15 Ways to Use Peonies on Your Wedding Day

When many brides envision their wedding-day flowers, the main favorites tend to come to mind: roses, ranunculus blossoms, hydrangea blooms, and most likely, peonies. Beloved by brides desiring weddings of all types – from classic to boho to alternative, the peony is a beautiful blossom that features romantic, lush petals in a variety of hues that complement a number of design schemes. The most popular colors for peonies used in real weddings are white, blush, and hot pink, and each can be easily incorporated with other flowers and verdure to create an idyllic bouquet or centerpiece. 

Peonies begin to bloom in early spring with their peak season taking place in May and June – making them an expensive addition for your wedding day. If your floral designer does plan to use peonies in your décor, you can choose to highlight the flower in just your bridal bouquet or go all out by featuring peonies in your bouquets and boutonnieres, ceremony arrangements, centerpieces, and even on your wedding cake. For those couples who are unable to incorporate fresh peonies in the design of their day, there are other ways to get the romantic look. Add a peony motif to your invitation and paper goods or adorn your wedding cake with either sugar flowers or hand-painted details in a peony design.

Discover 15 ways to incorporate peonies into your wedding by browsing the photos from real weddings below! For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to click on each of your favorite photos to see the full event! 

1. Ring Photos

Photo by John Solano Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events, Inc.; From Real Wedding: Beverly Hills Garden Ceremony & Opulent Ballroom Reception

2. Bridal Bouquet

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Planning & Design by International Event Company; From Real Wedding: Romantic Jewish Wedding with Lush, Ivory Flowers & Rose Gold Details

3. Groom's Boutonniere

Photo by Karlisch Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding in Pink Church on Harbour Island in the Bahamas

4. Ceremony Wreath

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Romantic Woodland-Inspired Atlanta Wedding with Natural Details

5. Ceremony Arch

Photo by Adrienne Page; From Real Wedding: Pink and White Destination Wedding in Charleston, South Carolina

6. Escort Card Wall

Photo by Chip Gillespie; From Real Wedding: Classic Jewish Wedding at a Synagogue in Houston, Texas

7. Favors Display

Photo by Marianne Lozano Photography; From Real Wedding: Pink & White Wedding with Ombré Details at Montage Laguna Beach

8. Centerpiece Arrangement

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Fairy-Tale Wedding with Enchanted Forest Theme in Santa Barbara

9. Floral Runner

Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Ceremony and Reception at Central California Vineyard

10. Paper Goods

Photo by Switzerfilm; From Real Wedding: Rooftop Ceremony with City Views & Dreamy Reception in St. Louis

11. Place Setting Décor

Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; From Real Event: A Beautiful Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking New York City

12. Cascading Floral Arrangement

Photo by Krista Mason Photography; Linens by Luxe Linen; From Event: A Modern Extravagant Floral Design for an Enchanted Celebration

13. Wedding Cake with Fresh Flowers

Photo by Luke & Katherine Griffin for Max & Friends; From Real Wedding: Tent Wedding with Nautical Theme on La Playa Bay in San Diego

14. Wedding Cake with Sugar Flowers

Photo by Kortnee Kate; From Real Wedding: Sophisticated Outdoor Wedding Celebration in Cincinnati, Ohio

15. Wedding Cake with Hand-Painted Flowers

Photo by Scott Clark Photo; From Real Wedding: Black-Tie Winter Wedding Inspired by a Midsummer Night's Dream

For more wedding planning ideas, see beautiful anemone flowers in real weddings, learn how to keep your wedding guest list small if you desire an intimate wedding, and discover expert tips to consider when preparing for your floral design meetings.