Welcome to our guide on blooming branches! For weddings that fall between January-June, blooming branches can be a stunning part of the floral decor! These beauties add height and an organic, outdoor quality to any table setting. But like nature itself, blooming branches have their own rhythm. They keep blooming even after they're cut, so timing is key! In Pittsburgh, we have a short window for these lovelies, but fear not—our wholesalers ensure we have the perfect branches, even if local trees aren't in sync with our schedule. If you’re a fellow florist ordering for a wedding or event here's everything you need to consider!

When to order

Collaborate closely with your wholesaler, specifying both the event date and your design deadline. Wholesalers typically prefer shipping or delivering branches with tight buds to protect them during transit. As a result, consider ordering your branches 7-10 days earlier than usual. You’ll need to keep an eye on them to ensure they blossom at the perfect time for your event (no pressure, right?!)

Lovely white quince branches waiting to bloom for our January bride

How to process

Upon receiving your branches, it's crucial to give them a fresh cut and hydrate them properly. With their woody stems, branches absorb water from their entire surface, so use sharp clippers to cut at an angle and splinter upwards to open up the base. (check out this blog post for the step by step!) For thicker branches like lilac or cherry blossoms, a hammer can help! (did you catch us hammering branches on CBS Talk Pgh?)

Like we mentioned, you’ll need to do a little baby sitting with these. Keep the branches out of the cooler to encourage blooming. Once they reached your desired bloom, pop them in the cooler to preserve until your event!

How to design

Blooming branches offer endless possibilities in wedding design! They add a unique, romantic touch to any setting. For statement arrangements, ensure they're securely anchored in a heavy vessel or with wire/cross mechanics to prevent tipping. Regardless of your design choice, hydrate them beforehand and provide a water source. If used in installations or without water, use water tubes or damp paper towels to keep them hydrated throughout the event!

The stars aligned for our April bride to have local dogwood branches! We love the shape it added to her escort table arrangement. Photo by Ryan Zarichnak Photography

Falling for blooming branches? Here's a quick guide to when our favorite varieties are typically available. Remember, nature can be unpredictable, so keep backups in mind just in case!