12 Favorite Wedding Flowers for a Wildflower Bouquet
Wildflower bouquets lend a natural charm and whimsy to North Carolina weddings , making them a popular choice for couples seeking a romantic and organic wedding aesthetic. From delicate nigella to vibrant poppies and rich chrysanthemums, each bloom brings its own ethereal beauty to the arrangement.
Most wedding flowers are cultivated varieties (not truly wild) for good reason. These varieties have been selected over time for their bloom size, color range and longevity. True wild flowers are often fleeting thin-stemmed flowers that wilt quickly after cutting. Pretty on the plant, but not great for a cut bouquet.
In this guide, I’ll cover my top 12 wedding flowers that will give you the look of a wildflower bouquet without the wilt. Spring or fall, here are 12 blooms to help you create a stunning and unforgettable wedding floral masterpiece.
The Best Wedding Flowers for a Wildflower Look
Spring Wildflowers
1. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist):
Nigella, also known as Love-in-a-Mist, features delicate, star-shaped blooms nestled amidst feathery foliage. They add classic romance and nostalgic vibe to any bouquet. Nigella blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white but then goes on to form gorgeous balloon-like pods for an interesting textural element. It’s airy feel and subtle beauty make it a perfect delicate choice for a wildflower bouquet.
2. Poppies:
Vibrant and bold, poppies are iconic wildflowers that symbolize love, passion, and remembrance. Their large, papery petals in shades of red, orange, and pink add a pop of color and drama to any bouquet. Whether used as a focal point or scattered throughout the arrangement, poppies bring a sense of joy and vitality to a wildflower bouquet, making them a favorite among brides seeking a vibrant and spirited look. They also make excellent, colorful additions to table bud vase collections!
3. Sweet Peas:
Known for their delicate fragrance and cascading tendrils, sweet peas are beloved for their romantic charm and timeless elegance. With their ruffled petals and pastel hues ranging from blush pink to lavender to creamy white, sweet peas add a soft and feminine touch to a wildflower bouquet.
Whether used as accents or featured prominently, sweet peas bring a sense of romance and nostalgia to any wedding bouquet. If you’re lucky enough to have a May wedding in North Carolina, sweet peas are a must have!
4. Feverfew:
Feverfew, with its dainty white daisy-like flowers and delicate foliage, adds a romantic rustic charm and simplicity to a wildflower bouquet. Often used as filler or accents, feverfew's airy blooms and fresh greenery complement other flowers beautifully, adding texture and depth to the arrangement. Symbolizing protection and healing, feverfew is not only beautiful but also carries a meaningful message of love and support on your wedding day. The epitome of a spring wildflower!
5. Scabiosa:
With their unique pincushion-like blooms and long, slender stems, scabiosa adds a nodding and airy quality to a wildflower bouquet. Available in shades of white, lavender, pink and burgundy, scabiosa's delicate petals and intricate centers add interest and texture to the arrangement. Whether used as a focal point or as accents, scabiosa brings a sense of wild beauty and charm to any wedding bouquet, making it a versatile and beloved choice among brides.
And for the groom, immature scabiosa buds are the perfect size element for matching wildflower boutonnieres.
6. Larkspur:
Larkspur, with its tall, spiky stems and clusters of delicate flowers, adds height, drama, and movement to a wildflower bouquet. Available in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, larkspur's graceful blooms and airy foliage create a sense of elegance and sophistication. Whether used as a statement piece or as filler, larkspur adds a touch of ethereal beauty and romance to any wedding bouquet, making it a stunning and unforgettable choice for North Carolina’s spring brides.
Wildflowers for Fall
7. Dahlias:
The queen of fall wedding flowers! Dahlias are beloved for their vibrant colors, intricate blooms, and lush foliage, making them a perfect addition to a wildflower bouquet. Available in a wide range of colors (almost all except blue), shapes, and sizes, dahlias add texture and depth to the arrangement, creating a bold and eye-catching focal point.
Whether used as the main attraction or as accents, dahlias bring a sense of drama and sophistication to any wedding bouquet.
8. Cosmos:
Cosmos are the classic delicate and dainty flowers that add a summery romantic touch to a wildflower bouquet. With their feathery foliage and colorful blooms in shades of pink, white, red and bicolors, cosmos evoke feelings of joy and innocence.
Cosmos can be used as filler or accent flowers creating a dreamy garden aesthetic. They are another great choice for bud vases!
9. Zinnias:
Ah zinnias, the flower next door. Zinnias are vibrant and cheerful flowers that add a burst of color and energy to a wildflower bouquet. With their bold hues and sturdy stems, zinnias make a statement in any arrangement. Once only available in bold shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple, zinnias now come in a full range of sophisticated pastels and moody hues that fit modern wedding palettes. But their classic form adds a playful and festive touch to the bouquet, creating a sense of celebration and joy.
10. Ammi (Queen Anne’s Lace):
Also know as Queen Anne’s lace, ammi, and its purple cousin dara, are quintessential native wildflowers that commonly bloom in meadows across North Carolina. Its delicate, lacy blooms and airy foliage bring a light, romantic touch to any spring or fall bridal bouquet. The intricate clusters of tiny white flowers work with any color palette and are best used as a substantial filler to add volume and texture far better than traditional baby’s breath. Ammi brings a sense of timeless elegance to any wedding bouquet, making it a beloved choice among brides looking to incorporate the beauty of nature.
11. Heirloom Chrysanthemums:
Not your typical garden pot mums! Heirloom chrysanthemums are an excellent seasonal addition to any wildflower bridal bouquet. These classic ‘spider’ blooms boast intricate layers of petals that add texture and depth to the arrangement, creating a stunning visual impact. Blooming in soft pastels to bold fall jewel tones, heirloom chrysanthemums offer a wide range of colors to suit any wedding theme or color palette. Their long, sturdy stems make them ideal for creating cascading bouquets or structured arrangements, while their resilience ensures that they hold up well throughout the day and beyond.
12. Asters:
Asters are charming and versatile flowers that come in a variety of forms many of which resemble native North Carolina wildflowers. They add texture and seasonal dimension to a wildflower look. With their star-shaped blooms and abundant petals, asters bring a rustic fall vibe in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Petite varieties are excellent fillers for bouquets, table arrangements and boutonnieres.
Why Not Native NC Wildflowers for a Bouquet?
While native flowers possess unique beauty and ecological benefits, most aren’t ideal for cutting and arranging in bouquets, especially bridal bouquets.
One primary reason is their relatively short vase life compared to traditional cut flowers. Native flowers have evolved to thrive in their natural habitats, often displaying delicate blooms that are very sensitive to handling. They may not hold up well in arrangements and quickly shed petals once cut.
Equally importantly, native plants play vital roles in supporting local ecosystems, providing food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Harvesting native flowers for cutting purposes may disrupt these ecosystems and contribute to habitat loss for important species. So, while native flowers offer a beautiful aesthetic, it's essential to consider their sustainability and impact before using them in cut flower arrangements.
The great news is that so many locally-grown cut flowers share the same wildflower look in even greater abundance!
Wedding Wildflowers for Seasonal Beauty
Wildflower bouquets are a beautiful and timeless choice for couples looking to infuse their wedding with the natural beauty of the outdoors. With their delicate blooms, vibrant colors, and romantic symbolism, these ten choices will help you create a stunning and unforgettable wildflower bouquet that reflects the seasonality of your special day.
No matter if you're saying "I do" in a rustic barn, a garden, or a sunny farm meadow, these exquisite flowers will bring natural elegance to your wildflower wedding celebration.
