Every couple wants beautiful wedding photos they’ll cherish for years to come, and if you’ve chosen a winter wedding, you might be dreaming of romantic photos with soft falling snow. But is it worth ruining your bouquet, especially if you haven’t even walked down the aisle yet?

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Mike Staff Productions, to give you some tips and tricks while coordinating your winter wedding photography.

Prevent Wilted Winter Weather Flowers

With the rising trend of first looks and taking bridal party shots before the ceremony, bouquets and boutonnieres get a lot of use before the ceremony, and we want to offer some insights as to how you can still achieve the perfect photos, but not sacrifice your flowers.

When planning your winter wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing you should know is that if it is below 32 degrees, you run the risk of freezing your flowers, which makes them soft, floppy, and brown. You know how fruit is mushy after it’s been frozen, or lettuce gets soggy if it gets too cold in the fridge? Well, that’s what happens to flowers when they freeze. If the temperature is too low, the flowers will flash-freeze outside. They will look fine in the moment, but once you come in and they thaw out, that is when they start to wilt and brown, which is especially prominent on white flowers.

1. Talk With Your Florist

Luckily, your florist is an expert in these kinds of things. Talk to your florist about flowers that are sturdier in the cold. Hydrangeas are one of the most popular wedding flowers, but they are also one of the most temperamental, so try to avoid those in your bouquets as they are sure to be the first to wilt in the cold. If you have a specific look in mind, ask your florist about how those types of flowers will hold up in the cold. Often, they may even be able to recommend some alternatives that will last better in the weather.

2. Create a Plan With Your Photographer

Luckily, when you book with Mike Staff Productions, you will be able to communicate with your photographer prior to the wedding. Your photographer will call you one week before your wedding to discuss all of the final details. During this call, you will discuss your wedding day timeline and the types of photos you want. You can also discuss any concerns you may have regarding the weather and your bridal bouquet.

3.  Plan Indoor Photos

Talk to your wedding photographer about your photo schedule and the types of shots you want. If your schedule only allows for photos before the ceremony, then try to take those photos indoors if it is too cold, and if you want to include your flowers. Your venue may have stunning details that are perfect for your indoor romantics. For example, Meadow Brook, Dearborn Inn, Henry Ford Lovett Hall, and Inn at St. John’s are just a few venues with ample indoor photography locations available. 

Some of our other favorite indoor photography locations in Metro Detroit are:

• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Matthaei Botanical Gardens
• Planterra Conservatory
• Belle Isle Conservatory
• Henry Ford

4. Plan Outdoor Photos with Caution

If you plan to have a first look and capture your romantics prior to the ceremony, you may opt to leave your bouquet inside due to inclement weather. This will prevent your florals from becoming brown and wilted for your ceremony photos. Do you really want to walk down the aisle with a wilted bouquet? We didn’t think so…

If your schedule allows for photos in between the ceremony and reception, then go for photos with the flowers, as long as you are prepared to sacrifice the fresh look of your bouquets afterwards because of their exposure to frigid temperatures. 

Some of our favorite outdoor photography locations in Metro Detroit are:

• Meadow Brook Mansion
• Downtown Rochester
• Belle Isle
• Campus Martius

5. Trust The Experts

The best thing is to talk about all of this with both your wedding photographer and your florist so that they can offer the best solutions suitable for your day. Your florist can give their expert opinion on choosing the right flowers, and giving you insight on how to properly care for your bouquet throughout the day. Your photographer can lend their expertise regarding your photo schedule and plan, while getting you the shots you want in your winter wedding.

As your day approaches, you’ll have a better idea of what weather to expect, and your photographer and florist can offer suggestions accordingly. Don’t hesitate to contact your vendors with questions — they’re here to help bring your wedding to life.

6. Have Fun

Everyone has different priorities, so think about what is most important to you on your wedding day, and then just have fun! Your wedding day is just that, your wedding day. You get to decide what photos and details are most important to you. For example, if you want your bouquet looking perfect in your ceremony photos, then maybe leave it indoors for your outdoor first look. If you really want to show off that beautiful bouquet in your pre-ceremony romantics outside, and aren’t worried about how long it will last, go for it. Your day is completely customizable for you, just chat with your vendors to gain insight and make a plan that works for you. 

With Love,

Elizabeth & Cecilia and the team at Mike Staff Productions