Ranunculus has a round head with dozens of paper-thin petals, in a huge range of colours. It is one of the most used flowers from January to April and is grown widely in Italy, especially in Liguria. That makes it a flower that is often both local and seasonal for winter and spring weddings.
Its stems are delicate and it suffers in strong heat, so it is used less in summer. It holds well in a bouquet and costs less than a peony, for which it is sometimes an alternative. It is often paired with the anemone. The guide to ranunculus and anemones covers varieties and season; the one on the seasonal bridal bouquet shows how to use them for the bride; the guides to flowers in February and March place them in the calendar.
What to ask: which colours are available on your date, whether they are grown in Italy.
