Some brides are interested in growing their wedding flowers. Some purchase flowers from a flower farm and do their own arranging. Some prefer to have a flower farm do the arrangements. And, many purchase from a florist who is supplied by local flower farms. Wildflowers are perennial plants. Seeds for these are planted in the fall. Some of the wildflowers featured in the link to wildflowers in Upstate New York are either considered invasive or protected. One example: Loosetrife. Many are in bloom well before Labor Day. I'm going to assume you are interested in the wildflower look as opposed to actual wildflowers. Some brides feel zinnias, scabiosa, rudbeckia, daisies, larkspur and foxglove fall into this category. The seeds for these are available from Johnny Seeds in Maine. One can order online or from the catalog. The catalog contains helpful information as far as planting and spacing. If you need flowers to supplement yours, a flower farm sells blooms by the stem at the Dupont Square Market in Washington D.C. Wishing you all the best. Here is a link that might be useful: Wildflowers in Upstate New York

Thanks! I especially like to hear advice like "10 minutes prior": I wish the books would be this specific! The amaranth warning is good, too. I did finally find two books that are pretty helpful about many of my flowers: "Flowers: The Book of Floral Design" by Malcolm Hillier, and "Garden to Vase" by Linda Beutler. Now I'm trying to figure out which flowers will last for about 7 hours out of water because I want to place a few single blooms at the base of some statues from Thailand that the bride and groom want on each table. You'd think there would just be a list of "Flowers That Last Well Out of Water" in the books that describe making swags and garlands and Christmas tree ornaments (!) out of single blossoms....But, no, not in the books I've read so far. Any thoughts? I am experimenting with the flowers that I have available right now. A Calendula lasts for days!

For a large quantity of blooms to cut, you will probably be better off with annuals than with perennials, especially if you're growing them from seed. I grow mostly perennials and woody plants, but do have a few thoughts for you. Zinnias will grow and bloom quickly, but I find the water turns very smelly after just one day; so if you're going to arrange them the day before the wedding, that's a consideration. Cosmos also grow quickly, make good cut flowers, and should give you masses of blooms in colors ranging from white through pinks to deep red. Snapdragon is another quick grower, blooming in late spring to early summer. I hope someone will chime in with more suggestions for you. If not, perhaps try the Cottage Garden forum - there are lots of very friendly and experienced gardeners there from all over the country ... there's bound to be someone who grows annuals in your climate. Don't forget fillers (like baby's breath, gypsophila) and greens - you can choose from solid or variegated leaves, smooth or rough textures, large & bold leaves or long and narrow, even trailers like ivy, whichever best suits your arrangements and your fancy. A trusted friend to help with the arrangements sounds like a good idea. Have a wonderful time with the preparations and best wishes on your wedding day.

Let me first say, wow! For taking on planning the wedding & doing the flowers. Your in a completely different zone than my zone 5/6 so I am not to familiar with your bloom times etc. If your starting plants from seed & they are perennial, some my not bloom the first year. Annuals may be the way to go here.Also, do you have friends who garden, who wouldn't mind "donating" for the occasion. Most friends would be happy to help. also, on the bulb thing, if they don't have to be blooming & it's for favors, you may want to just give the bulbs instead of having them in water. Just make up cute little decorative bags to give. I'm sure others who are in your zone will chime in.....Good luck & congrats!