Where to Buy Wildflowers for a DIY Wedding in NC

Planning a DIY wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina, comes with the excitement of crafting your own floral arrangements. From wildflower bouquets to centerpieces, North Carolina’s climate offers a variety of options for a dreamy rustic wedding vibe.

But if you’re looking for locally grown wedding flowers or bulk DIY flowers to arrange yourself, where do you get them? If you're wondering where to buy wedding wildflowers in Raleigh, read on for a guide to some fantastic local choices.

Places to Buy Flowers in North Carolina

1. Trader Joe’s - Raleigh

For budget-conscious brides with a flair for creativity, Trader Joe's, is a well-known option in Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill for affordable flowers. They offer a variety of blooms, allowing you to mix and match flowers that suit your taste and wedding theme.

Trader Joes sources their flowers from various places, so it’s hard to know where they come from. And because it’s a frenetic market-style shop, keep in mind that color, flower selection and availability can vary hourly, especially in peak wedding season.

Some flower varieties may be suitable for a wildflower wedding, but many are traditional varieties. No preorder option.

Beware: Most TJ bunches are 4-5 stems vs 10 stems from most flower farms and wholesalers. This doubles their prices in comparison with other sources!

2. A North Carolina Flower Farm

Choosing a local flower farm for your wedding flowers can add a unique and personalized touch to natural wedding themes like wildflower weddings or rustic boho events. Flower farms offer unparalleled freshness and vibrancy that mass-produced flowers can’t match.

You can select from an array of natural seasonal flowers that create a unique, colorful wildflower wedding ambiance that feels authentic and connected to the local landscape. The personalized service and care provided by local flower farmers ensure that your wedding flowers aren’t a commodity but a sustainable reflection of the craft and passion of those who grew them.

Plus, by sourcing blooms locally, you not only support the community but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly wedding.

3. A Floral Wholesaler

Wholesalers are where florists usually shop. They are a global grocery store of traditional flower and foliage colors and varieties year round. Most wholesale flowers are flown in through Miami from South America (Ecuador and Colombia) or via the Netherlands flower auction (from Europe and Africa).

You can get almost any conventionally grown flower at any time of year, but remember that some wildflower favorites (like zinnias, nigella, and dahlias) don’t travel well. If you’re going for a seasonal wildflower look, it may be challenging to find the right varieties. Preorders are possible, if not required to secure some flower varieties.

Plus, you’ll need a business license to shop at a wholesaler and a pretty good idea of what you want and how to care for them.

4. Whole Foods Market - Raleigh

Located throughout Raleigh and the Triangle area, Whole Foods Market is not only a great spot for organic groceries but also great quality flowers. Their floral section boasts a lovely, if limited, selection of seasonal and imported cut flowers. Surprisingly, despite their diverse organic produce options, most of the cut flowers are conventionally grown (with herbicides and pesticides).

Their flower selection, colors and quantities are unpredictable, varying daily. No preorder option.

5. Sam’s Club or Costco

Buying bulk flowers from Costco may be a practical solution for couples planning a traditional wedding on a tight budget. Like all their options, purchasing from Sam’s or Costco allows you to access a worldwide selection of imported blooms that cater to traditional wedding themes and colors.

But if you’re looking for garden-style or seasonal wildflowers, you may be out of luck. Availability and customer service may also vary store to store. You’ll definitely need a membership, strong floral knowledge and savvy design skills. Preorders possible with patience, persistence and a distinct flower vision.

6. NC State Farmers' Market

For a unique touch to your DIY wedding flowers, consider exploring the NC State Farmers' Market (or other local farm markets) in Raleigh, NC. This enormous open-air bustling agricultural hub hosts produce, craft and plant/flower vendors with an array of fresh, mostly local, goods.

If sourcing local or organic is important, be sure to ask the vendor if they personally grow their flower stock or if they simply resell imported flowers. The NC State Farmer’s Market is open year round but vendors and availability can change with the seasons. Get to know a vendor before assuming they will be at the market year round. Preorders may be an option but vary by vendor.

So there you go! If you (or your wedding party) are crafty, buying DIY wedding flowers in North Carolina might be easier than you think.

But it’s important to know (before you go) which factors are important to you when choosing a flower provider: local/imported, seasonal/common, wildflower/traditional, sustainably grown/conventional.

Weddings are significant life celebrations. You’ll want to know that your flowers are reliably available and in prime condition for you to arrange.

Whether you're seeking classic roses, exotic blossoms, or sustainable seasonal wildflowers, North Carolina has something for every bride's vision. Consider exploring these local spots to find the perfect blooms that will make your DIY wedding truly unforgettable.

Happy floral shopping!