via Once Wed

As much as you may want peonies at your fall wedding, or clementines in your centerpieces in late summer, sometimes it’s better to work with Mother Nature than to work against her. One of my dear co-workers got hitched recently, and when the bouquets arrive with one too many carnations, they ditched them and went a-huntin’ near the ceremony site. What did they unearth? Hydrangeas growing around the church’s perimeter.

More and more brides are considering going with the season when it comes to floral choices, and good on them. Just like the fruits and vegetables of the season–it’s best enjoyed, well, during the season! What’s better than a clementine in winter, or an heirloom tomato in late summer?

Here are some of my Spruce Tips:

• Consider succulents as part of your centerpieces, or even as your bouquets
• Instead of birdseed, throw wedding confetti of organic lavender, rose and chamomile blossoms or buy this plantable wildflower confetti instead
• If you have the backyard space, grow your own, like this clever bride!
• Choose pesticide-free flowers or hire a local florist who can tell you what’s in season
• Better yet, hire a florist who also grows her own, like Dragonfly Farms in Healdsburg, Calif.

If you need more proof that this can happen, look no further than Kristina Brock’s (of Lovely Morning) succulent wedding centerpieces. She planted these herself!

Before

After, at the wedding

With a little thoughtful planning, you’ll have a wedding that will be remembered for its offbeat beauty and style.