While the Knot has them listed as the 6th top wedding flower, I am certainly hearing you ladies loud and clear. And I join you! I love, Love, *LOVE* Peonies. They are stunning, romantic and beautiful! The latest and greatest in flower trends will come and go, but the romantic and classic will always remain a loving and endeared favorite, especially by me!
(I just love this option, with a central focus on the center flower) A very romantic option…
Peonies have large full heads, a strong perfume, and bright colors. But despite this outward showiness, the flower acquired the Victorian meaning “bashfulness.”
(j’adore this color combo!)
Cultivated in Asia for more than a thousand years and developed further by the French, the peony is available in two main types, the herbaceous and the tree peony (the latter’s flowers do not last as long when cut). A bouquet made solely of peonies is downright stunning; they can create beautiful centerpieces and arrangements. Grown in single- and double-flower styles, the one major drawback to this expensive bloom is seasonally available– from late spring to early summer. But if you’re like me and these are a MUST HAVE, (I might be slightly obsessed with them) they can be imported in the fall.
So Pretty!
Even a smaller less dramatic bouquet like this has such a dainty, pretty appeal.
If you’re a DIY gal with a bit of gumption, creating your own peony bouquets might be a great alternative to expensing out these pricey beauties. Take a tip from Kathy at Fantastic Functions in Ann Arbor Mi who posted these awesome DIY tips!
How To Make Wedding Bouquets Using Fresh Cut Peonies
1) Cut the peony stems and any other flower you are using to about 10 inches.
2) Place a peony stem in one hand, add a stem of greens if desired, then add another peony and alternate between the two until the bouquet reaches the proper size.
3) Wrap the stems in decorative ribbon.
4) Store the peony bouquets with the stems in water until the time of the wedding. You may put them in water in a small vase and then refrigerate.
The brides and maid of honors bouquet each contain about a dozen peony stems in mixed shades of pink and the flower girl peony bouquet contains about 6 stems.
We recommend making all of the fresh wedding flower bouquets the day before the wedding and refrigerating them until the time of the wedding. Be sure to remove all fruits and vegetables from your frig as they give off a gas that damages the flowers. If it is not possible to refrigerate all of the floral arrangements then keep your house cool. If it is summer time turn up your air conditioning.
Whether you’re looking for a theme, or a cheaper alternative to include these beautiful flowers into your wedding décor, these flowers also make a delicate and eye-popping pictorial backdrop for cakes and invitations alike. Take a note of inspiration from these beauties!
(Photo credit ~ Roxy Cakes)
Nole of Oh So Beautiful Paper
Need I say more?
