elevate your arrangements. It’s not all zinnias and sunflowers (though, those are key local flowers with flair, whimsy, and zest)— local flowers hit the softest neutrals to the most luxurious, dramatic tones with earthy, muted, vibrant, and saturated hues for everything in between. As a bonus, <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">the seasonality aspect of local flowers </a>means there’s always something new to pick from!Before you choose your color palette, let’s dive into a quick how-to!<h3>Choosing Your Color Palette: A How-To</h3>Consider your space. Will you be indoors or outdoors? Are there fixtures that include color that you are looking to incorporate? Are you looking for big splashes of color or smaller accents?Consider your textiles. Tablecloths, napkins, drapery, or attire (e.g. bridal party attire) are other areas where color can be integrated into your design aesthetic. Consider whether your color choices are complimentary and how they may appear in if they are photographed together.Consider your vessels. Do you already have vessels in mind with colors you’ll need to compliment? Although glass is a nice neutral, we tend to prefer containers that can hide messy stems and mechanics. Ceramic is a nice alternative, but there are lots of non-traditional vessels that would work well also (e.g. sap buckets, footed bowls). Whatever you choose, be sure to consider whether the color plays nicely with your florals.Now that you have your space, textiles, and vessels in mind, let’s take a look at a few popular color palettes below.<h3>1. Soft and Neutral</h3><ul><li>Spring: White, cream, and apricot Narcissus, Foxglove, Agrostemma, Campanula, Silene, Penstemon</li><li>Summer: Mountain Mint, Sweet William, American Basketflower, Lisianthus, Abelia, Monarda lambada</li><li>Fall: Sedum, Dahlia, Celosia, Stock, Ornamental Cabbages, Joe Pye Weed</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1705437455/1_9f3f8c14e1.jpg" alt="1.jpg" width="1080" height="1080"><h3>2. Vibrant and Bright</h3><ul><li>Spring: Calendula, Poppy, Mediterranean Bells, Peony, Cottage Yarrow, Geum</li><li>Summer: Crocosmia, Zinnia, Cardinal Basil, Cosmos, Echinacea, Helenium</li><li>Fall: Marigolds, Goldenrod, Japanese Anemone, Strawflower, Gomphrena, Dill</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1705437455/2_11be5a197f.jpg" alt="2.jpg" width="1080" height="1080"><h3>3. Rich and Moody</h3><ul><li>Spring: Dutch Iris, Ranunculus, Baptisia, Columbine, Anemone, Clematis</li><li>Summer: Jewels of Opar, Dara, Rudbeckia, Mahogany Hibiscus, Lysimachia, Hyacinth Bean</li><li>Fall: Ornamental purple peppers, Chrysanthemum, Muhly Grass, Amaranth, Heuchera, Beauty Berry</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1705437455/3_e91aff75b4.jpg" alt="3.jpg" width="1080" height="1080">Related: Looking for more local flower inspiration? Check out our post ‘<a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers</a>.’

Whether you are designing for a friend’s shower, or bringing your wedding together on a budget, color is one of the foundations of bringing your event together in style!

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A Seasonal Approach to Color Palettes for DIY Events

Let’s face it: sometimes brides want tulips in July and ranunculus in autumn. You want bouquets that will stand up to all the hugs, and stunning installations that allow you to only use a water source in strategic places – or none at all! As the global wholesale market continues to deliver twists, turns, and unpleasant surprises, florists are turning to local flower farmers for stability and high-quality flowers.&nbsp;We’ve created this handy substitution guide to help you source seasonal blooms in your area.We’re going to dive into 5 common wedding and event flowers. Remember, we always suggest talking to your local farmer. They know their blooms better than anyone and can give concrete advice about how a flower performs, conditioning tips, and suggestions when it comes to getting what you need.&nbsp;Pro-tip: It’s helpful to show your local farmers your inspiration board! Giving them context about the overall vibe or feel of the event helps them make appropriate suggestions in your color palette.Keep in mind that the seasons below might shift a bit based on your location and there are always new and fun varieties of local flowers each year!&nbsp;<h2>5 Commonly Imported Flowers and their Local Alternatives</h2><h1>1. Roses&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Double Tulips, Poppies, Mock Orange, Ranunculus&nbsp;Summer Subs: LisianthusFall Subs: Dahlias, LisianthusWinter Subs:&nbsp; Ornamental Cabbages + Kales&nbsp;Pro-tip: Strip off the outer green leaves of Ornamental Kales and Cabbages for soft-colored rosettes.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031384/local_1_4c5f68910c.png" alt="local 1.png">Photo Credit: Tulips image courtesy of <a href="https://lovenfreshflowers.com/">Love N' Fresh Flowers</a><h1>2. Gerbera Daisies&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Anemones, Icelandic Poppies&nbsp;Summer Subs: Zinnias, Echinacea/Coneflowers&nbsp;Fall Subs: China Asters, Chrysanthemums&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031388/local_2_0cb1903497.png" alt="local 2.png">Photo Credit: Anemone image courtesy of <a href="https://www.petalsinkfloral.com/the-farm">Grassdale Flower Farm</a>; Chrysanthemum image courtesy of <a href="https://www.windhavenfarm.org/">Wind Haven Farm</a>; Zinnias image courtesy of <a href="https://www.tupelofarmandgarden.com/">Tupelo Farm &amp; Garden&nbsp;</a><h1>3. Baby’s Breath and Wax Flower&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Local Gypsophila, Feverfew, Chamomile, Phlox, Forget-me-nots&nbsp;Summer Subs: Yarrow, Chamomile, Phlox, Gomphrena&nbsp;Fall Subs: Saponaria, Feverfew&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031392/local_3_553f1186ef.png" alt="local 3.png">&nbsp;Photo Credit: Saponaria and Feverfew images courtesy of <a href="https://www.hazelwitchfarm.com/">Hazel Witch Farm &amp; Florals&nbsp;</a><h1>&nbsp;4. Orchids&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Campanula, Penstemon, Bearded Iris&nbsp;Summer Subs: Blackberry Lily, Crocosmia&nbsp;Fall Subs: Tuberose, Toad Lily&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031453/local_4_aad51bd7f0.png" alt="local 4.png">&nbsp;Photo Credit: Tuberose image courtesy of <a href="https://www.hazelwitchfarm.com/">Hazel Witch Farm &amp; Florals</a>; Blackberry Lily image courtesy of <a href="https://www.tupelofarmandgarden.com/">Tupelo Farm &amp; Garden&nbsp;</a><h1>5. Foliage (Nagi, Seeded Eucalyptus, Italian Ruscus)&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Camellia, Abelia, Mountain Laurel, Japanese Holly&nbsp;Summer Subs: Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, Willow Eucalyptus, Unripe Blueberries, Camellia, Mountain Laurel&nbsp;Fall Subs: Mountain Laurel, Japanese Holly, Camellia, Abelia, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, Willow Eucalyptus&nbsp;Winter Subs: Mountain Laurel, Camellia, Japanese Holly&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031452/local_5_ab6401d074.png" alt="local 5.png">Photo Credit: Willow Eucalyptus image courtesy of <a href="http://www.eddyfarmct.com/">Eddy Farm</a>; Mountain Laurel and Camellia images courtesy of <a href="https://www.tupelofarmandgarden.com/">Tupelo Farm &amp; Garden</a>Related: Check out our <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/designer-feature-carbon-and-co">interview with Rachel Fletcher of Carbon &amp; Co</a> and how she sets expectations with her clients around using local product, making them feel understood and delivering stunning work that meets their needs!

An easy, seasonal approach to incorporating more local flowers that will still give you the stability you need and the look your clients want!
 

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DIY Weddings: 6 Tips on How to Work With a Local Flower Farm

A Seasonal Approach to Color Palettes for DIY Events

Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers

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