The flower budget can swing from modest to triple depending on whether you ask for flown-in out-of-season varieties or local flowers grown at the right time. The visual result can be just as good, as long as you work with the season rather than against it.
Seasonal flower calendar in France
Spring (March to May): peonies, ranunculus, tulips, lily of the valley, lilac. A fresh pastel palette, high demand, so book early.
Summer (June to August): roses, dahlias, delphiniums, cosmos, sunflowers. The widest availability of the year, with the most color choice.
Autumn (September to November): late-season dahlias, chrysanthemums, amaranth, coppery foliage. Warm tones that naturally match the season.
Winter (December to February): amaryllis, anemones, hellebores, eucalyptus, branches and berries. Fewer varieties, but very elegant structured arrangements.
The cost gap between seasonal and imported
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Out-of-season peonies (November to March) can cost two to three times more than in season
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A rose imported year-round is often the most stable price benchmark
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Dried or preserved flowers let you buy ahead without seasonal constraints
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Foliage (eucalyptus, olive) usually costs less than flowers and quickly fills a bouquet or centerpiece
How to brief your florist
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Give a color palette rather than a strict list of specific varieties
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Explicitly ask for a "seasonal flower" proposal before setting a budget
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Specify what needs delivering (bouquet, boutonnieres, centerpieces) and at what time
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Ask whether ceremony flowers can be reused for the dinner