Creating A Peony Wedding Bouquet: A Step-By-Step Guide

Peonies are a popular choice for wedding bouquets, with their lush shape, soft petals, and variety of colours, they are a versatile option for brides. The blooms are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to newlyweds, and their round shape can add curves to any bouquet. They are available in a range of colours, from classic white to pink, red, yellow, and purple, and can be sourced all year round by florists, although they are only in season from April to July.

If you want to make your own peony wedding bouquet, you will need around 8-10 peonies, some dusty miller, floratape stem wrap, floral scissors, and a ribbon of your choice for the bouquet wrap. You will also need a tall vase and some water to arrange the bouquet. Start by gathering the flowers together and securing them with the stem wrap, then cut the stems so that they are all the same length. Use floral adhesive or corsage pins to attach the ribbon and keep the flowers hydrated until you are ready to use the bouquet.

Choosing the right peonies for your wedding season

Peonies are in season from April to June, making them a popular choice for spring weddings. However, modern floral preservation methods mean that they can be integrated into bouquets all year round. If you're planning a summer, fall, or winter wedding, your florist may need to source the blooms from another state or even from outside the US, which will impact the cost.

If you're planning a spring wedding, you're in luck! You'll be able to choose from a variety of colours, including pink, white, hot pink, red, and burgundy. You could also add in some greenery or pastel ribbons to your bouquet for a subtle pop of colour.

For a summer wedding, consider a beach-themed bouquet with white peonies, calla lilies, ranunculus, and large leaves for contrast. Or go for a colourful option with yellow, pink, coral, and periwinkle tones.

Autumn weddings call for darker, richer colours. Ruby-red or burgundy peonies are a dramatic choice and can be paired with other flowers or carried solo. You could also opt for a jewel-toned bouquet with dark blue viburnum berries, red dahlias, and greenery.

For a winter wedding, a bouquet of rich red peonies and white roses would be a stunning choice. Or, for a festive twist, include a variety of lush greenery with red peonies at the centre.

Selecting complementary flowers and colours

Peonies are versatile flowers that can be used to create a multitude of colour palettes and styles for your wedding bouquet. They are available in a variety of colours, including white, light pink, coral pink, fuchsia, purple, red, yellow, and burgundy. Their versatility means they can be mixed and matched with almost any other flower to create a unique bouquet that fits your wedding style.

For a simple yet stunning bouquet, you can use only peonies. For a classic, romantic look, opt for an all-white bouquet or a combination of white and green. If you want to add a subtle pop of colour, include pale green hydrangea petals or sprigs of lavender. For a more whimsical and bold look, use open peonies with some flowers spanning several inches wide.

Peonies also pair beautifully with roses. For a timeless and chic bouquet, combine peonies and roses in similar colours and add a hint of greenery. If you're looking for something more colourful and vibrant, pair fuchsia peonies with pastel flowers. You can also create a striking bouquet by pairing red peonies with smaller buds such as Japanese red-leaf maple and roses.

If you want to incorporate multiple colours, consider a sunset-inspired bouquet with shades of apricot, coral, and ivory. You can also add branches of rich greenery for extra texture. For a playful and colourful bouquet reminiscent of Palm Springs, combine peonies with shiny anthuriums, marigold ranunculi, and citrus-toned mums.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flower combinations and colours to create a bouquet that reflects your unique style and personality.

Arranging the bouquet

Peonies are a versatile flower and can be used in a multitude of colours to create a bouquet that complements any wedding style. When arranging a peony wedding bouquet, here are some steps and tips to consider:

Choosing the Peonies

Peonies are typically in season from April to July, with peak season being in early spring through June. If your wedding falls outside of this time frame, you may need to source the peonies from a different location, which can impact the cost. Consider the colour scheme and style of your wedding when selecting the peonies. Peonies come in various colours, including white, light pink, coral pink, fuchsia, purple, red, and yellow. You can create a monochromatic bouquet or mix and match different colours to create a vibrant arrangement.

Preparing the Peonies

Ensure that the peonies are properly hydrated and prepared before arranging them. Remove any extra leaves or sad petals with clippers, but consider leaving some leaves for contrast. If you are using fully bloomed peonies, you may want to use 8-10 stems. For smaller buds, adjust the number of stems accordingly.

Start by adding one stem at a time to your vase, carefully nesting the open blossoms. Arrange the densest blossoms in the centre, creating a symmetrical bunch. You can also add other types of flowers and greenery to complement the peonies, such as roses, ranunculus, or eucalyptus. Play around with the arrangement until you are satisfied with the size and overall look. Secure the bouquet with floral tape or wire, wrapping it tightly around the stems to keep them in place.

Finishing Touches

Once the bouquet is arranged, cut the stems to the same length, ensuring they have a fresh cut. You can then add a ribbon of your choice to the stems. Use floral adhesive or corsage pins to attach the ribbon, wrapping it in opposite directions up the stems. Finally, trim any excess ribbon, leaving the desired length. Keep the bouquet hydrated by placing the stems in water until it is time to walk down the aisle.

Adding finishing touches like ribbons

Adding a ribbon to your peony wedding bouquet can be the perfect finishing touch. The ribbon can add a subtle hint of colour or complement the shades of the peonies. It can also be used to tie in with the season of your wedding or the colour of your wedding dress.

If you want to add a pop of colour to your bouquet, consider a bright ribbon. For example, a golden sash will complement yellow peonies, ranunculus and roses. Or, for a summer wedding, you could opt for a playful bouquet with a rainbow-inspired ribbon.

If you want something more understated, a pastel ribbon will add a subtle hint of colour. A satin ribbon, for example, will give your bouquet a soft and sophisticated touch. A pale green ribbon will also complement the peonies without being too bold.

For a winter wedding, a crisp white peony bouquet with a white ribbon will create a stunning and photo-worthy look. You could even use a blue-and-white striped bow for a New England-inspired look.

For a rustic wedding, finish your bouquet with a lace ribbon. Or, for a vintage or modern wedding, a simple ribbon wrap in the colour of your choice will add the perfect finishing touch.

Keeping the bouquet fresh

Peonies are in season from April to June, so if you're planning a spring wedding, sourcing these flowers for your bouquet should be relatively easy. However, if you're getting married outside of this window, your florist may have to source the blooms from another state or even from outside the U.S., which will impact the cost.

To keep your peony wedding bouquet fresh, here are some tips to follow:

• Storage: Keep your bouquet in a cool, dry place before the wedding. Peonies have a short bloom window, so it's best to source them as close to the wedding day as possible.
• Hydration: Make sure the flowers have enough water. Trim the stems at an angle and place them in a vase or container with fresh, cool water. This will help the peonies stay hydrated and fresh.
• Refrigeration: If possible, store the bouquet in a refrigerator until it's time to walk down the aisle. This will help slow down the blooming process and keep the flowers looking fresh.
• Transportation: If you need to transport the bouquet, keep it in a cool, air-conditioned vehicle. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme heat as this will cause the flowers to wilt.
• Spray: Mist the bouquet with water a few hours before the ceremony. This will help to hydrate the flowers and keep them looking fresh.
• Flower Food: Consider using flower food or a preservative in the water to help extend the life of the peonies. This can be purchased at most florists or flower shops.
• Avoid Heat: Keep the bouquet away from direct heat sources, such as heaters, candles, or direct sunlight. This will help prevent the flowers from wilting.
• Handling: Handle the bouquet carefully to avoid damaging the petals. Peonies are delicate, so it's best to hold them by the stem and avoid squeezing the blooms.
• Aftercare: Even after the wedding, you can help prolong the life of your peony bouquet. Change the water regularly and recut the stems to help the flowers stay fresh for as long as possible.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your peony wedding bouquet stays fresh and beautiful throughout your special day.

Frequently asked questions