Sunflower Bouquets: A Wedding Guide

Sunflowers are a bold and cheerful choice for wedding bouquets. Their bright yellow petals and large size make them a memorable and eye-catching addition to any floral arrangement. With their ability to symbolise positivity, energy, and loyalty, sunflowers are the perfect blooms to showcase at a wedding.

Sunflowers can be used in a variety of ways, from a single stem to a bouquet featuring multiple flowers. They pair well with a range of colours, including blue, pink, purple, orange, and green, and can be complemented by flowers such as roses, dahlias, and daisies. Sunflowers are also available in a range of sizes, from small dainty blooms to oversized giants, so you can create a bouquet that suits your style.

Whether you're planning a rustic barn wedding, a chic outdoor ceremony, or a formal indoor event, sunflowers can add a unique and vibrant touch to your special day.

Choosing sunflowers for your wedding bouquet

Sunflowers are a bold and vibrant choice for a wedding bouquet. Their large, bright yellow petals and striking brown centres are a cheerful burst of colour that will light up your wedding day. Sunflowers are also a symbol of positivity, energy, loyalty, adoration, and longevity—qualities that are foundational in marriage. Their name and characteristic of turning towards the sun can be seen as a metaphor for a couple's commitment to always looking towards light and positivity.

Sunflowers are a versatile choice that can complement various wedding styles, from rustic barn settings to chic outdoor ceremonies and more formal indoor events. Their golden hue pairs beautifully with a range of colours, including earthy tones, romantic pastels, and bright, bold palettes.

When choosing sunflowers for your wedding bouquet, consider the following:

• Season: Sunflowers are typically in season during the summer and early autumn, so they are perfect for late-summer or early autumn nuptials.
• Size: Sunflowers come in various sizes, from small, dainty blooms to oversized giant ones. The number of sunflowers in your bouquet will depend on their size—larger sunflowers will likely be the focal point, while smaller ones can be used to add texture and interest.
• Colour: While sunflowers are typically associated with bright yellow, they come in a range of colours, including darker, more romantic shades like burgundy and peach, as well as lighter hues like strawberry blonde.
• Complementary flowers: Sunflowers pair well with a variety of other flowers, including roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums, lilies, succulents, and baby's breath. When choosing complementary flowers, consider the colour palette you want to create and the overall style you are aiming for. For a rustic look, pair sunflowers with wildflowers, dried grasses, and foliage. For a more elegant or romantic bouquet, consider pairing sunflowers with roses, peonies, or dahlias.
• Cost: Sunflowers are relatively inexpensive, but the cost of a sunflower bouquet will depend on the size and number of stems used.

With their cheerful blooms and symbolic meaning, sunflowers are a perfect choice for a wedding bouquet that will leave a lasting impression.

Sunflower bouquet shapes and sizes

Sunflowers are large flowers that work well with small blooms such as daisies and craspedia. They can be used to create a simple bouquet with just a few big blooms or as a single statement flower. For a more complex arrangement, sunflowers can be combined with a variety of other flowers, such as dahlias, roses, chrysanthemums, wildflowers, and greenery.

When creating a sunflower bouquet, consider the different shapes and sizes of sunflowers available. Some sunflowers have large heads, while others are smaller. You can also find sunflowers with multiple stems, which can add interest and texture to your bouquet. If you're looking for something unique, there are even sunflower varieties in different colours, such as white and burnt orange.

The size of your sunflower bouquet can vary depending on your preference. A single sunflower stem can make a beautiful statement, especially if you choose a variety with huge proportions. On the other hand, you can create a more opulent and abundant bouquet by incorporating multiple sunflowers with other blooms and greenery. Mid-sized bouquets are also an option, offering a practical choice that is easy to carry and won't get in the way when you sit down during your wedding meal.

When choosing the size of your bouquet, consider the overall look you want to achieve and the impact you want to make as you walk up the aisle. A larger bouquet will undoubtedly make a bold statement, while a smaller bouquet can be more delicate and elegant. Ultimately, the shape and size of your sunflower bouquet depend on your personal style and the theme of your wedding.

Using sunflowers as a focal point

Sunflowers are a bold and vibrant choice for a wedding bouquet, and they can be used in a variety of ways to create a stunning display. Here are some tips and ideas for using sunflowers as a focal point in your wedding bouquet:

Size and Proportion:

Sunflowers are typically large flowers, so they can easily become the focal point of your bouquet. When using sunflowers as a focal point, consider the size and proportion of the bouquet as a whole. You can use a single sunflower as a bold statement, or group a few sunflowers together for a bright and cheerful display. If you're using multiple sunflowers, try to use an odd number, as this tends to be more visually appealing.

Colour Combinations:

The bright yellow petals and brown centres of sunflowers make them a striking addition to any bouquet. When using sunflowers as a focal point, you can complement them with a variety of colours. Earthy tones, romantic pastels, and bright and bold colours all work well with sunflowers. You can also play with different shades of yellow to create a unique and interesting bouquet.

Flower Combinations:

Sunflowers pair well with a variety of flowers, and you can choose flowers that complement or contrast with sunflowers. Here are some flower combinations to consider:

• Daisies and craspedia: These small blooms work well with sunflowers and add a touch of whimsy to the bouquet.
• Roses: Roses, especially in shades of white, cream, or peach, can add a romantic and elegant touch to the bouquet.
• Wildflowers: Sunflowers can be combined with wildflowers such as dahlias, chrysanthemums, and wild roses for a more natural and rustic look.
• Succulents: Succulents and sunflowers might seem like an unlikely combination, but they can work well together, especially if you choose succulents that mimic the shape of the sunflowers.
• Greenery: Adding greenery, such as eucalyptus, fern, and gypsophila, can enhance the beauty of sunflowers and create a soft and airy texture within the bouquet.

Creative Touches:

• Add texture: Sunflowers have large petals but lack texture. By adding flowers with different textures, such as fluffy peonies or delicate baby's breath, you can create a more interesting and dynamic bouquet.
• Play with heights: Sunflowers have long stems, so you can create a cascading bouquet or add height to your arrangement by incorporating longer pieces of greenery.
• Use wire: Sunflowers can be tricky to arrange due to their large heads. Consider using wire to support the stems and create a secure bouquet.
• Think outside the box: Experiment with different varieties of sunflowers, such as strawberry blonde or chocolate sunflowers, to create a unique and unexpected bouquet.

By following these tips and ideas, you can create a stunning sunflower bouquet that will be a memorable focal point on your wedding day.

Sunflower bouquet colour combinations

Sunflowers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many other flowers. Here are some colour combinations to consider for your sunflower wedding bouquet:

Yellow and Purple

Yellow and purple are opposite colours on the colour wheel, making them a match made in heaven. This combination offers a striking contrast and is sure to make a statement.

Yellow, White and Lavender

This elegant combination, designed by florist Jen Stone of Stonekelly, features an array of textures and dimensions, with pops of yellow adding instant cheer.

Yellow and Blue

Blue flowers or blue thistle make sunflowers pop and create a summery feel. Delphiniums, for example, add height and a burst of blue to the arrangement.

Yellow and Red

Red and yellow sunflowers with golden and red tones are a perfect choice for a fall wedding. Adding maroon leaves to a bouquet with a large sunflower gives a rustic and autumnal feel.

Yellow and White

White roses are extremely bridal, but adding a few yellow sunflowers can brighten up the bouquet and break up a monochromatic palette.

Yellow and Green

Pairing sunflowers with chamomile and eucalyptus creates a simple yet elegant yellow, white and green colour palette.

Yellow and Pink

A bouquet with pink and yellow sunflowers, pink dahlias and peonies is a cheerful and vibrant choice. Adding pink garden roses to a sunflower bouquet can also be an unexpected pop of colour.

How to source a florist for your sunflower bouquet

Sunflowers are a bold and cheerful choice for a wedding bouquet. They can be used in a variety of ways, from a single stem to a bouquet of just sunflowers, or with other flowers to create a wildflower look.

Determine Your Style and Budget:

Before you begin your search, it is helpful to have an idea of the style of bouquet you want. Sunflowers can be used in many ways, so consider if you want a classic, romantic, natural, bold, modern, or wild look. You might want to use Pinterest to gather ideas and inspiration. It is also important to have a budget in mind, as costs can vary widely depending on the florist and the flowers used.

Start Your Search Early:

Many florists are small businesses and can only take on a limited number of weddings, so it is best to start your search early. It is recommended to hire your wedding florist at least 10 months before your wedding. This will give you time to meet with several florists and find the right one for you.

Ask for Recommendations:

Ask friends and family who have recently got married, or who have ordered flowers for other occasions, about their experiences with florists. If you have a wedding coordinator, they can also recommend talented vendors.

Do Your Research:

Browse local wedding florists online. Read reviews, check out their websites and social media, and look at photos of their previous work. Ideally, their photos should showcase a variety of styles and arrangements.

Visit Their Shop:

If a florist has a walk-in shop, pop in to get a feel for their business. Observe the overall appearance of the shop and the quality of the flowers on display.

Schedule an Appointment:

Once you've found a potential florist, set up a one-on-one appointment to discuss your wedding in detail. Be prepared to talk about your wedding vision, colour scheme, season, and any specific flowers you want to include. It is also important to be honest about your budget.

Ask the Right Questions:

During your appointment, ask the florist about their availability, style, pricing, and services. Find out if they provide delivery and set-up, and how they handle breakdowns or last-minute changes. You might also want to ask about their design process and whether they offer a trial.

Finalize the Details:

Once you've found a florist you like and agreed on a budget and design, they will provide you with a proposal or contract. Read this carefully and pay attention to the provisions, as there are many variables that can affect the final product.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to finding the right florist to create your dream sunflower bouquet!

Frequently asked questions