15 Ways to Use Peonies on Your Wedding Day

From peony motifs to fresh blooms, see how to include this romantic flower.

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.

bride-holding-bouquet-of-hot-pink-peony-garden-rose-and-red-burgundy-blooms
Photo: Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

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 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
Round diamond solitaire engagement ring in white peony
Photo by John Solano Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events

2. Bridal Bouquet
Bride smelling bouquet of white peony flowers
Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Planning & Design by International Event CompanyVenue: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

3. Groom's Boutonniere
Groom wearing pattern bow tie and peony bud boutonniere
Photo by Karlisch Photography

4. Ceremony Wreath
Ceremony church door wreath of white peony flowers
Photo by Harwell Photography

5. Ceremony Arch
Bride walking with father under ceremony arch of greenery and pink peonies
Photo by Adrienne Page

6. Escort Card Wall
Gold frame with wall of pink peony flowers escort cards attached
Photo by Chip Gillespie

7. Favors Display
Tree branch escort card flower arrangement with pink peony flowers
Photo by Marianne Lozano Photography; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

8. Centerpiece Arrangement
Pink peony flowers in bud vase at wedding outdoor rustic
Photo by Elizabeth Messina

9. Floral Runner
Pink peony and other flowers in centerpiece low runner
Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography

10. Paper Goods
Wedding menu paper goods with peony flower motif design
Photo by Switzerfilm

11. Place Setting Décor
Single pink peony flower on place setting at wedding ideas
Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; Invitations & Paper Goods by Lehr and Black

12. Cascading Floral Arrangement
Cascading flower arrangement with peonies reception table inspiration
Photo by Krista Mason Photography; Linens by Luxe Linen; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

13. Wedding Cake with Fresh Flowers
White tall wedding cake with fresh green hydrangea and white peony flowers
Photo by Luke & Katherine Griffin for Max & Friends

14. Wedding Cake with Sugar Flowers
White wedding cake with cascading sugar flower down side
Photo by Kortnee Kate

15. Wedding Cake with Hand-Painted Flowers
White wedding cake with red peony flower hand painted on side
Photo by Scott Clark Photo

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