11+ Inspiring Protea Flower Arrangements for Weddings

From dramatic bouquets to reception centerpieces, discover ways to use this unique bloom.

Since each type of protea is vastly different in terms of the size, look, and color, the blooms are fitting for a variety of color palettes and wedding styles – from bohemian chic and rustic to modern and contemporary.

bride-holding-large-bouquet-with-ivory-king-protea-flower-tropical-greenery-illusion-wedding-dress
Photo: Lauren Gabrielle Photography

Though they're one of the oldest families of flowering plants, proteas have just recently become popular in wedding bouquets and centerpieces. Native to South Africa – and named the national flower of the country, the bloom represents change and hope, making it fitting for nuptials to symbolize the change that occurs as the couple becomes a new family. 

From the large, sturdy star-shaped king protea, to the stringy pincushion protea, to the whimsical, soft blushing bride protea, the blooms are perfect for brides who desire unique wedding bouquets or couples who want to have floral arrangements their guests may have never seen before. Proteas can be grouped into centerpieces or ceremony arches, be featured as a focal point at a ceremony entrance, or be a welcome addition to a lush bridal bouquet or a single-flower bouquet for a bride or bridesmaid. 

Since each type of protea is vastly different in terms of the size, look, and color, the blooms are fitting for a variety of color palettes and wedding styles – from bohemian chic and rustic to modern and contemporary. Proteas come in soft shades such as white and blush, as well as bright hues including yellow and red. Though they're native to South Africa and Australia, the Northern Hemisphere has caught on and now grows them primarily in California and Hawaii, making them accessible for your big day. 

Take a look at inspiring images featuring beautiful protea flowers and wedding flower arrangements from real weddings and styled shoots, below:

Lush Ivory Wedding Bouquet with Protea Flowers

Photo by M. Hart Photography; Planning & Design by Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events; From Real Wedding: A Magical Wedding Inspired by Old Hollywood in Los Angeles

Bride with Pink & Apricot Bouquet

Photo by Jordan Galindo Photography; From Real Wedding: Romantic, Enchanted Garden-Inspired Wedding in San Clemente

Peony & Protea Bridal Bouquet

Photo by Steve Steinhardt; From Real Wedding: An Outdoor Desert Wedding Inspired by the Sunset in Palm Springs

Large Protea Bouquet

Photo by Kir2ben Photography; From Real Wedding: A Millennial Blogger's Festive Post-Wedding Styled Shoot in Florida

Unique Bridal Bouquet with Ribbon

Photo by Kiss Me in Paris; From Real Wedding: Ocean-View Ceremony + Romantic Reception with Chic Coastal Elements

Desert Bouquet

Photo by Koman Photography; From Real Wedding: Boho-Chic Inspirational Wedding with Desert Details and Soft Colors

Colorful, Cascading Boho Bouquet

Photo by Lucas Rossi Photography; From Event: Southern California Winter Wedding Styled Shoot with Boho Details

Lush Ivory Bouquet with Roses

Photo by Michael Carr Photography; Planning & Design by Ann Whittington Events; From Real Wedding: Glamorous Outdoor Wedding with Rustic & Rose Gold Details in Texas

Bridesmaids in Two-Piece Ensembles with Protea Bouquets

Photo by Jonathan Connolly Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant + Modern Wedding with Emerald Color Palette in Miami

Bride & Groom at Outdoor Seattle Wedding with Proteas

Photo by Sam & Sola Lee Photography; From Real Wedding: Modern Outdoor Ceremony + Tent Reception in Seattle on Puget Sound

Botanicals in Glass Vessels

Photo by Braedon Photography; From Real Wedding: Orthodox Jewish Wedding with Outdoor Ceremony Inspired by the Sea

Colorful Ceremony Blooms with Nature

Photo by Lilly Red Creative; From Real Wedding: Daughters of Simone Designer’s Summer Wedding in Lake Como, Italy

Antique Glassware with Colorful Arrangement

Photo by Steve Steinhardt; From Real Wedding: An Outdoor Desert Wedding Inspired by the Sunset in Palm Springs

Tropical Fern & Protea Centerpiece

Photo by Lauren Gabrielle Photography; Floral Design by HeatherLily; Planning & Design by A Charming Fête; From Real Wedding: Summer Real Wedding Featuring Tropical Décor at an Art Museum

Rustic and Colorful Floral Centerpiece

Photo by Lucas Rossi Photography; From Event: Southern California Winter Wedding Styled Shoot with Boho Details

Purple, Yellow & Orange Blooms

Photo by Laura Ashbrook Photography; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative; From Event: Tropical Tablescape with Playful Desserts Inspired by Hawaii

Protea & Anthurium Centerpiece

Photo by Melissa Kilner Photography; From Event: Glamorous Styled Wedding Inspired by Moroccan Details in Seattle

Purple Flowers and Iron Light Fixture

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Event: Inspiring Styled Shoot with Deep, Dark Color Palette in Chicago

Outdoor Fall Wedding Reception Décor

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: "Tuscany Meets Rustic California" Outdoor Wedding Under the Stars

Opening photo by Lauren Gabrielle Photography; Floral Design by HeatherLily; Planning & Design by A Charming Fête; From Real Wedding: Summer Real Wedding Featuring Tropical Décor at an Art Museum