Elopements have such a quiet beauty to them. When everything else falls away, it’s the little details that matter most—your vows, the way you look at each other, and maybe, just maybe, the flowers you’re holding.
If you’re planning an elopement in Ontario, you might be wondering: do I even need flowers? You don’t need them, of course. But if flowers make you feel joyful, or grounded, or simply more like yourself, then yes—bring them. Whether you hold a single stem, a handmade bundle, or something artfully arranged by a florist, flowers can add a small, beautiful layer of meaning to your day.
I’ve put together a few options—dried, fresh, DIY, and professional—to help you decide what kind of flowers feel right for you.
Dried Flowers: Timeless, Easy to Pack, and Sentimental
This is what I grow and design here at Harvest Hill Flower Farm. Dried flowers are perfect for elopements because:
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They won’t wilt, no matter the weather or travel time
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You can order them ahead and keep them safe until your elopement day
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They make beautiful keepsakes—no preservation needed
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They’re lightweight and easy to carry anywhere (beach, cliff, forest)
I offer a range of small dried flower pieces just for elopements, like bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, flower crowns, and mini bundles.
Because I grow the flowers myself here in Port Perry, I can offer affordable, personalized options that ship across Canada. If you want something simple but meaningful, dried might be the way to go.
Fresh Flowers: From Florists Who Offer Elopement-Sized Packages
Fresh flowers are lovely if you want scent, softness, and the feel of something just-picked. The good news is that many florists across Ontario now offer elopement or micro-wedding bundles. These might include:
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One bouquet and boutonnière
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Two small bridesmaid posies
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A few centerpieces or loose stems for styling photos
A few Ontario florists that offer small-scale wedding flowers
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Sweet Woodruff – Toronto, garden-style design and elopement florals
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Thistle and Thorn – Peterborough, à la carte options
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Laurel Munro Floral – Grey County, wild-inspired blooms
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Coriander Girl – Toronto and Prince Edward County, romantic seasonal flowers
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Floralora Flowers – Prince Edward County, farmer-florist with loose, natural designs
Many of these designers offer online ordering and may even provide dried or preserved options if you ask.
Grocery Store Flowers: Simple, Fast, and Budget-Friendly
If you’re on a tight timeline or just want something low-fuss, grocery store flowers are totally valid. Stores like Metro, Loblaws, and Sobeys often carry:
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Seasonal bunches
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Pre-made bouquets in soft or neutral tones
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Single stems like roses, eucalyptus, or tulips
Bring a bit of ribbon or twine and re-wrap the stems in your own way. Even adding one dried flower from your garden can make a big difference.
DIY or Craft Store Bouquets: Get Creative
If you’re crafty—or even just curious—you can absolutely DIY your elopement bouquet. I’ve seen couples use:
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Silk flowers from Michaels
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YouTube tutorials to learn how to spiral stems or make a flower crown
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Foraged blooms or garden stems for something truly personal
Look up tutorials like:
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“How to make a bridal bouquet with faux flowers”
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“Easy DIY dried flower boutonnière”
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“Wildflower wedding bouquet tutorial”
If you’re local and planning to use your own dried stems, I’m happy to offer tips or suggestions.
What to Choose for Your Elopement
Here’s a little comparison to help you think it through:
| Option | Cost Range | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried Flowers | $60–$150 | Long-lasting, travel-friendly, timeless | No scent, earthy and soft in tone |
| Fresh Flowers | $100–$500+ | Lush, fragrant, and vibrant | Time-sensitive, needs water |
| DIY or Grocery | $25–$100 | Affordable, simple, flexible | Less polished, more effort required |
| Faux from Michaels | $40–$150 | Customizable, won’t wilt or fade | May look artificial depending on quality |
My Honest Advice
Choose the kind of flowers that feel most like you. Some of the most touching elopements I’ve seen had a single flower tucked behind an ear, or a grocery store bouquet wrapped with ribbon and heart.
You don’t need anything fancy to make it beautiful. Just something that feels like a reflection of your love and your day.
If you’re curious about dried flowers, I’d love to help. I grow and dry everything myself here in Port Perry and can ship across Canada. I’ve created plenty of elopement-sized designs that travel well and carry a simple kind of magic.