Did you know that 60% of the flowers sold in the Unites States are imported from overseas? In addition to having a large carbon footprint from shipping, most growers use the chemical methyl bromide to keep blooms in perfect condition, which depletes the ozone layer and further contributes to global warming. Because we do not eat flowers, they not regulated by the USDA and are doused in pesticides, which is bad for the earth and for the workers that grow and harvest them. Choosing locally grown, organic flowers is the best way to ensure you have fresh, gorgeous and sustainable floral arrangements. 

What is available will depend on what part of the country you live in, so the best thing to do is check with local florists and growers to see what will be in season. However, the following is a quick guide to some of the most popular wedding choices. 

SPRING

Image: Tulip bouquets from Lakefront Love Story

Spring bouquets should be colorful, fresh and light. Choose a single variety for classic style, or mix and match to create modern extravagance. Good choices include: 

• Anemone (blue, red, pink, white)
• Bells of Ireland (green)
• Boronia (pink)
• Daffodil (yellow)
• Delphinium (white, blue)
• Hyacinth (purple, pink, white)
• Lilacs (violet, white)
• Narcissus (white)
• Peony (pink, white)
• Ranunculus (white, pink, red, orange, yellow)
• Sweetpea (white, pink, red, coral, lavender)
• Tulip (white, pink, yellow, red, purple)
• Waxflower (pinky, purple, white)

Image: Dahlia bouquets from Washington State Style

Summer flowers need to be able to endure the heat. Soft, pillowy blooms and sprays of color make the perfect statement. Some good choices include: 

• Alstromeria (orange, pink, yellow, white)
• Bells of Ireland (green)
• Chrysanthemum (white, yellow, orange, pink)
• Dahlia (many colors)
• English Lavender (purple)
• Forget-me-not (blue)
• Freesia (white, yellow, pink, blue, purple)
• Gerbera Daisy (pink, yellow, orange, red, white)
• Hydrangea (white, blue, purple, pink, green)
• Iris (purple, blue, white)
• Lily (white, pink, yellow, orange)
• Queen Anne's Lace (white)
• Roses (many colors)
• Snapdragons (pink, yellow, orange, white)
• Statice (purple)
• Stock (white)
• Sunflower (yellow)
• White Sephanotis 
• Zinnia (red, orange, pink)

Image: Sunflower centerpieces by Orchard Cove Photography

Fall is a great time to mix leaves, pinecones and other seasonal elements in to your decor. Add in a few bright stems for extra pop. Good options include:

• Aster  (white, pink)
• Chrysanthemum (white, yellow, orange, pink)
• Dahlia (many colors)
• Grasses (green, white, red)
• Hydrangea (white, purple, pink, blue, green)
• Marigold  (yellow, orange, red)
• Statice (purple)
• Sunflowers (yellow)
• Zinnia (red, orange, pink)

Image: Branches and berries from Wildflower Wedding

To add interest to your winter centerpieces incorporate candles, berries, coffee beans, and other surprising elements. Good floral options include: 

• Bamboo
• Dried flowers
• Evergreens
• Forced branches from flowering trees
• Forced bulbs (any kind)
• Potted plants
• Succulents 

No matter which season you choose for your wedding, there are hundreds of different sustainable looks to pick from. Don't forget to review the 10 Florist Contract Musts to make sure you get exactly what you pay for, and be sure to ask your florist about recycling and donating flowers after the big day.