Introduction
Winter weddings are intimate, elegant, and dramatic. But they also present the biggest challenge for florists: limited local availability and higher wholesale costs. Knowing which flowers thrive in winter — and which ones to avoid — is essential for profitable, beautiful winter designs.
Top Winter Wedding Flowers
1. Amaryllis (November - February)
Dramatic and unmistakably winter:
- Large, trumpet-shaped blooms
- Available in red, white, pink, and striped varieties
- $6-10/stem wholesale
- Hollow stems require internal support (stake or dowel)
2. Hellebores (December - March)
The "winter rose" — elegant and unique:
- Muted tones: mauve, sage green, cream, dusty purple
- $6-10/stem wholesale
- Downward-facing blooms — design accordingly
- Exceptional in bouquets and low centerpieces
3. Anemones (November - April)
Bold and graphic:
- Striking dark centers create visual drama
- Available in white, red, purple, and blue
- $4-6/stem wholesale
- Short vase life (4-5 days) — use for day-of only
4. Ranunculus (November - May)
Layered petals and soft colors:
- Peak availability in winter and early spring
- $3.50-5.50/stem wholesale
- Wide color range: blush, burgundy, white, coral, yellow
- Excellent cold-weather performer
5. Evergreen and Seasonal Foliage
Essential for winter arrangements:
- Pine and fir branches ($8-15/bunch)
- Cedar ($6-10/bunch)
- Holly with berries ($8-12/bunch)
- Magnolia leaves ($10-15/bunch)
- Silver brunia ($5-8/stem)
Winter Availability and Pricing
Winter flowers are generally more expensive due to limited local supply:
| Flower | Winter Price | Summer Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roses | $3.50-5.50/stem | $2.50-4/stem | +30-40% |
| Ranunculus | $3.50-5.50/stem | Out of season | In-season winter |
| Peonies | $15-20/stem (imported) | $8-10/stem | +80-100% |
| Tulips | $2-4/stem | Out of season | In-season winter |
| Hydrangeas | $8-12/stem | $4-6/stem | +100% |
Flowers That Are Actually Cheaper in Winter
- Ranunculus (in-season)
- Anemones (in-season)
- Tulips (in-season starting January)
- Amaryllis (in-season)
- Hellebores (in-season)
Winter Color Palettes
| Palette | Flowers | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Winter White | White roses, ranunculus, anemones, evergreen | Classic, elegant |
| Berry & Pine | Red roses, berries, pine branches, amaryllis | Festive, traditional |
| Moody Romance | Burgundy ranunculus, hellebores, dark foliage | Dramatic, intimate |
| Blush & Silver | Blush roses, silver brunia, dusty miller, white anemones | Soft, winter glamour |
| Jewel Tones | Deep purple anemones, plum ranunculus, emerald greenery | Rich, luxurious |
Winter Design Challenges
Limited Local Availability
Most flowers in winter are imported from South America or Holland:
- Longer transit time means shorter vase life
- Higher per-stem costs
- Less variety than spring or summer
- Order further in advance to guarantee supply
Holiday Competition
December and early January weddings compete with holiday demand:
- Red roses spike in price around Christmas and Valentine's Day
- Evergreen prices increase in December
- Order holiday-adjacent flowers early
- Suggest alternatives to classic red (burgundy, cranberry, wine)
Cold Weather Logistics
- Flowers freeze in minutes in sub-zero temperatures
- Insulate all transport containers
- Never leave arrangements in an unheated vehicle
- Warm up flowers gradually (sudden temperature changes cause wilting)
- Bouquets and boutonnières need to stay warm until the ceremony
Budget Strategies for Winter
- Use in-season winter flowers — Ranunculus, anemones, tulips, and amaryllis are at their best and most affordable
- Evergreen as filler — Pine, cedar, and magnolia fill arrangements dramatically at low cost
- Candlelight over flowers — Candles and warm lighting supplement floral design beautifully
- Fewer but bolder blooms — Use statement flowers (amaryllis, king protea) that create impact with fewer stems
- Skip out-of-season requests — Peonies in December cost 2x. Suggest ranunculus or hellebores instead
Using Technology
Upload winter wedding inspiration to our Flower Cost Calculator for instant pricing. Build beautiful winter proposals with WPro.AI.
Conclusion
Winter weddings are a premium market — couples expect elegance and are often willing to invest more. Lean into the season with amaryllis, evergreen, and moody palettes. Price appropriately for higher winter costs and deliver designs that are unmistakably special.
Related: Flowers in Season by Month | Average Wedding Flower Budget | Flower Cost Calculator
