Wedding flowers for a Cornish coast wedding

Cornwall has a long flower-growing history, and its mild climate means a florist can often source locally grown stems well outside the usual season. On the coast, the best arrangements are the ones that suit the setting: loose, textured and sturdy enough for a breeze.

What's in season

• Late winter and spring: Cornish daffodils and narcissi, anemones, ranunculus, tulips and spring blossom.
• Early summer: peonies, sweet peas, garden roses, foxgloves and cornflowers.
• High summer: hydrangeas (which thrive in Cornish gardens), dahlias, agapanthus, lavender and grasses.
• Autumn: dahlias, chrysanthemums, rose hips, seed heads and turning foliage.

Seasonal flowers cost less and last better, because they haven't been flown in.

Styling for the coast

Sea holly, grasses, eucalyptus and rosemary cope well with wind and look at home by the sea. Tall, top-heavy table arrangements are a gamble in a marquee with the sides rolled up, so ask for low or weighted pieces. If you are marrying in summer, flowers in an un-air-conditioned marquee wilt fast: your florist will want access as late as possible on the day.

Church and venue rules

Many churches have their own arrangers and rules about where flowers can go, and some allow only natural or biodegradable confetti. Ask the parish or venue before you order anything. Find out when your florist can get in to set up, and whether the arrangements need to be cleared away the same day.

Questions to ask

• Which of our flowers can you grow or buy locally for our date?
• Can arrangements be moved from the ceremony to the reception, and who will move them?
• What time will you set up and collect, and is there a charge for clearing on the day?
• How will the bouquets be kept fresh if the ceremony and reception are a ferry ride apart?

Useful to have

Biodegradable confetti

Me to You White & Pastel Pink Heart Shaped Biodegradable Wedding Day Confetti - Official Collection

Many churches and venues only allow natural or biodegradable confetti. Check first.

View on Amazon

Lanterns

Nuptio Lanterns for Candles Garden Lanterns, 2 Pcs Vintage Style Hanging Small Lanterns for Tealight Candle, …

Line a path or the aisle. Use LED candles if the venue bans naked flames.

View on Amazon

Bunting

G2PLUS JUST MARRIED Burlap Bunting - 9 Feet Hessian Wedding Banner - Rustic Linen Garlands with 12PCS Jute Tr…

Cheap, reusable and right at home on a Cornish field or barn wedding.

View on Amazon

Affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We don't sell anything ourselves.

More supplier guides: Photography · Food & drink · Toilets, power & facilities · Transport · Music & entertainment.