Dahlias as Wedding Flowers in the UK: A Guide

When it comes to choosing wedding flowers in the UK, dahlias are becoming an increasingly popular option. These beautiful flowers are loved for their range of colours and varieties, unique shapes, longevity, and suitability for a variety of wedding themes. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of dahlias as wedding flowers, exploring their colours, varieties and shapes, season, and longevity.

Colours

Dahlias come in a wide range of colours, making them a versatile choice for any wedding theme or colour scheme. From soft pastels to bold brights, there’s a dahlia shade to suit every taste. Some popular colours include:

• White: White dahlias are classic and timeless, making them a great choice for traditional or minimalist weddings. They also pair well with greenery and other white flowers, such as roses or peonies. Examples include: Café au Lait, White Perfection, Snow Country

• Pink: Pink dahlias come in a range of shades, from pale blush to bright fuchsia. They’re feminine, romantic and work well in a variety of settings, from rustic to modern. Examples include: Bishop of Llandaff, David Howard, Kogana Fubuki

• Red: Red dahlias are bold, passionate and make a statement. They work well as a focal point in bouquets or centerpieces, and pair well with other warm tones like oranges and yellows. Examples include: Classic Rosamunde, Karma Choc, Bishop of York

• Orange: Orange dahlias are vibrant and energetic, making them a great choice for summer or autumn weddings. They look stunning paired with deep greens, reds, or yellows. Examples include: Café au Lait Orange, Rip City, Apricot Desire

• Yellow: Yellow dahlias are sunny and cheerful, making them a great choice for spring or summer weddings. They pair well with white or green flowers and look stunning in outdoor settings. Examples include: Mystic Illusion, Hillcrest Royal, Kelvin Floodlight

• Purple: Purple dahlias are regal and sophisticated, making them a great choice for elegant weddings. They pair well with other deep jewel tones, such as burgundy, navy or emerald green. Examples include: Black Jack, Chat Noir, Arabian Night

Shapes

Dahlias are known for their unique shapes, which can range from spherical to spiky to star-shaped. There are also a wide variety of dahlia types to choose from, each with their own characteristics. Some popular types include:

• Dinnerplate: As the name suggests, dinnerplate dahlias are large, showy blooms that can measure up to 30cm in diameter. They come in a variety of colours and work well as a focal point in arrangements. Examples include: Kelvin Floodlight, Café au Lait, Thomas Edison

• Pom Pom: Pom Pom dahlias have round, fluffy blooms that resemble pompoms. They come in a range of colours and work well in rustic or bohemian weddings. Examples include: Lilac Time, Wizard of Oz, Garden Showstopper

• Cactus: Cactus dahlias have spiky, pointed petals that give them a unique texture. They come in a range of colours and add a touch of drama to any arrangement. Examples include: Kenora Jubilee, Chat Noir, Yellow Star

• Waterlily: Waterlily dahlias have flat, open blooms that resemble waterlilies. They come in a range of colours and work well in soft, romantic settings. Examples include: My Love, Kenora Splash, Arabian Night

Season

Dahlias are in season from mid-summer to early autumn, making them a great choice for weddings taking place during this time. They’re at their peak in August and September, so if you’re planning a late summer wedding, dahlias are a great choice. However, it’s worth noting that dahlias can be more expensive or harder to find outside of their peak season.

Sourcing

Like most cut flowers, dahlias can be sourced from large commercial flower growers who can guarantee a decent quality and certain popular varieties. However, a lovely idea for sourcing dahlias is to go local. In the last few years, there has been an increase in local flower growers in the UK, and many of them specialize in dahlias. They will often have more exciting and interesting varieties, making your wedding flowers extra special. If you want to go down this route, make sure you plan early enough and get in contact with local growers to ensure they can provide enough flowers in the colors and shapes you want at a certain time. The dahlias in this Cambridge wedding were sourced this way, and they were just stunning!

Longevity

One of the main benefits of using dahlias as wedding flowers is their impressive longevity. When cut, dahlias can last up to a week in a vase, making them a great choice for wedding bouquets, centerpieces and other floral arrangements. Additionally, dahlias can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements or pressed and used in keepsakes like wedding invitations or thank you cards.

Get in touch

Dahlias are one of my all time favourite wedding flowers, so if you're looking to include them in your wedding please get in touch! As a skilled and experienced florist, I can work with you to design the perfect floral arrangements that fit your wedding theme and style. If you're interested in learning more, head to the contact page and let's chat about how I can help bring your wedding floral dreams to life!