Planning a winter wedding is pure magic, think candlelight, deep colour palettes, and that crisp-in-the-air feeling that makes everything feel a little more cinematic.
But if you're getting married between Christmas and New Year, there's one practical detail that catches a lot of couples off guard:
Fresh flower supply can be limited (or unavailable) during the festive shutdown.
This post is here to help you plan ahead without last-minute scrambling, and ensuring you have florals that still feel completely you.
Why ChristmasNew Year weddings can be tricky for fresh flowers
A lot of florists rely on flower wholesalers for their weekly deliveries. Around the festive period, those wholesalers often close or run on reduced schedules.
That can mean:
- Fewer fresh varieties available
- Limited delivery dates
- Higher prices on what's left
- Some florists choosing not to take weddings during that week at all
The stress-free alternative: dried and preserved flowers
If you want gorgeous florals without the festive supply drama, dried and preserved flowers are a brilliant option for winter weddings.
Because they're not dependent on last-minute wholesale deliveries, you can:
- Plan earlier and lock in your look
- Keep your colour palette consistent
- Avoid the "will they arrive in time?" worry
- Have pieces made ahead of the festive period
And dried flowers are not just rustic or country (promise). Dried and preserved designs can be modern, romantic, bold, soft, and anything in between.
Why dried and preserved flowers work so well in winter
Winter styling is all about texture and atmosphere and dried florals absolutely shine here.
1) They're available year-round
No relying on whats coming off a lorry three days before your wedding.
2) They hold their shape and colour
Perfect for long days, warm venues, and lots of hugging.
3) They're ideal for hair accessories
Flower crowns, hair combs, hair pins and buttonholes stay put and photograph beautifully all day long.
4) They're a lovely keepsake
Your wedding flowers don't have to be a one-day thing. You can display them at home afterwards (hello, From Aisle to Home energy).
5) They can be a more eco-conscious choice
Less waste, longer life, and often less reliance on air-freighted blooms.
A simple planning tip if you're newly engaged
If your date is between Christmas and New Year, start your floral conversations earlier than you think. Even if you're not ready to choose every detail, you can:
- Confirm availability
- Decide fresh vs dried/preserved (or a mix)
- Lock in your key pieces (bouquet, buttonholes, hair accessories)
The takeaway
A Christmas or New Year wedding can be stunning you just need to plan with the festive shutdown in mind.
If you love fresh flowers, speak to your florist early and build a flexible design.
If you want a stress-free option that still feels special (and lasts long after the day), dried and preserved flowers are a beautiful fit for winter weddings.
Want help planning your winter florals?
If you're getting married between Christmas and New Year and you're not sure what's realistic for your date, get in touch with your wedding date and your colour palette. I'll happily suggest a few dried and preserved options that suit your style and the season.