If you’re planning a wedding in the Toronto or GTA area and want florals that feel romantic, sustainable, and stress-free, dried flowers are a beautiful option worth considering. They’ve exploded in popularity with couples who value flexibility, eco-friendliness, and soft, timeless textures. This guide answers every major question brides ask when deciding whether dried flowers are right for their wedding day.
Should I Choose Dried Flowers for My Wedding?
Dried wedding flowers are a wonderful choice for couples who love a rustic, delicate aesthetic or prefer a more natural, eco-friendly approach. Because they’re preserved, they offer many of the same perks as artificial flowers—durability, extended lifespan, and no wilting—while being far more sustainable and compostable.
They’re especially ideal if:
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You’re planning a winter wedding when local blooms are limited.
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You’re eloping or traveling and need florals that won’t wilt in transit.
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You want to order far in advance (great for Type-A planners).
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You prefer soft, muted tones rather than bold colours.
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You want your bouquet to become a long-term keepsake.
They also open up more options for online ordering because they ship safely and store well for months, something fresh flowers simply cannot do.
Possible drawbacks: dried florals are delicate, colour ranges are more muted, and greenery options are somewhat limited. You may also need more stems to build a full, lush bouquet compared to fresh. And depending on the florist, not everyone works with dried materials, so your options in the Toronto area may be fewer.
Are Dried Flowers Cheaper Than Fresh?
Sometimes—but not always.
In Toronto specifically, dried bouquets can be slightly cheaper or about the same price as fresh, depending on the flowers used.
Reasons they can be cheaper:
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They don’t require refrigeration or last-minute labour.
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They can sometimes be sourced in bulk or grown and dried locally.
Reasons they may not be cheaper:
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Creating a full dried bouquet often requires more stems.
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Specialty dried blooms (like preserved roses or dyed elements) cost more.
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The drying and preservation process adds time and labour.
As a general guideline:
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Fresh bridal bouquet: $200–$350+ in Toronto
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Dried bridal bouquet: $150–$300+
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Boutonnieres: $15–$45 dried vs. $25–$50 fresh
So it varies—but dried can definitely be a good value depending on your style.
How Early Can I Buy Dried Flowers for My Wedding?
This is one of the biggest advantages. You can confidently purchase dried wedding flowers 1–6 months before your wedding, and they’ll still look beautiful.
Some couples even order almost a year ahead, especially if they’re DIY-ing or planning during peak Toronto wedding season (May–October). This flexibility is a huge relief—no scrambling the night before your wedding to arrange fresh bouquets or worrying about blooms opening too early.
How Long Do Dried Wedding Flowers Last?
High-quality dried flowers can last 6 months to several years, depending on:
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How they were dried
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The types of flowers used
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How they’re stored
Bouquets with preserved greenery or preserved roses often last the longest. Completely natural dried florals tend to fade gracefully over time, turning softer and more antique-looking.
For many brides, this makes them a sentimental keepsake long after the wedding day.
How Do I Care for Dried Wedding Flowers (Before and After the Wedding)?
Before the wedding:
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Keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
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Don’t store them in a bathroom or humid space.
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Keep them away from curious pets or active kids—they’re fragile.
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Leave them in their packaging until needed to prevent dust accumulation.
After the wedding:
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Display them away from windows to slow fading.
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Use a loose vase rather than compressing the stems.
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Dust gently using a hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting or a soft paintbrush.
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Optional: place them in a shadow box frame as a long-term keepsake.
How Do I Transport Dried Flowers Safely?
Because dried florals are more delicate than fresh, transport them with care:
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Keep bouquets upright and padded with tissue.
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Avoid stacking items on top of them.
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Place arrangements in a clean cardboard box with paper “nests” around them.
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Transport them in air-conditioned vehicles on hot days.
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If flying for an elopement, pack them in your carry-on in a sturdy box.
They won’t wilt, which makes them a great option for destination elopements, especially from Toronto to cottage-country areas like Muskoka, Collingwood, and Prince Edward County.
Where Is the Best Place to Get Dried Wedding Flowers in the Toronto Area?
You have a few options depending on budget and style:
1. Local dried-flower growers and small florists
These offer the most natural, seasonal, and eco-friendly options. Many GTA growers dry flowers from summer harvests for fall and winter weddings. As a flower grower myself just an hour outside of Toronto, you can explore the dried flower options I have available here.
2. Etsy and Canadian artisans
Because dried florals ship well, you’ll find more options online than with fresh flowers. Always look for shops that specialize in wedding-quality arrangements, check for reviews, and ensure you order with enough time to accommodate for possible shipping delays.
3. DIY sourcing
If you’re planning far ahead, you can grow the flowers yourself or buy bulk buckets from Ontario farms to dry at home. This is perfect for crafty, timeline-flexible brides.
4. Wholesale suppliers (for DIY brides)
Some Toronto wholesalers offer dried bundles that you can arrange yourself without the stress of working on fresh flowers the night before your wedding.
Price Comparison: Dried vs. Fresh Flowers in Toronto
Here’s a general pricing snapshot you can expect in Toronto/GTA:
| Item | Dried (avg.) | Fresh (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bridal bouquet | $150–$300 | $200–$350+ |
| Bridesmaid bouquet | $65–$120 | $80–$200 |
| Boutonniere | $20–$45 | $25–$50 |
| Centrepieces | $45–$120 | $75–$200+ |
| Bud vases | $12–$35 | $15–$50 |
These ranges can vary depending on flower type, size, and the florist.
Dried florals are often more cost-effective for elopements, micro-weddings, cottage-country weddings, and winter weddings—especially when you can repurpose items (like reusing bouquets as reception décor).
What Are the Best Dried Flowers for Weddings?
Certain blooms and botanicals dry exceptionally well and hold their shape, colour, and texture—making them perfect for wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and keepsakes. Some of the best options for Toronto-area brides include:
Strawflower
Bright, papery blooms that keep their colour beautifully. They add cheerful texture and soft volume to bouquets.
Statice (Limonium)
A classic dried-flower staple that provides fullness and structure. Available in purples, whites, yellows, and pastels.
Dried Ornamental Grasses
Including phalaris, bunny tails, pampas, and wheat. These add movement, softness, and a natural, airy feel—especially for boho or rustic weddings.
Baby’s Breath
Light, cloud-like, and incredibly versatile. It dries beautifully and works well for bouquets, boutonnieres, flower crowns, and aisle décor.
Eucalyptus (Preserved or Naturally Dried)
Adds greenery, fragrance, and structure. Preserved eucalyptus stays soft and flexible; naturally dried eucalyptus becomes more delicate but still lovely.
Lavender
Romantic, scented, and timeless. Lavender adds colour and a calming scent to bridal bouquets and creates beautiful boutonnieres or welcome gifts.
These blooms pair well together, creating soft, textured arrangements that feel romantic, organic, and cohesive.
Can I Mix Dried and Fresh Flowers for My Wedding?
Absolutely—and it’s a great option if you love the best of both worlds.
Many Toronto couples mix dried and fresh flowers to get flexibility and freshness at the same time. This approach works especially well when:
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You want keepsakes of your personal flowers (bouquet, boutonniere, flower crown).
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You want fresh flowers for large arrangements, like centrepieces or ceremony installs.
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You’re working with a florist who specializes in fresh but is open to adding dried accents.
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You’re designing your own personal flowers and leaving the rest to a professional.
Boutonnieres are one of the best uses of dried flowers because they hold up perfectly all day, won’t wilt, and are less fragile than fresh boutonniere blooms like ranunculus.
Flower crowns also work beautifully with dried materials, especially grasses, strawflowers, and baby’s breath, because they feel lightweight and last long after the wedding.
Are Dried Flowers Right for My Toronto Wedding? (Final Thoughts)
Dried wedding flowers offer incredible flexibility, long life, and a beautiful, soft aesthetic that works especially well for rustic, romantic, boho, or woodland weddings. They’re practical for travel, perfect for winter, less stressful to schedule, and a lovely keepsake.
They do have limitations—like muted colours, delicate petals, and fewer greenery options—but many couples find those quirks charming rather than drawbacks.
If you love the idea of sustainable, low-stress, timeless florals for your Toronto-area wedding, dried flowers might be the perfect fit.
