This time of year always makes me think of hydrangeas and the beautiful arrangements my grandma used to exhibit at flower shows. Reaching their peak in late summer and early autumn, these prolific blooms are prized for their versatility in bridal bouquets, wreaths, cake décor, and more. Whether you want decadent bunches in an elegant vase or a single stem in a rustic Mason jar, hydrangeas provide a gorgeous ombré color palette for any wedding theme. They’re available from floral designers and wholesalers in shades of blue, green, pink, purple, and white. You may even have them in your backyard, where you can alter the flowers’ colors by changing the acidity of the soil. See more inspiring blooms in our flower gallery.
Tip: Hyrda means water in Greek, so it is no surprise that these blooms love to drink. Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo of Studio Choo and authors of The Flower Recipe Book, recommend dipping freshly cut stems into alum powder (a pickling spice) before adding into an arrangement to help prevent wilting.
1) Pink Posey Design, Marni Mattner Photography 2) The Flower Kiosk 3) Scot Piner Photography 4) EH Floral 5) Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio 6) Elizabeth Anne Designs 7) Marianne Wilson Photography 8) De Loop 9) Better Homes and Gardens 10) Cathryn Farnsworth Photography 11) Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio 12) Southern Weddings Mag 13) Denise Fasanello Flowers