Photo: Nami DadlaniPhotography
Sunflowers are a quintessential summer flower and are a favorite among many brides. The bright yellow petals are sunny and cheerful, while the dark centers add a touch of drama. And while sunflowers are the perfect complement to a rustic, country-themed celebration, when they're skillfully paired with other flowers and greenery, they can also take on a much more formal look. The key is restraint — use just the right amount of sunflowers without going overboard.
If you're a sunflower-lover, definitely plan on a July, August, or September wedding, when the blooms are at the peak. Here are our favorite ways to incorporate the cheery flower into your wedding.
All-Sunflower Bouquet (above): The bright yellow blooms look elegant and more upscale when simply combined with lush greenery.
Photo: Katelyn James Photography
Yellow-and-Blue Bouquet: For a more rustic look, combine sunflowers with blue flowers like thistles, delphiniums, and scabiosas. This pretty bouquet is such a great take on the classic color combination.
Photo: Juliet McKee
Yellow-and-White Bouquet: When combined with pretty cream-colored stock blossoms, sunflowers wind up looking summery without screaming "country!"
Photo: Tessa Barton
Boho Bridal Bouquet: Sunflowers can be more versatile than you'd think. Here, when mixed with different textural elements like seeded eucalyptus, silver brunia, and buttom mums, the bouquet takes on a more free-spirited, boho vibe.
Photo: Frenzel Photographers
Sunflower Bridesmaid Bouquets: Sunflowers come in many varieties, including these versions with yellow-green centers, which look great when paired with soft-grey bridesmaid dresses.
Photo: Beyond the Lens Photography
Daises and Sunflowers Bridesmaid Bouquets: These yellow-and-white nosegays of sunflowers and daisies are so sweet and summery.
Photo: Courtesy of Erin Hearts Court
Sunflower Bridesmaid Bouquets: Navy bridesmaid dresses plus yellow bouquets equals even more proof how much we love this classic color scheme.
Photo: Tessa Barton
Ceremony Arch: Imagine how romantic it would be to exchange vows in front of this beautiful arch made of sunflowers and eucalyptus.
Photo: Sasithon Photography
On the Escort-Card Table A giant vase of sunflowers enlivens a simple escort-card display (love the addition of framed childhood photos!).
Photo: Tessa Barton
Sunflower Escort Cards: A more whimsical idea would be to display each guest's escort card on a cut sunflower.
Photo: Joshua Zuckerman Photography
Yellow and Blue Centerpiece: This combination of yellow sunflowers and blue delphiniums displayed on a patterned tablecloth is so fresh.
Photo: Hillary Mayberry Photography
Sunflowers Centerpiece in a Tin Pail: For a more rustic reception look, choose a brown table linen and arrange a handful of sunflowers in an aluminum pail.
Photo: Rodeo & Co. Photography
Mixed Blooms Centerpiece: For an unfussy, wildflower feel, arrange summery blooms like sunflowers, scabiosas, and delphiniums in a simple glass vase.
Photo: via Pinterest
Sunflower Seed Favors: Send guests home with a packet of sunflower seeds and encourage them to plant their own summery blooms at home.
Special thanks to Sean Nestlerode at Torchio Nursery in San Francisco for his help with our "In Season Now" flower series!