Timing is everything with wholesale flowers. Order too early and flowers may peak before the wedding. Order too late and you won't have enough conditioning time. Here's how to plan it right.
The Ideal Timeline
| When | What to Do |
| 4–6 weeks before | Finalize your flower list and quantities. Place your order with us — this gives you the best chance of availability on your varieties. |
| 1 week before | Confirm your order. Have your supplies ready: buckets, floral preservative, a cool room or refrigerator, floral tape, wire, and clippers. |
| 3–4 days before | Flowers arrive. Condition them immediately (see our Conditioning Guide). Most flowers need 24–48 hours to fully hydrate and open. |
| 2 days before | Check bloom stage. Most flowers should be starting to open. Begin arranging boutonnieres and corsages — they're small and hold well. |
| 1 day before | Build centerpieces, bouquets, and all arrangements. Store finished pieces in a cool room (55–65°F) overnight. |
| Wedding day | Remove arrangements from storage 1–2 hours before the event. Mist lightly. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. |
How Long Do Different Flowers Last?
Vase life is measured from the time flowers are properly conditioned. Actual life in an arrangement is typically 2–3 days shorter.
| Flower | Vase Life | Order Notes |
| Roses | 5–10 days | Very forgiving. Order 3–4 days before. |
| Peonies | 5–7 days | Arrive tight. Need 2–3 days to open fully. Order 4–5 days before. |
| Ranunculus | 7–10 days | Long lasting. Order 3–4 days before. |
| Dahlias | 3–5 days | Shorter life. Order 2–3 days before and keep cool. |
| Anemones | 5–7 days | Arrive mostly closed. Allow 24–48 hrs to open. Order 3–4 days before. |
| Lisianthus | 10–14 days | Excellent vase life. Very flexible timing. |
| Tulips | 5–7 days | Continue to grow after cutting. Order 2–3 days before. |
| Hydrangea | 5–7 days | Thirsty. Keep very well hydrated. Order 3–4 days before. |
| Snapdragons | 7–10 days | Reliable. Order 3–4 days before. |
| Eucalyptus / Greens | 10–14 days | Very long lasting. Can order up to a week before. |
Summer vs. Winter Timing
Summer weddings: Heat accelerates bloom and shortens vase life. Order closer to your date (2–3 days) and prioritize keeping flowers cool. Avoid dahlias and other heat-sensitive varieties if you can't guarantee a cool environment. See our Heat-Sensitive Flowers guide.
Winter weddings: Cooler temperatures work in your favor. You have more flexibility on timing and flowers last longer. Order 3–5 days before with confidence.
🌿 Questions about timing your specific order? Call us at (503) 445-2967. ← Back to How-To Guides