What Is the Least Popular Month for Weddings? (And Why It Matters for Wedding Flowers)

Most couples dream of a June wedding. White roses, peonies in full bloom, golden light filtering through trees - it’s the classic image. But here’s the truth: not everyone wants to join the crowd. In fact, the least popular month for weddings in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. isn’t some obscure winter week - it’s February. And if you’re planning a wedding, especially one centered around flowers, this could be your secret advantage.

Why February Is the Least Popular Month for Weddings

February sits right between the holiday rush and the start of spring. It’s too cold for outdoor ceremonies in most places, too short for long vacations, and too close to Valentine’s Day for people to see it as a fresh start. In Australia, where winter runs from June to August, February is actually summer - but even there, it’s not a top pick. Why? Because it’s the middle of school holidays and peak vacation season. Families are already traveling, and venues are booked for beach getaways, not receptions.

According to data from The Knot and Brides magazine, February consistently ranks last in wedding bookings across the Northern Hemisphere. In 2024, only 2.8% of U.S. weddings took place in February. Compare that to June (16.7%) or September (14.1%). In Australia, where seasons are flipped, the lowest month is still February - but for different reasons. It’s the height of heatwaves, bushfire season, and school breaks. People are either on holiday or avoiding the scorching sun.

How This Affects Wedding Flowers

Flowers are one of the biggest budget items in a wedding - often second only to the venue. And here’s the kicker: when demand drops, prices drop too. In February, florists have fewer bookings. That means they’re not ordering bulk shipments of roses, lilies, or ranunculus from overseas. They’re using what’s locally in season or what’s already in stock.

That’s good news for you. In February, you can get the same bouquet design for 30-50% less than in peak months. A peony-heavy arrangement that costs $400 in May might only set you back $200 in February. Why? Because peonies aren’t in season in February in the Northern Hemisphere - but florists have learned to source them from South America or New Zealand at lower rates when demand is low. They’re not paying premium freight prices because they’re not rushing to fill 100 orders a week.

In Australia, where February is summer, local flowers like kangaroo paw, waratah, and eucalyptus are bursting out. Florists have more options, and they’re happy to use them. You’re not stuck with imported roses. You get bold, native blooms that look stunning and cost less. One Melbourne florist told me she booked 14 weddings in February last year - all of them asked for wildflower arrangements. She made more profit than she did in December, when everyone was trying to match the same $800 floral arches.

What Flowers Are Available in February?

Just because it’s the least popular month doesn’t mean your bouquet has to look bare. Here’s what’s actually in season:

• In the Northern Hemisphere (winter): Amaryllis, hellebores, winter jasmine, paperwhites, evergreen branches, dried grasses, and forced tulips.
• In the Southern Hemisphere (summer): Kangaroo paw, waratah, protea, eucalyptus, daisies, gerberas, and native banksias.

These aren’t “fallback” flowers - they’re showstoppers. Amaryllis stands tall like a candle. Waratahs are fiery red and look like they’re on fire. Eucalyptus trails like smoke. These blooms have texture, color, and drama. They don’t need to look like a June wedding to be beautiful.

The Hidden Benefits of a February Wedding

It’s not just about flowers. A February wedding means you get the whole package at a discount:

• Venues: Hotels and barns are empty. You can book a historic mansion for half the price of a June Saturday.
• Photographers: They’re not booked solid. You’ll get more time, more edits, and maybe even a second shooter.
• Accommodations: If guests are flying in, hotel rates are half what they are in peak season.
• Flexibility: You can change your date by a week and still get the same vendor. No waiting six months for a slot.

One couple in Melbourne married on February 14th - yes, Valentine’s Day - and saved over $8,000. They used native flowers, had their ceremony under a gum tree, and hosted a barbecue afterward. Their guests said it felt more personal, more real. No one was stressed about matching the “perfect” wedding look. They just showed up, celebrated, and left happy.

Myths About February Weddings

Let’s clear up a few lies you’ve probably heard:

• “It’s too cold.” If you’re having an indoor wedding, temperature doesn’t matter. Even in Minnesota, people have cozy winter weddings with fireplaces and wool blankets for guests.
• “There won’t be enough flowers.” Florists can grow or source almost anything. The limit isn’t availability - it’s your imagination.
• “People will think you’re cheap.” If you’re thoughtful about your choices, people notice the care, not the price tag. A well-planned February wedding looks intentional, not last-minute.

The real question isn’t “Why February?” It’s “Why not?”

How to Plan a February Wedding With Stunning Flowers

If you’re considering a February wedding, here’s how to make the flowers work for you:

1. Work with a local florist. Ask what’s growing right now. Don’t ask for peonies unless you’re willing to pay extra. Ask for what’s beautiful in season.
2. Use texture. Dried elements, branches, seed pods, and ferns add depth. They’re cheaper and look more modern.
3. Go monochrome. A single color palette - deep reds, creams, or greens - looks cohesive and lets the natural shapes shine.
4. Repurpose ceremony flowers. Move your aisle arrangements to the reception table. Use the arch flowers as centerpieces.
5. Ask for a sample. Florists will often make a small mock-up for free if you’re booking early. See it before you commit.

One couple in Portland ordered a bouquet of white amaryllis and eucalyptus. The florist added dried lavender from her own garden. It cost $180. Their guests kept asking where they got it. No one knew it was off-season. No one cared.

Final Thought: Beauty Doesn’t Need a Calendar

Wedding trends are made by marketers, not nature. You don’t need to marry in June to have a perfect day. The flowers that bloom in February are just as alive, just as fragrant, just as meaningful. And if you choose them because they’re real - not because they’re popular - your wedding will feel more like yours.

So if you’re tired of the same old rose-and-lily formula, if you want to save money, if you want your wedding to stand out - consider February. It’s not the default. But sometimes, the best things aren’t.