Marquee and Outdoor Wedding Flowers in Devon: Thriving Beauties and Wilting Woes
- Philip Thornford
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
Marquee and Outdoor weddings in Devon offer a stunning backdrop of natural beauty, fresh air, and open skies. The charm of a marquee set against the rolling countryside or a garden bursting with life creates a magical setting for couples tying the knot. Yet, choosing the right flowers for these outdoor celebrations can be tricky. Weather, sunlight, and temperature all affect how blooms look and last throughout the day. This guide explores which flowers thrive in marquee and outdoor weddings in Devon, which ones struggle, and how to make your floral arrangements last longer and look their best.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with showcasing floral towers to help frame the space.
Repurposed ceremony aisle floral designs that we refer to as meadow troughs - reused on the long trestle tables that are the most common used table layout at the moment. Placed strategically between the serving platter space to avoid taking up valuable room.
Flowers That Thrive in Marquee and Outdoor Settings
When planning flowers for an outdoor wedding, it’s essential to pick blooms that can handle the elements without wilting quickly. Here are some flowers known for their durability and beauty in marquee and outdoor environments:
Roses
Roses are classic wedding flowers that hold up well in outdoor settings. They tolerate sun and mild wind, especially garden varieties with thicker petals. Their strong stems help them stay upright, and they come in many colours to match any theme.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers love sunlight and bring a cheerful, rustic vibe to outdoor weddings. Their sturdy stems and large heads make them perfect for marquee displays or garden ceremonies. They also resist heat better than many delicate flowers. Seasonal availability is best between August to October.
Dahlias
Dahlias are vibrant and come in many shapes and sizes. They do well in sunny outdoor conditions, but benefit from some shade protection. Their bold colours add drama and elegance. Preferably from local cutting gardens during the height of the growing season. because from our experience, dahlias don't travel well from The Netherlands; the heads and petals bruise and damage easily.
Eucalyptus
While not a flower, eucalyptus is a popular greenery choice that withstands outdoor conditions beautifully. It adds texture and a fresh scent, and its leaves stay firm and attractive throughout the day. However, eucalyptus does have a period of poor quality during its growing season between July and August.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons grow tall and strong, making them excellent for vertical arrangements and outdoor displays. They handle sun exposure well and add a unique shape to bouquets.
These flowers are not only visually appealing but also practical choices for outdoor weddings in Devon, where weather can be unpredictable.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are statement flowers that provide bold fillers and blocks of colour. They can be temperamental, but with good conditioning and plenty of hydration, they're our go to flowers.
Flowers That Tend to Wilt in Outdoor Conditions
Some flowers, while beautiful, struggle with the heat, wind, or direct sunlight common in marquee and outdoor weddings. Here are blooms to approach with caution or avoid:
Tulips
Tulips are delicate and tend to droop quickly in warm weather. They also dislike direct sunlight and can wilt within hours if not kept cool.
Amni-majus
Amni-majus is perfect for creating the wild, free flowing meadow look with its gentle sway in a breeze. Again, well hydrated it's a favourite otherwise a wilter.
Peonies
Peonies are stunning but sensitive to heat and sun. They open beautifully in cool conditions but often wilt fast in marquee settings without air conditioning. We love them, but they're temperamental; a true seasonal flower that's only available between May to June.
Freesias
Freesias have a lovely scent and delicate petals but are prone to wilting in direct sun and warm temperatures.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are fragrant and charming but fragile. They do not hold up well in heat or wind and can lose their petals easily. Ideally for use in bouquets or bud vases.
Orchids
While elegant, orchids require stable humidity and cooler temperatures. They can suffer in outdoor marquee conditions unless carefully maintained.
Wild / Cutting Garden Flowers
Although they're very pretty and on trend, they tend to be short lived after cutting. These varieties include cosmos, nigella, herbs, larkspur, clematis, phlox, alchemila are to name but a few. Take extra care and more time with conditioning these delicate varieties. Provide decent protection from harsh sunshine and heat, wind and rain.
Choosing these flowers for outdoor weddings requires extra care, such as timing their delivery close to the event and keeping them shaded and hydrated.
The Importance of Timing and Conditioning for Flower Longevity to Marquee and Outdoor Wedding Flowers
Timing is crucial when working with outdoor wedding flowers. Flowers picked too early or too late can affect how long they last during the event. Here are some tips to help flowers stay fresh longer:
Condition all flowers properly before arranging them. This means cutting stems at an angle and placing them in clean water with flower food as soon as possible for a minimum of 24 hours. A hydrated flower is a strong flower.
Keep flowers cool before the wedding day. Store them in a cool, shaded place to slow down wilting.
Schedule flower delivery as close to the event as possible to reduce the time they spend out of water, especially bouquets that are held prior, during and after a ceremony for in excess of at least 1 hour in hot summer conditions.
Hydrate flowers well during the event. Use water tight containers, water tubes or floral foam (Oasis Renewal®) soaked in water to keep bouquets and arrangements fresh.
Avoid direct sun exposure for delicate flowers by placing them in shaded areas or inside the marquee away from windows.
By paying attention to these details, couples can enjoy vibrant, fresh flowers throughout their outdoor wedding day.
Choosing Flowers Based on Sun and Shade
Understanding the sun and shade patterns at your wedding venue helps in selecting the right flowers:
For sunny spots, choose flowers that tolerate heat and direct sunlight, like sunflowers, roses,
For shaded areas, more delicate flowers such as peonies and orchids can thrive without wilting.
Consider the time of day when the sun is strongest. Flowers placed in areas exposed to afternoon sun need to be hardier. Some shaded protection is highly advised for you, guests and flowers.
Use greenery strategically to provide natural shade for sensitive blooms.
Mix flowers that prefer sun with those that prefer shade to create balanced arrangements that last.
Knowing your venue’s light conditions helps your florist recommend the best flowers for your marquee or outdoor wedding.
Reach Out for Personalised Flower Arrangements
Every wedding is unique, and floral choices should reflect your style, venue, and the season. Working with a florist who understands outdoor weddings in Devon ensures you get arrangements that look beautiful and last through your special day.
If you’re planning a marquee or outdoor wedding, reach out for advice on flower selection, conditioning, and arrangement ideas tailored to your venue and preferences. Personalised service can make all the difference in creating a floral display that complements your celebration perfectly. Click here and contact The Bearded Floristas by completing and submitting your wedding flowers enquiry
Choosing the right flowers for your marquee or outdoor wedding in Devon means balancing beauty with durability. By selecting blooms that thrive in outdoor conditions and caring for them properly, you can enjoy stunning arrangements that stay fresh and vibrant. Keep in mind the sun and shade at your venue, and don’t hesitate to ask for expert help to create the perfect floral setting for your big day. Your flowers should enhance the natural charm of your outdoor wedding, not wilt away before the last dance.
Comments