Wedding flowers in February are bright, bold and full of personality. It’s peak summer in New Zealand, which means the flower market is overflowing with incredible seasonal options, like show-stopping dahlias to elegant hydrangeas and sculptural orchids. February weddings can be anything you want them to be; colourful, modern, romantic or totally unique. Here’s out top picks for seasonal flowers that are in full bloom in February nationwide.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are in their prime during February and are a firm favourite for weddings thanks to their lush, voluminous texture. They bring an effortless luxury to table arrangements, bouquets, and ceremony backdrops in a true minimalistic way yet still speak a statement. You’ll find them in so many colours like dreamy pastels to rich, saturated tones. Antique hydrangeas are especially beautiful this time of year with their muted, vintage hues that blend perfectly with natural summer palettes. They also last well in the heat, which is a huge bonus for outdoor weddings.
Photo by Skye Carter Photography
Dahlias
Dahlias are one of my favourite flowers ever. February and dahlias are a match made in heaven! With hundreds of shapes and colours to choose from, these bold, sculptural flowers always make a serious impression. There are the giant dinner-plate dahlias (hello statement bouquet!) or the smaller ball and pompom types that add lovely structure and detail. From super soft café au lait tones to vibrant oranges and deep berry shades, dahlias are the ultimate summer wedding flower – full of texture, depth and romance. Just be mindful these guys get tired in the blazing sun and can wilt quickly, so plan accordingly.
Wildflowers
Wildflowers are perfect for couples who want that relaxed, garden-party feeling. Cosmos, scabiosa, Veronica, cornflowers, achellia, nigella and matricaria are just a few of our favourite wild varieties that thrive in February. They add movement and charm to any bouquet or arrangement, creating that beautifully unstructured, freshly-picked vibe. Wildflowers work wonderfully on their own or paired with a few more luxe stems like orchids or dahlias for balance.
Phalaenopsis Orchids
Few flowers say “modern elegance” quite like Phalaenopsis orchids. Their long, graceful stems and cascading blooms bring instant sophistication to your floral design. Available in white, blush and fuchsia (the blush ones are dyed, but done so beautifully), they’re a go-to for couples wanting a high-end, chic aesthetic. Because most Phalaenopsis orchids are imported, booking in advance is key to ensure they arrive in time for your wedding.
Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath)
Gypsophila, or baby’s breath, continues to be a bride favourite. Used en masse, it creates those dreamy, cloud-like installations that have taken over Pinterest boards everywhere. For February weddings, we love it mixed into bridal bouquets, table runners or styled in soft pastel tints for something a bit different. It’s light and airy, and adds a delicate contrast to heavier statement blooms.
Calla Lilies
Calla lilies bring a sleek and sharp element to your wedding flowers. These elegant stems are ideal for modern, minimalist styling or for adding contrast within more abundant arrangements. White callas are import-only and often hard to secure in February without booking well in advance, but local growers produce stunning alternatives in rich raspberry, burnt orange, yellow and deep black. They look incredible paired with orchids or tropical foliage for that editorial, fashion-inspired edge. Side note: I carried a black calla lily bouquet on my wedding day!
Roses in February: What You Need to Know
Here’s a hot tip: February is not the month for budget-friendly roses. With Valentine’s Day smack in the middle of the month, demand skyrockets for every rose on the market, no matter the colour. Prices for all red, pink, blush and burgundy flowers also surge since they’re all considered “romantic tones” and the demand is equally as high. I promise it’s not that florists are charging more for weddings – growers simply can’t grow enough of them to meet the sheer demand, and therefore the flower auction prices go crazy as florists battle it out. If you’ve got your heart set on roses or those romantic hues, just plan for a higher flower budget or chat with us about clever ways to balance your design.
Getting married on Valentine’s Day: What You Need To Know
With Valentine’s Day being a super popular date to get married (that’s the 14th btw) – it is vital you book well ahead of time for two main reasons: 1. to guarantee the product and 2. to secure your florist. We accept weddings on Valentine’s Day at Avant Garden, and since it is such a popular day to get married, we book out early. But most florists won’t take on weddings at all due to the inundation of Valentine’s Day orders – they simply don’t have the capacity. We highly recommend booking in your wedding as soon as you can (before October is ideal) to ensure your florals are organised and booked in to avoid disappointment.
Planning Your February Wedding Flowers
Every wedding is unique, and your flowers should reflect your style and season. February’s floral lineup offers so many options from soft, timeless designs to big, bold and modern statements. If you’d like expert guidance choosing the right flowers for your wedding, Avant Garden makes the process easy, fun and stress-free.
How to book your wedding flowers with Avant Garden
Booking your wedding flowers with Avant Garden is simple. Visit our enquiry page to arrange a consultation. We can chat via Google Meet, email, phone or in person – whatever suits you best. Together, we’ll create wedding flowers that capture your summer vibe perfectly. And if you’d like to see some of our past work, take a look through our portfolio for inspiration.