Vermont winter weddings are undeniably magical. Snow-covered mountains, candlelit barns, and cozy celebrations create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. While many couples assume winter weddings are automatically less expensive than peak-season celebrations, florals can actually be more costly during the colder months—especially in northern climates like Vermont.

If you’re planning a winter wedding and wondering why floral quotes may be higher than expected, here are a few behind-the-scenes reasons.

1. Fewer Flowers Are in Season During the Winter

One of the biggest factors affecting winter wedding flower costs is simple: availability.

During spring, summer, and early fall, many flowers are naturally in season and widely available. In winter, however, the selection becomes much more limited. Popular wedding flowers like peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, and specialty blooms are often out of season or produced in much smaller quantities.

Because of this, florists often have to source flowers from farms across the US, along with international farms. In addition, florists have to pay higher wholesale prices due to limited supply, and order flowers earlier to guarantee availability. When demand stays high but supply drops, prices increase.

Photography by Jesse Schloff

2. Cold Weather Requires Extra Labor

Designing and installing flowers in the middle of a Vermont winter requires more preparation and labor than most people realize.

Florists have to carefully manage the temperature to prevent flowers from freezing. Even a short exposure to cold air can permanently damage certain blooms.

Winter weddings often require:

• Keeping designs warm during setup
• Covering arrangements in “tents” of material so that they are better protected while transporting
• Timing installation carefully so arrangements aren’t exposed to freezing temperatures
• Extra staff to speed up installations in cold conditions

All of this adds time and complexity to the floral design process.

Photography by Jesse Schloff

3. Outdoor Installations Become More Challenging

Many Vermont venues feature stunning outdoor ceremony spaces, even in winter. While these settings are beautiful, they can make floral installations significantly more labor-intensive. Sadly, in particularly cold weather, outdoor floral installations may not be possible at all, as many delicate blooms can freeze within minutes when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Frozen ground, snow, and wind can complicate setup. Florists often need additional mechanics, tools, or installation strategies to secure designs safely in winter conditions. If the temperature is warm enough for an outdoor installation, many times these must happen right before the ceremony to protect the flowers from the cold, which requires more precise timing and staffing.

Photography by Jesse Schloff

The Beauty of Vermont Winter Weddings

Despite the challenges, winter weddings in Vermont are truly unforgettable. The contrast of soft florals against snowy landscapes creates a romantic and cozy atmosphere that simply can’t be replicated during any other season.

With thoughtful planning and a flexible approach to flower selection, winter florals can still be absolutely stunning.

Many couples even find that winter encourages creative design choices—like incorporating textural greenery, candlelight, and unique seasonal elements that make the overall aesthetic feel warm and luxurious.

If you’re planning a winter wedding in Vermont and want guidance on flowers that work beautifully during the colder months, we can help you choose blooms that balance seasonality, durability, and design while bringing your vision to life.

You can reach out to us through our contact page to start the conversation. We can’t wait to hear about your plans and help design florals that feel perfectly suited to a cozy Vermont winter celebration.❄️🌿