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How to Keep Flowers Fresh During Summer Weddings & Events

Planning a summer wedding or event can be a fun and exciting experience. Still, the season’s hot weather can pose a challenge — something we have experience with at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington. Flowers are more prone to wilting and losing their freshness as temperatures rise. However, with the proper care and preparation, you can ensure that your blooms stay vibrant and beautiful throughout your special day. 

Red and yellow summer flowers

Choose Hearty Flowers That Can Handle the Heat

One smart way to ensure your arrangements stay stunning throughout the event is to select blooms known for their durability. Roses, orchids, lilies, and sunflowers are great options for summer weddings. These flowers have a longer vase life and are less likely to wilt quickly. Discuss your choices with us beforehand to ensure you’re selecting the most suitable varieties for your specific arrangements.

Couple buying flowers at market

Plan Your Flower Purchases Wisely

Ordering your blooms as close to the event date as possible will reduce the amount of time they spend in unfavorable conditions. Once your flowers are delivered, it’s time to rehydrate and store them in a cool, dark area until you’re ready to start arranging. Make a plan for when you want to arrange your flowers, factoring in how long it will take you to create all of your floral arrangements, bouquets, and designs for the event. 

Pink and red roses in large vases

Maintain a Proper Hydration Regimen For Fresh Blooms

Hydration is crucial for keeping flowers fresh. Before arranging, trim the stems at an angle and place them in a bucket of clean water. Allow them to hydrate for a few hours or overnight before using them in your arrangements. Ensure the water level is sufficient to cover the stems but not too high that it touches the petals. It’s also important to remove any foliage on the stems. This step helps to prevent bacteria from contaminating the clean water and makes arranging your blooms easier. 

Pink flowers in vases

Keep Flowers As Cool As Possible

Flowers are sensitive to heat, so keeping them cool as much as possible before and during the event is essential. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or placing them near things such as warm windows, air conditioning vents, or heaters. Before your event begins, store the arrangements in a cool room or refrigerator. However, it’s crucial to do your research to ensure your blooms are able to withstand a refrigerated environment or extreme temperature difference as you set up for your event. 

Pink summer flower bouquet

Mist and Refresh Blooms Regularly

Throughout the day, mist your floral arrangements with water for additional hydration. Use a spray bottle filled with clean water and lightly spray the petals, taking care not to saturate the blooms. You may benefit from setting a reminder if you have other tasks to attend to. If any flowers start to wilt, remove them and replace them with fresh ones to maintain the overall appearance of your arrangements. 

Woman carrying pink flower arrangement

Designate a Team to Keep Flowers Fresh

On the day of your event, delegate the responsibility of monitoring and refreshing the flower arrangements to someone you trust. Doing so will ensure they are well taken care of while you enjoy your special occasion. Provide them with instructions on misting and replacing any wilting flowers to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.

Following these tips from Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, will ensure your DIY flower arrangements stay lush and beautiful throughout your summer wedding or event.