The Best (and Worst) Wedding Dates to Choose

Before you lock in that “dream” date, hear us out…not every weekend is as dreamy as it seems.

The date you choose can impact everything from vendor availability and floral pricing to your guest turnout and overall vibe. In Virginia, seasonal trends, floral holidays, and even weather patterns play a big role in how smoothly your wedding plans unfold.

If you’re planning your big day and want it to go beautifully (with no surprises from your florist, venue, or budget), this guide is for you.

Dates That Might Sound Romantic… But Aren’t Ideal

Valentine’s Day Weekend (Feb 14 or the weekend closest to it)

It sounds dreamy. Hearts, roses, romance—but ask any florist and they’ll tell you: Valentine’s Day weekend is one of the hardest times to book custom floral work.

• Most flower shops are fully booked with Valentine’s Day orders
• Wholesale pricing spikes, and supply is limited
• Florists may not offer wedding services that week
• Vendors are stretched thin or unavailable

Even a small or DIY-style wedding will feel the squeeze, especially on floral availability and pricing.

Mother’s Day Weekend (Second Sunday in May)

Mother’s Day is another major floral holiday. While the weather might be beautiful in early May, it's also a logistical challenge for weddings.

• Flower farms and wholesalers prioritize large retail orders
• Shipping delays and limited inventory are common
• Designers have fewer hours available for weddings
• Guests may have family commitments that affect attendance

If you’re dreaming of lush, seasonal blooms in May, we recommend avoiding this weekend specifically.

Three-Day Weekends Can Cost You More Than You Think

Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve/Day

Long weekends sound convenient, but they can carry unexpected costs and complications.

• Vendor pricing often includes a holiday or overtime premium
• Travel and lodging rates spike for guests
• Some venues are closed or already booked far in advance
• Vendors may have personal plans or other event obligations

Weddings on long weekends can be beautiful but they're rarely as relaxing or budget-friendly as couples hope.

Dates That Can Actually Work in Your Favor

Late March (After Winter, Before Peak Season)

• Fewer weddings on the calendar = more vendor availability
• Spring blooms like ranunculus, tulips, and sweet peas are at their best
• Pricing is often more flexible, just avoid Easter weekend for better logistics

Mid-July and August (Summer Discounts Possible)

These months are typically underbooked due to heat, but:

• Many venues offer off-season pricing
• With indoor receptions or evening ceremonies, summer weddings can be stunning
• Florals like dahlias, lisianthus, and hydrangeas are in peak season

January Weddings

• Unique winter aesthetic with whites, pastels, and greenery
• Lower demand means you get more flexibility and vendor attention
• Cozy, intimate vibes stand out from the typical spring/summer schedule

These “in-between” months are perfect for couples who want a beautiful wedding with more breathing room—financially and creatively.

Dates That Depend on Your Venue + Vision

Some of Virginia’s most beautiful wedding weekends like early June, late September, and most of October are also the busiest.

If your dream wedding falls during peak season:

• Book early (especially for florals and venues)
• Expect higher pricing and less flexibility
• Have a backup plan for weather and logistics

If you’re dreaming of statement florals during one of these prime dates, see how J. Morris creates timeless florals for weddings of every season. 

If you’re looking for ideas for what month you want to plan your wedding based on the flowers in bloom, The Knot has a helpful breakdown of in-season flowers by month. 

Florist Insider Tip: Watch the National Floral Calendar

Major floral holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas impact more than just retail flower orders.

These holidays affect:

• Wholesale pricing across many varieties (not just roses)
• Shipping delays and import volume
• Availability of designers and premium blooms

Booking your wedding outside of floral holiday weeks gives you:

• More creative freedom
• More flexibility in flower choices
• Better overall pricing

Need help picking a flower-friendly date? We’d love to talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still have a Valentine’s Day wedding with full florals?

Yes, but availability is extremely limited. If you’re set on that date, plan early and be flexible on flower types and delivery times. Expect higher prices and limited design capacity.

What’s the busiest wedding month in Virginia?

May, June, September, and October are typically the most popular—and competitive—months for weddings across the state.

Do florists charge more during holiday weekends?

Not always, but it’s common. Florists often pay more for flowers during these weeks due to high demand at the wholesale level.

A Well-Chosen Date = A Smoother Wedding (and Better Florals)

The truth is: your wedding date affects your entire vendor team, from pricing and availability to creativity and service. Choosing the right weekend can mean better flowers, more options, and a calmer planning process.

At J. Morris Flowers, we work closely with our couples to make sure their floral vision is realistic and beautiful, no matter the date.

Contact us or explore our wedding gallery to see how we bring seasonal beauty to weddings across Virginia, every time of year.