Flowers for the bride’s bouquet are selected especially carefully, because a wedding arrangement is not just an accessory to a wedding dress. It has a sacred symbolic meaning and carries wishes of love, prosperity and a happy life together for a married couple. One of the most popular flowers for a bride's bouquet is roses. This flower symbolizes love and delights with the beauty of its delicate petals and enchanting aroma. Varieties of roses amaze with their richness of colors and flower size. Among this variety, it is easy to choose varieties for both a lush bouquet and an elegant boutonniere. Very often, peony (English) roses are used to create wedding compositions, which in their shape resemble a multi-layered ballgown skirt. These flowers combine harmoniously with many garden and greenhouse plants. The symbolic meaning of the peony rose also fully corresponds to the spirit of the wedding celebration. The flower symbolizes romance, love and admiration.
Features of peony roses
Content
This flower is also called the “English David Austin rose.” The variety was bred more than 15 years ago, but became popular only recently. It was developed, as you might guess, by an English breeder named Austin. The true charm of Foggy Albion comes to mind when you see this exquisite, lush and graceful flower.
Today in Russia you can see only 16 varieties of peony roses; in fact, there are more than thirty varieties. But the bride’s bouquet uses the brightest and most lush roses.
The peculiarity of the English variety is that the flower has a large bud, like a peony, and an elegant rose shape. The distinctive feature of the flower is its uneven, as if jagged petals, a gentle transition of shade from light to brighter and more saturated and, of course, an indescribable and refined aroma that will remind the bride and groom of tenderness.
Color variety
The color palette is simply huge, and every year another 5-6 options appear on the market. The most popular for creating wedding bouquets are 4 shades:
- soft peach (Juliet variety)
- pale pink (Miranda variety)
- milky white (Patience variety)
- dark crimson (Darcey variety)
A characteristic feature of all Austin roses, regardless of color and variety, is the pastel shade of the petals at the edges, which becomes much richer towards the center of the flower.
At your request, it is possible to deliver a rare variety with an atypical, unique shade from England, but, of course, the price will be steep.
Varieties most suitable for a wedding bouquet
There are six types of peony roses that will fit perfectly into a bride's bouquet. Let's look at them all in order.
Rose "Juliet"
The most common variety of peony roses. It was David Austin who first patented it. The rose has a dense bud and neat petals. When opened, the flower reaches up to eight centimeters, so the bride should understand whether the bud will be the basis of the bouquet or whether small unopened roses will become a decoration around the edges. The rose has a creamy peach color.
It will fit perfectly into an ivory-colored wedding dress and will emphasize both the pallor and tan of the bride’s skin. With a complex bouquet it can play a secondary role, but in a mono bouquet it will become the undisputed leader.
This peony rose will certainly suit a classic wedding, where the bride personifies tenderness and innocence. The flower is also used for a vintage look - beige and peach shades will ideally emphasize the originality of the outfit.
Rose "Alabaster"
This flower became popular after the Princess of Sweden used it in her wedding bouquet in 2013. Rose "Alabaster" was immediately dubbed the "Northern Bride". The flower has a milky white hue, and the aroma is a mixture of delicate notes with the sweetness of rose. The bud can reach ten centimeters, so this flower will become the central element of the bouquet and should be given the main role. The shade will suit a classic wedding outfit, but many prefer to complement a white trouser suit with a bouquet of Alabaster roses.
Rose "Vitality"
This is a small white peony rose. It is used as decoration and addition. Due to its texture, it will perfectly add volume and add splendor to the bouquet. Attention: “Vitality” has a strong sweet aroma, so lovers of muted tones should be careful.
Rose "Caramel Antique"
The delicate caramel and creamy rose has a slightly purple tint in the middle of the bud. Its size reaches five to seven centimeters. It does not have pronounced “torn” edges, so it is suitable for strict and classic wedding dresses in white, beige, sand and other “warm” shades. The aroma of the rose is not very pronounced, delicate and translucent.
Rose "O'Hara"
This is the first variety of peony rose, which was developed after David Austin. The rose has a peculiarity: it resembles a garden plant, which gives it touching and tenderness. The flower is barely pinkish in color, has a large bud and a delicate aroma. This is such a budget version of the classic Austin rose, which has become widespread and is available for order all year round. Suitable as the basis of a standard bridal bouquet, it can be used to decorate classic and fantasy options.
Rose "Toulouse Latrec"
A bright, juicy, picturesque yellow rose immediately captures attention. Her petals have lacy edges, as if she was deliberately ruffled, striking everyone with her extravagance. The rose, for all its brightness and richness of color, has a rather restrained aroma. It will, of course, become the central flower in the bride’s bouquet and will suit outfits with a predominance of lilac, green, red or peach shades.
Mono bouquets and mixed arrangements
Most wedding bouquets are symmetrical arrangements that look equally good from all sides. Peony roses are ideal for such arrangements.
- Monobouquets. Large double cups of English roses look perfect in a mono bouquet. For classic bridal bouquets with David Austin roses, choose varieties with flowers in white, cream, light pink or light yellow tones, collected in a dense round bouquet. Such arrangements look very gentle and elegant. The bouquet can be monochromatic or composed of several varieties of English roses in pastel shades. To arrange mono-bouquets, additional floral decor is used in the form of openwork branches of greenery or leaves. The splendor of the bride's bouquet of peach peony roses will be set off by branches of perennial gypsophila, strewn with dozens of tiny white flowers. Bright mono-bouquets are often based on contrasting combinations. One of the most popular options is a composition of red and white peony roses. Bright pink and crimson varieties combine harmoniously with flowers of cream and caramel shades.
- Compositions of roses and hydrangeas. A dense round bouquet of hydrangea and peony rose is one of the best additions to the bride’s outfit. This arrangement looks very elegant and aristocratic. Fluffy hydrangea inflorescences, consisting of many small flowers, serve as an advantageous backdrop for regal roses. Depending on the style of the wedding dress, these colors can be used to create both monochrome and multi-colored compositions. An arrangement of white roses and hydrangeas is the embodiment of purity and tenderness. She does not need an abundance of additional decor. To emphasize its solemnity, a white ribbon connecting the stems of flowers will be enough. White, cream and light yellow roses will look beautiful against the background of blue hydrangea inflorescences. A red wedding bouquet of peony roses surrounded by white hydrangeas looks no less impressive.
Peony roses and hydrangea
- Compositions with exotic plants. Large double corollas of English roses look harmonious in arrangements with exotic plants. A cascading wedding bouquet of peony roses and phalaenopsis orchids looks truly magnificent. Falling branches of orchids with many delicate butterfly flowers create a charming and romantic image of the bride. This flower symbolizes sublime love, beauty and sophistication. The variety of colors and shades of peony roses and orchids makes it possible to create monochromatic compositions, arrangements in pastel colors, as well as bright bouquets that impress with unexpected color combinations. When composing wedding bouquets, florists advise taking into account not only the general style of the outfit and decoration of the celebration, but also seasonality. It is desirable that the design of the composition include elements symbolizing the time of year chosen for the celebration. A bridal bouquet with peony roses and brunia is an ideal “winter” arrangement. Brunia is an exotic African plant with small round flowers that resemble silver-white Christmas tree balls.
Composition of peony roses and orchids
Combination of peony roses, brunia and peonies
Peony roses are compatible with most garden and greenhouse flowers. But still, there are restrictions that should be observed when arranging bouquets. Roses and carnations cannot be combined in one composition. Carnations are very “aggressive” flowers. They secrete biologically active substances that suppress all flowers located next to them. Roses collected in one composition with carnations quickly lose their freshness and attractive appearance.
When choosing flowers for a wedding bouquet, you must take into account such a factor as their aroma. The bride will hold the composition in her hands for several hours. Too strong a scent from flowers can cause headaches and even allergic reactions. A bride's bouquet with peony roses itself has a bright, lasting aroma, so you should not complement the composition with lilies, lilies of the valley or jasmine. If the concept of decorating a celebration involves the use of lilies, it is advisable to give preference to Asian hybrids, which are practically odorless.
What colors does it go with?
Large peony roses can be combined with small flowers and branches of astilbe, brunia, and matiola. You can add lilac, lavender - then the bouquet will look vintage and elegant. Nowadays it is fashionable to combine flowers with berries, such as blackberries. With small buds of flowers of ordinary roses, tulips, carnations, the bouquet will sparkle with different colors. You can experiment and add even larger flowers to a bouquet with peony roses - sunflowers, for example.
The best combinations in a bouquet
An obvious, but no less luxurious, classic is a mono-bouquet of Austin roses. Solemn and sensual, it will decorate the image of every newlywed. Sprigs of astilbe or matiola will help give the composition a slightly mischievous look - these flowers will dilute the smooth surface of the bundle of saplings. Here you can experiment with color schemes - all three of these flowers have a wide palette of colors, which allows you to create a unique bouquet for yourself.
Mono bouquet of Austin roses decorated with greenery
An original addition to the composition can be brunia or even blackberries and rose hips - such a bouquet will definitely attract attention with its exclusivity.
They pair best with small flowers such as lilies of the valley, eustoma, jasmine, violets, cotton, gypsophila, freesia, hydrangea and all kinds of wildflowers. Small inflorescences fill the gaps between lush leaves, introduce a new color note into the composition and visually make it more festive and airy.
Combination with cloves and ranunculus
And like most flowers, the peony rose works great with almost any greenery. The best combination is with those options that have many elongated or round small and medium-sized petals. Wide leaves can visually “load” the bouquet and spoil the impression of weightlessness of the roses.
Bouquet of ostinas decorated with greenery
How to keep a bride's bouquet fresh
The bustle of a wedding can keep lovers busy with small matters and worries. Often the bride simply does not have time to take care of preserving the bouquet purchased the day before. It is important to remember that flowers need moisture; they should not be touched, cut or rearranged too much. It is best to buy a bouquet with a special solution to preserve freshness. Today they are available in any florist center, salon or store. If you suddenly forgot about buying this product, then this recipe will do:
- Take a crushed aspirin tablet
- Fill the vase with fresh, cool water.
- Add aspirin to water
- Mix two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Pour into water with aspirin
Now you can safely put the bouquet in a container; its freshness will last for two days.
There is another proven method. Add just a few drops of alcohol or vodka and a piece of sugar to a vase of water. This will extend the durability of the bouquet for a whole day.
Prolonging the freshness of the composition
Fresh flowers have one drawback - they wither. The wedding bouquet will have a busy and difficult day. What can be done to prevent flowers from becoming unusable in the midst of an important day?
To do this, you should take into account the following tips:
- The bouquet is transported from the florist boutique only by car. The flowers are kept in a mini vase with water throughout the entire journey.
- If the flowers were delivered on the eve of the celebration, then they are left in the refrigerator in water, after removing the apples from the vegetable drawer (they will speed up the withering).
- Flowers will die in the sun and near heating devices. They won’t even be able to stand a frosty night on the balcony.
- At the wedding itself, florists strongly advise you to be careful with the bouquet: do not throw it, do not place it on the snow or a hot car hood, do not shake it, do not throw it up during a photo shoot, do not wrinkle it, and at the first convenient opportunity, cut it and put it in water.
- If it’s hot outside, you can gently spray the flowers with cool water.
- The most short-lived are the classic bunches, the most durable are the compositions collected on a porta bouquet with a layer of oasis sponge.
Form of wedding composition
It is important to understand that a lot depends on the shape of the bouquet. Round and large indicates that the bride is full of tenderness, and sharp corners add passion and extravagance to the image. When arranging flowers, the florist must pay attention to the central elements - it should be either one very large flower, or three to six medium-sized buds. Sometimes a bouquet in the shape of a circle is built from only large peony roses. This bouquet looks elegant, but at the same time becomes a noticeable element of the wedding dress. A bridal bouquet complemented with wildflowers may look deliberately careless and have no specific shape, but this composition is ideal for vintage and boho outfits.
Design and decoration
The bride's bouquet can be ordered from florists or made independently. It is enough to show a little imagination and not forget about the overall style of the wedding.
Additional decor
The stems of the bouquet can be left bare or wrapped with ribbon
Peony roses look good with green fern leaves, fluffy cotton bolls or matthiola stems. Bright red buds are decorated with cherry berries, and lilac and purple ones are decorated with blackberries. A cream bouquet can be decorated with brunia, gypsophila or astilbe, and a dark bouquet can be decorated with white roses or daisies. It is recommended to use a pin with a pearl at the end as decoration. It is enough to stick it in the center of each bud to make the bouquet noble and elegant.
Decor elements
Peony roses can also be used in wedding decorations; very often they become the main accent when decorating a celebration in the style of “luxury and chic”; roses can also decorate a wedding cake, become elements of table decoration, or can be part of hanging decorations. Often, torn-shaped peony roses become decorations in dull green bottles. This type of wedding is usually done in a “decadence” style.
Description and symbolism
Peony roses are very delicate, graceful, romantic flowers. Their lush buds have a simply fabulous charm. In Europe, they are one of the most common options when creating flower arrangements. Volumetric airy flower caps resemble ordinary garden peonies, but they are more noble.
These magnificent plants were developed by a breeder named David Austin and are sometimes called Austins. These flowers come in many varieties with different bud shapes. They are distinguished by an exquisite aroma that complements the luxurious appearance of the flower.
The rose flower symbolizes love, tenderness and sensuality. Peonies are considered plants that attract wealth and prosperity to the home. In addition, they mean love and strong feelings.
Peony roses in a wedding bouquet will mean a happy family life in abundance and prosperity for the newlyweds. A girl who chooses this option will be a loving wife and a good housewife.
Such brides are feminine and dreamy in nature. A wedding bouquet will be the perfect completion of a romantic image, emphasizing her delicate charm and beauty.
Conclusion
A modern bride does not necessarily have to be prim and strict, and the English style has long ceased to adhere to the rules of the classics. Today, a bouquet consisting of large and bright flowers is not bad manners. A peony rose makes it possible to create various options for wedding decorations. It can become the center or an addition to a wedding bouquet. An interesting shape, a smooth transition of shades, an exquisite aroma - all this forms the basis of a charming and stylish flower, which has become a real symbol of Foggy Albion. Classic combined with audacity and boldness - this is the true New England style.
Do-it-yourself ready-made composition or bouquet
This is a dilemma that plagues all brides, because they want to look perfect and personally select every flower in their future wedding bouquet. Both options have their pros and cons:
- Contact a florist. Many couples prefer not to bother with arranging a bouquet and place this responsibility on the shoulders of a professional. The florist is able to fulfill the most capricious wishes regarding the shape and size of the future composition. He can suggest to a confused couple the best color combination and suggest a variety of ways to dilute the floral variegation with green inclusions, for example, eucalyptus sprigs. The florist will complete the work on time and, if necessary, order the desired shade of flowers in advance. The disadvantages of this option are its high cost, because young people will pay not only for the flowers, but also for assembling the bouquet itself. Another annoying nuance that can upset you is stale plants. Unscrupulous florists masterfully disguise “tired” buds, and in the general mass it is difficult to find them right away.
- Make a bouquet yourself. This is a difficult but interesting matter. Here the bride herself will see what and in what quantity to include in the composition, but without the skills, the plants can be ruined. In addition, peonies are very delicate and after repeated re-arranging they lose their freshness. Florists advise beginners not to choose complex bouquets or make them huge. It’s better to practice something simple in advance so as not to make a mistake on the appointed day, and look for ideas on the Internet or come up with it yourself.
Bride images
Peony roses are preferred by extravagant and stylish brides, whose appearance contains original details. If the bride's image is emphatically delicate and feminine, fragrant and noble flowers will enhance this impression. The main condition is to choose the necessary color combination and decorative elements.
Bouquets of pastel colors go well with dresses in restrained classic colors. Young adventurers who prefer bold contrasts can pay attention to bright flowers.
It’s good to decorate the groom’s boutonniere with peony roses, add corresponding decorative elements to the bridesmaids’ looks, space and wedding venue. A unified style will fill the environment with the charm of romance.
Interesting! Bouquets of ordinary cream or red roses also look quite pretty.
Peony roses are available at any time of the year. Those who want to enliven the wedding area with delicate spring buds can do this in the cold months - autumn, winter.
Useful tips
Commercial flower varieties do not stay fresh for long after being cut. Peony roses should be properly “watered” before being combined into a wedding composition. This will preserve the beauty of the bouquet at the beginning of the wedding and maintain its “presentation” throughout the special event.
Flowers are pre-infused in water for 4-12 hours. It is recommended to change the water 2 times a day and store them in the refrigerator.
Remember! Peony roses should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
