Arizona Wedding Flowers: What Holds Up in the Heat and Desert-Inspired Ideas

Arizona’s dry air and strong sun are hard on fresh flowers. A bouquet that looks perfect at 3:00 pm can wilt by the first dance if it sits outside on a hot day. The good news is that many flowers hold up well, and the desert itself offers a beautiful palette to work with.

Flowers that handle heat well

• Orchids, especially dendrobium orchids, which are sturdy and long lasting.
• Protea and pincushions, bold, textured and very tough.
• Succulents, which pair naturally with desert settings and can double as favors.
• Carnations and spray roses, more durable than many people expect.
• Chrysanthemums, alstroemeria and statice, all long lasting.
• Dried and preserved flowers such as pampas grass, bunny tails, dried palms and bleached ferns, which cannot wilt at all.

Flowers that struggle in heat

Hydrangeas, gardenias, peonies, sweet peas, lily of the valley and many garden roses are lovely but delicate. They can wilt or brown quickly in dry heat. If you love them, use them indoors, in cooler months, or in arrangements kept in water until the last moment.

Desert-inspired ideas

• A palette of terracotta, rust, blush, sage and cream to echo red rock and desert plants.
• Succulent boutonnieres, which stay fresh far longer than flowers.
• Dried palm fans and pampas on ceremony arches.
• Low centerpieces of succulents and candles on long farm tables.
• Pops of bright bougainvillea pink or citrus orange for spring and summer.

Please do not take plants from public land. Cactus and many native plants are protected in Arizona, and digging or cutting them in the wild can be illegal. A florist or licensed nursery can supply cactus and succulents legally.

Keeping flowers fresh

• Ask your florist to deliver as close to the ceremony time as possible.
• Keep bouquets in water and in air conditioning until the ceremony starts.
• Avoid placing arrangements in direct afternoon sun.
• Choose ceremony arches built with sturdy or dried materials for outdoor summer dates.
• Have extra water on hand for bouquets between photos.

What wedding flowers cost

Floral budgets in Arizona range from a few hundred dollars for a simple bouquet and boutonnieres to several thousand for full ceremony installations, centerpieces and wedding party flowers. Imported and out-of-season flowers cost more, while greenery, dried elements and succulents can stretch a budget. Many florists have minimums for peak-season Saturdays.

Questions to ask a florist

• Which flowers in my style will hold up best for my date and venue?
• When will you deliver and set up, and will you return to move ceremony pieces to the reception?
• Are rentals such as vases, arches and candle holders included?
• What happens if a flower I chose is unavailable?
• What is your minimum order and payment schedule?

Browse Arizona wedding florists to compare styles and reviews. If your date is in summer, read Arizona summer wedding tips as well.