As a flower grower in Ontario, I’ve seen the wedding world from many angles — from the fresh, fragrant blooms of midsummer to the delicate, timeless beauty of flowers that have been dried and preserved. Over the years, I’ve noticed more and more couples asking the same question: “Should I use a dried flower bouquet for my wedding?”
I may be a little biased — after all, I spend months growing, harvesting, and carefully drying my blooms — but I truly believe dried flowers have a special magic that fresh flowers can’t always match, especially for weddings here in Ontario.
Here are some of the real reasons why dried flowers might be the perfect choice for your special day:
1. They Last Long After the Wedding Day
Fresh flowers are beautiful, but they fade quickly. A dried flower bouquet can be enjoyed for months or even years after your wedding. It becomes a keepsake — a piece of your day you can display in your home without worrying about it wilting.
2. No Worries About Seasonal Availability
Ontario’s growing season is short, and not all flowers are in bloom when your wedding date rolls around. Dried flowers give you access to a much wider range of colours and varieties, no matter the season. Even a winter wedding can have a bouquet filled with flowers grown at the height of summer.
3. Lower Risk in Extreme Weather
If you’re getting married in peak summer heat or during a chilly fall day, fresh flowers can be sensitive to temperature changes. Dried flowers hold up beautifully in both heat and cold — no drooping petals or browning edges halfway through your photos.
4. Naturally Sustainable and Low-Waste
When I grow flowers for drying, I’m able to use more of each plant and reduce waste. There’s no need for refrigerated transport, and the blooms last so long that they never need to be tossed in the compost just days later.
5. Unique Textures and Colours You Can’t Get Fresh
Drying flowers changes their texture and sometimes deepens their colour in beautiful, natural ways. Pampas grass, strawflower, statice, and globe amaranth all have incredible longevity and add layers of interest you don’t often see in fresh bouquets.
6. Allergy-Friendly
Many fresh flowers can trigger seasonal allergies. Dried flowers usually don’t carry the same pollen load, making them a great option for couples or guests with sensitivities.
7. Perfect for Travel
If you’re getting married away from home — even just a few hours from where you live — dried bouquets can be made well in advance and transported without risk of damage. No need to rush to the florist the morning of your wedding.
8. Supports Local Flower Farmers Year-Round
When you choose a dried bouquet from a local Ontario grower, you’re helping to keep small-scale flower farms thriving beyond the summer months. Many of us spend all season growing, drying, and storing flowers just so they can be part of your special day later in the year.
For me, dried flowers are more than just a practical choice — they’re a way to capture the beauty of the garden at its peak and preserve it for the moments that matter most. Whether you’re planning a rustic barn wedding, an elegant winter celebration, or a sunny summer ceremony, dried bouquets bring a warmth and timelessness that you can carry with you long after the day is over.