Introduction
Destination weddings combine the romance of travel with the celebration of marriage. But for flowers, distance creates complexity — shipping fresh blooms is expensive and risky, local options vary by location, and communication with destination vendors requires extra planning.
This guide covers strategies for both couples planning destination flowers and florists serving destination clients.
Option 1: Work with a Local Destination Florist
The most practical option for most destination weddings:
Advantages
- Freshest flowers (locally sourced)
- Knowledge of local climate and conditions
- No shipping costs or transit risk
- On-site support for setup and breakdown
How to Find and Vet a Destination Florist
- Ask your wedding planner for referrals
- Search local wedding vendor directories
- Check Instagram for florists tagged at your venue
- Request portfolios and references
- Schedule a video consultation
Communication Tips
- Create a detailed mood board with your home florist, then share with the destination florist
- Provide exact quantities and descriptions for every arrangement
- Discuss local flower availability before finalizing designs
- Confirm timeline, setup logistics, and backup plans
- Get everything in a written contract
Option 2: Ship Flowers to the Destination
Sometimes couples want their trusted florist to handle everything:
What Ships Well
- Roses — Hardy and ship worldwide
- Orchids — Travel well in bud form
- Tropical flowers — Anthurium, protea, bird of paradise
- Greenery — Eucalyptus, ruscus ship well when hydrated
What Does Not Ship Well
- Hydrangeas (need constant water)
- Peonies (too fragile, too temperature-sensitive)
- Sweet peas (wilt within hours)
- Any fully opened bloom
Shipping Costs
- Domestic (US): $50-150 per box via FedEx overnight
- International: $150-500 per box via freight or specialized floral shippers
- Temperature control: Add $50-100 for cold-pack or reefer truck
- Customs considerations: Some countries restrict plant imports — research before shipping
Option 3: Bring Dried and Preserved Elements
The most portable option for DIY-friendly couples:
What Travels Well
- Pampas grass (lightweight, indestructible)
- Dried palm fans
- Preserved eucalyptus
- Dried roses and lavender
- Bunny tails
- Ribbon, fabric, and non-floral accents
Design Ideas
- Dried flower bridal bouquet (make it at home, carry it to the destination)
- Pampas grass ceremony backdrop (ship ahead)
- Preserved greenery garlands (ship flat, assemble on-site)
- Mixed dried and locally sourced fresh flowers
Destination-Specific Flower Ideas
Tropical Destinations (Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico)
| Local Flowers | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Orchids (dendrobium, phalaenopsis) | Year-round | $3-8/stem |
| Plumeria (frangipani) | Year-round | $2-5/bloom |
| Bird of Paradise | Year-round | $5-10/stem |
| Anthurium | Year-round | $4-7/stem |
| Heliconia | Year-round | $6-12/stem |
| Ti leaves, monstera | Year-round | $2-5/leaf |
European Destinations (Italy, France, Greece)
| Local Flowers | Best Season | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Olive branches | Year-round | Mediterranean |
| Lavender | June-August | Provencal |
| Sunflowers | June-September | Tuscan |
| Garden roses | May-October | Romantic |
| Bougainvillea | May-October | Coastal |
Mountain Destinations (Aspen, Alps, Rockies)
- Wildflower-style arrangements using local blooms
- Pine and evergreen accents
- Rustic containers (wood, stone, copper)
- Compact designs that resist altitude wind
Budget Considerations
Destination wedding flowers often cost differently than at home:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local sourcing at destination | Can be cheaper (tropical flowers in tropical locations) or more expensive (limited options in remote areas) |
| Shipping flowers | Adds $200-1,000+ to total cost |
| Destination florist markup | Varies by market (resort areas charge premium) |
| Reduced guest count | Fewer personal flowers and centerpieces needed |
| Venue decor | Many destination venues come decorated, reducing floral needs |
Planning Timeline
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 9-12 months out | Research destination florists, start mood boards |
| 6-9 months | Book destination florist, finalize design direction |
| 3-6 months | Confirm flower choices based on local seasonal availability |
| 1-2 months | Ship dried elements, confirm all logistics |
| 1-2 weeks | Final confirmation with destination florist, ship any remaining supplies |
| Day before | Setup and arrangements prepared on-site |
Using Technology for Remote Planning
Tools like WPro.AI make remote collaboration easier — build visual proposals, share mood boards, and manage client communication all in one platform. Use the Flower Cost Calculator to estimate costs for destination-specific flowers before committing.
Conclusion
Destination wedding flowers require more planning but reward you with unique, memorable designs. Choose the right sourcing strategy — local, shipped, dried, or a mix — and plan early to avoid surprises. The logistics are manageable when you start early and communicate clearly.
Related: Tropical Wedding Flowers | Dried Flower Wedding Arrangements | Beach Wedding Flowers
