Everything You Need to Know About Peonies for Your Wedding

by Kellee Khalil 13 Jan 2025 •4 min read

When it comes to wedding planning, choosing the perfect flowers can be one of the most exciting yet challenging tasks. With so many options available, it’s essential to select blooms that align with your wedding theme, style, and personal preferences. Among the most beloved wedding flowers is the peony—a timeless, romantic bloom cherished for its lush petals, captivating fragrance, and symbolic meaning.

Whether you're planning an outdoor garden ceremony or a glamorous ballroom affair, peonies are a versatile choice that can elevate any wedding décor. Here’s everything you need to know about incorporating peonies into your wedding flowers.

The Flower of Romance & Good Fortune

Peonies, scientifically known as Paeonia, are often referred to as the "queen of wedding flowers." Their large, full blooms and ruffled petals create a sense of elegance and romance that’s hard to match. Beyond their beauty, peonies hold deep symbolic meaning in many cultures, representing love, good fortune, prosperity, and a happy marriage. In fact, their association with good luck makes them an ideal choice for weddings, where couples celebrate new beginnings.

Seasonality of Peonies

Peonies are typically in season during the spring, with peak availability from late April to early June. This short growing season makes them highly sought after, and their prices can increase when demand is high. For couples planning spring weddings, this is the perfect time to take advantage of peonies at their freshest and most affordable.

If you’re having a wedding outside the spring season, don’t worry—some varieties of peonies can be imported year-round. However, be prepared for higher costs and potential limitations in color selection.

Colors of Peonies

Peonies are available in a stunning array of colors, making them adaptable to virtually any wedding theme. Popular shades include:

White: Perfect for classic and traditional weddings, white peonies symbolize purity and elegance.
Blush and Pink: Ideal for romantic or garden-themed weddings, these hues exude softness and femininity.
Red: Bold and dramatic, red peonies add passion and sophistication to your arrangements.
Coral and Peach: These vibrant shades are trendy for modern and whimsical weddings.

The variety of colors allows you to use peonies as the centerpiece of your floral arrangements or as complementary blooms alongside other flowers.

Caring for Peonies

To ensure your peonies remain fresh and vibrant throughout your wedding day, proper care is essential. Follow these tips to get the most out of your blooms:

Trim the stems: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water to improve hydration.
Remove excess leaves: Strip any leaves below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth and extend the flower’s life.
Keep them hydrated: Place the cut peonies in a vase filled with cold water, and add plant food if available.
Store in a cool environment: Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent wilting.
Prep for full blooms: If your peonies are tight buds upon arrival, place them in a warm room to encourage them to open.

With proper care, peonies can last several days, making them a reliable option for weddings.

Cost of Peonies

Peonies are often considered a luxury flower due to their high demand and relatively short growing season. On average, peonies cost around $6 per stem wholesale, though prices can vary depending on the season and variety. While they may be pricier than some other blooms, their large size and lush appearance mean that fewer stems are needed to create a full and impactful arrangement.

To make the most of your budget, consider pairing peonies with more affordable flowers, such as garden roses, ranunculus, or greenery. This strategy allows you to enjoy the beauty of peonies without overspending.

Incorporating Peonies Into Your Wedding

Peonies are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of wedding arrangements. Here are some creative ideas for incorporating these stunning blooms into your big day:

01.
Bouquets

Create a romantic bridal bouquet featuring light pink peonies, white garden roses, and sprigs of dusty miller.
For a minimalist look, opt for an all-peony bouquet tied with a silk ribbon.
Add contrast with deep red or coral peonies paired with eucalyptus or other greenery.

02.
Centerpieces

Arrange peonies in low, wide vases with complementary flowers like ranunculus or hydrangeas for a lush centerpiece.
Use white and blush peonies in glass vases for an elegant and timeless tablescape.
Add pops of color with coral or peach peonies for a vibrant summer wedding.

03.
Ceremony Decor

Line your aisle with clusters of peonies in small vases or tied to chairs.
Incorporate peonies into your ceremony arch for a breathtaking backdrop.
Use peonies in large floral arrangements at the altar for a dramatic effect.

04.
Hair Accessories

Tuck a single peony into your bridal updo for a romantic touch.
Create a floral crown featuring peonies and smaller blooms for a boho-inspired look.

05.
Boutonnieres

Peonies make stunning boutonnieres, adding a touch of luxury to the groom and groomsmen’s attire.
Pair a small peony bloom with greenery or herbs for a fresh and unique boutonniere.

06.
Cake Decor

Decorate your wedding cake with fresh peony blooms for a natural and elegant finish.
Use sugar flowers shaped like peonies to create a cohesive floral theme.

Fun Fact About Peonies

Did you know that peonies are the official flower of the 12th wedding anniversary? This makes them not only a meaningful choice for your wedding day but also a sentimental nod to the future milestones you’ll celebrate as a married couple. Their fragrance and beauty make them a favorite for anniversaries, romantic gestures, and, of course, weddings.

Why We Love Peonies

Peonies have captured the hearts of brides and florists alike for centuries. Here’s why they continue to be a wedding favorite:

Romantic and elegant: Their lush, full petals and soft colors exude romance and sophistication.
Versatile: Available in a variety of shades, peonies can complement any wedding theme or color palette.
Lush appearance: A single peony stem can add volume and texture to an arrangement, reducing the need for additional flowers.
Symbolic meaning: Representing love, happiness, and good fortune, peonies bring a meaningful touch to wedding celebrations.

Peonies are a timeless choice for couples looking to add a touch of romance and elegance to their wedding. With their stunning beauty, delightful fragrance, and symbolic significance, these blooms can transform your floral arrangements into something truly unforgettable. Whether used as the centerpiece of your bouquet, in lush centerpieces or as part of your ceremony décor, peonies are sure to leave a lasting impression.

For more inspiration on peony wedding flowers, explore our collection of arrangements and tips to bring your floral vision to life. Let the beauty of peonies set the stage for your dream wedding!