Heat-Resistant Wedding Bouquets Perfect for Summer

Finding the perfect wedding bouquet can be a challenge, whatever the season. But what about sourcing buds for a celebration that takes place during the summer, when the weather adds an extra variable to your decisions? That makes things even more difficult. If you're planning a celebration in a location known for its summer heat waves, it may be in your best interest to pick an arrangement that'll stand up to the sky-high temps.

With a little extra love and care, most bouquets can hold up fairly well in the heat—but there are still some flowers may not make it all the way through the ceremony. Not sure where to start? That's where New York City florist Victoria Ahn of Designs by Ahn comes in. Her first piece of advice is to consider tropical blooms and greens, like anthurium, orchids, and king protea—indigenous species of exotic, high-heat environments. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't use more delicate varieties. Just keep in mind that daintier blooms like hydrangea, peonies, and astilbe take elevated temperatures extra-hard and will require more attention, she says. Hardier flowers like garden roses, dahlias, protea, orchids, zinnias, and especially non-floral options like succulents and air plants, can handle all that extra sunshine like the pros they are.

Ahead, you'll discover all of the gorgeous floral (and nonfloral!) options for a beautiful, heat-resistant wedding bouquet—as well as more tips from Ahn on how to choose the best flowers for and then maintain your warm-weather arrangement. Whatever florals you choose, just be sure to keep your bouquet in water for as long as possible to give it the best chance of picture-perfect survival.

Anemones actually fall into the ranunculus family—and both are strong enough to withstand a hot summer's day. The Southern Table incorporated both buds into this ethereal arrangement, which also featured festive greens and the prettiest blush ribbon.

Two red-tinged king protea—one of Ahn's go-to summer flowers—were mixed with a bushel of eucalyptus in this Red Box Days bouquet.

The "ever-dependable garden rose," as Ahn calls them, looks right at home next to island ferns. Make like Prema and add these summer staples to other hardy buds, like mums and ranunculus.

No petals mean low possibility of wilt. Stick with an all-tropical clutch (we're partial to this airplant and pincushion protea one, by Bloomers Flowers) that doesn't sacrifice color.

Getting hitched in early summer? If you're wedding date falls between May and June, put gardenias (seen in this Twigss clutch!) on your radar—that's when they're in peak bloom! You'll want to avoid any buds at the tail-end of their blooming phase, though, says Ahn, which means July brides should stay away: "Steer clear of anything on the edge of its prime season, because those aren't in their best condition already!"

It's pretty much a guarantee that Hawaii's state flower, the hibiscus, will hold up on your hot big day. Mallory Dee nestled the tropical bud into a bed of just-as-sturdy greens for this summer bride.

With so many strong, in-season flowers to choose from, narrowing down your list may feel tricky. But really, there's no need to. Opt for a miscellaneous spray, like this one by Bash & Bloom, that includes all of summer's greatest hits: dahlias, mums, roses, poppies, and ferns.

Durable florals can still feel lush. Just take this cascading Cherries Flowers bouquet, packed with Juliet garden roses, poppies, and wildflower vines, for example.

This sunflower-packed bouquet by Petals By The Shore and American Grown Flowers channels carefree summer afternoons in the garden. Round out this quintessential summer bud ("sun" is in its moniker, after all!) with golden dahlias and asters.

The aptly-named blushing bride protea, blush ranunculus, pink peonies, and tropical magenta flowers in this Knot Just Flowers bouquet shows just how will shades of pink pair with each other. Although those peonies don't love the heat, Ahn says there are ways to make them work. "If there is a bride that is in love with a certain flower that is not going to hold up as well in the summer heat, we use individual water tubes hidden in the bouquet to keep them fresh all day!" she reveals.

This carnation and rose clutch's motto? The bigger the succulent, the better.

A tropical monstera leaf acts as the perfect bouquet base. Fill in around the leaf with as many garden roses and ranunculus you can fit, à la Kaleidoscope Florals.

A single, oversized air plant makes for a pretty alternative to a floral clutch—no water necessary. Renee Landry Events was responsible for this burlap-wrapped iteration.

Want to make sure your dahlia arrangement—like this blush-hued rose and eucalyptus beauty by Madness Flowers—looks pretty from the walk down the aisle to the bouquet toss? "Leave your bouquet in a cool area, out of direct sunlight, and covered to keep the elements out until you are ready to use it," says Ahn, who also advises keeping it in water for as long as possible.

Looking for a way to connect your best friends' bouquets to your own? Have them carry your clutch's statement flower (massive proteas are a solid summer option!) like this bride-and-bridesmaid duo, who carried blooms by Maui Petals.

Bold and splashy hues bring your bouquet right into the summer season. Megan Dunlap incorporated saturated red, orange, and pink shades into this dahlia, ranunculus, and cockscomb display.

Consider this Poppy Custom Floral bouquet sun-proof. Beyond the burgundy dahlias and creamy garden roses, everything other element looks as if it were sourced directly from the rain forest.

Alternatively, choose a bouquet that looks like it's been freshly plucked from a field of wildflowers, like this all-white creation by Lovely Leaves Floral Design.

Summer never looked better. This gorgeous display by Primary Petals includes roses, king protea, and a little bit of eucalyptus for a bouquet with all the best style.

Succulents and air plants are a match made in wedding heaven, and they look especially great in this bouquet by Seascape Flowers. Plus, the soft, green and white color palette makes everything feel about ten degrees cooler.

From the eucalyptus accents to the lush roses, this bouquet from Photosynthesis is just right for summer weddings. We love the soft, loose style of the arrangement for a super romantic look.

Protea, seed pods, roses, and all the greenery make this arrangement from Atelier de la Fleur one that's not only impossible to miss, but also perfect for the season.

This bouquet is proof that all you really need is one statement-making air plant to make a picture-perfect and heat-resistant arrangement. Enchanted Florist made sure this bouquet looked the part.

Looking for heat-resistant florals with a classic wedding vibe? Look no further. This gorgeous rose wedding bouquet takes the cake.

Dahlias may be the quintessential summer flower. And this arrangement by Branco Prata certainly makes a good case for why they should remain so!

This may be the ultimate heat-resistant bouquet for a summer wedding. Simple, chic, and so gorgeous, this lavender arrangement from Madame Artisan Fleuriste would be a beautiful fit for any style of wedding.

Trying to make a floral statement? Take a cue from this summer bouquet by Passion Roots and go simple, but stunning. A single king protea and handfuls of eucalyptus ought to do the trick!

Not only does this arrangement from Bows + Arrows feel super fresh, it also brings together roses and greenery for a display that will hold up all ceremony long.

While this arrangement by Fancy Flowers by Meredith does feature a few delicate peonies, it also includes some great summer-ready options like garden roses, eucalyptus, succulents, and even some playful air plants.

For an all-white summer wedding bouquet, try additions like these dahlias, garden roses and ranunculus from David Stark.

Looking for an offbeat addition for a summer arrangement? Add extra greenery, like the cabbage in this bouquet by Juniper Designs.