11+ Inspiring Protea Flower Arrangements for Weddings

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: Bride Wears Yellow Dress to Outdoor Summer Wedding at Groom's Family Home

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

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

Photo by EDLT Photo; From Real Wedding: Ocean-View Ceremony Featuring Modern Décor with a Tropical Twist

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

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

Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: Bride Wears Yellow Dress to Outdoor Summer Wedding at Groom's Family Home

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

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

Photo by EDLT Photo; From Real Wedding: An Oceanfront Vintage-Inspired Wedding in Laguna Beach, California

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

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

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

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

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

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