There’s something magical about incorporating natural beauty into a wedding. For couples who love nature or gardening, creating a wedding garden can be a deeply meaningful way to prepare for the big day. Imagine walking down an aisle lined with flowers you’ve grown yourself or holding a bouquet crafted from blooms that reflect months of care and love.
Growing your wedding flowers isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about adding a personal and sustainable touch to your celebration. Here’s how to plan and grow a garden that will bring your floral dreams to life.
1. Visualise Your Dream Garden
The first step is to picture the overall look and feel of your wedding garden. What kind of mood are you hoping to create? A romantic garden might feature pastel roses and delicate sweet peas, while a more natural, bohemian vibe could include vibrant wildflowers like cornflowers and cosmos.
Consider your colour palette, the types of arrangements you’ll need, and even the setting for your ceremony and reception. Your garden should complement your overall wedding aesthetic.
2. Plan for Seasonal Blooms
Timing is key when growing your own wedding flowers. The flowers you choose need to be in full bloom during your wedding season. For example:
- Spring Weddings: Tulips, daffodils, and anemones.
- Summer Weddings: Dahlias, zinnias, and sunflowers.
- Autumn Weddings: Chrysanthemums, marigolds, and asters.
Research when to sow your seeds based on your wedding date. For a wide selection of seeds tailored to different seasons and growing conditions, explore Johnson’s Seeds.
3. Design Your Garden Layout
Think of your garden as a living masterpiece. Decide where each type of flower will go based on its height, colour, and bloom time. Taller flowers can create a backdrop, while shorter varieties can fill in the front. Arrange your planting areas in a way that mimics the arrangements you’ll create for the wedding.
If you’re limited on space, consider container gardening or growing flowers in raised beds.
4. Prepare Your Soil and Start Planting
Healthy soil is the foundation of any thriving garden. Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter to provide the nutrients your plants need.
When planting your seeds, follow the instructions for depth and spacing. Many flowers benefit from being started indoors before being transplanted outdoors. Be sure to label your plants to track their growth and blooming schedule.
5. Care for Your Growing Garden
Consistent care is essential to ensure your flowers bloom beautifully for the big day. Regularly water, weed, and prune your plants, and protect them from pests using natural methods when possible. Mulching can help retain moisture and reduce weeds, making it easier to maintain your garden as the flowers grow.
6. Harvesting Your Blooms
The timing of your harvest is crucial. Cut flowers early in the morning, when they’re hydrated and at their freshest. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears, and place the stems immediately in water to extend their vase life.
Store your harvested flowers in a cool, shaded area until it’s time to arrange them.
7. Arranging Your Wedding Flowers
Whether you’re making bouquets, centerpieces, or floral backdrops, arranging your own flowers can be a creative and rewarding process. For more intricate designs, consider enlisting a friend or family member who has experience with floral arranging.
A Living Memory of Your Love
Creating a wedding garden is more than just a practical project—it’s a way to slow down and enjoy the process of nurturing something beautiful. The time spent planting and tending your flowers can be a grounding experience in the midst of wedding planning.
And long after your wedding day, your garden can continue to bloom, serving as a living reminder of your journey together.
For ideas on what to grow and how to get started, check out the resources available at Johnsons Flower Plants.
