Peonies vs. Dahlias

It's Dahlia Season! Unfortunately, the beloved peony season does not last forever and is starting to wind down a bit. We are still able to procure beautiful white, coral, blush, hot pink and red peony varieties but the dahlia is a fabulous alternative when the peonies become harder to get. I personally wanted to get married in June so I could have peonies everywhere possible! But, I got married in September and the peony thing was not going to happen. I have had a lot of client's who have been in a similar situation and although you can sometimes get peonies throughout the year, they are more expensive, more limited in quantities and variety/color and do not look as pretty as they do when they are in season. So, the perfect alternative for my client's who cannot satisfy their peony craving is the dahlia. I often encourage my summer and fall brides to consider dahlias in their bridal bouquets, bridesmaid's bouquets and centerpieces. The tiny little button dahlias also make very cool boutonnieres.

Dahlias can be on the market year round but the prime time is early summer through early fall. The blooms can range in size from a small button type dahlia about 1.5" across to the HUGE dinner plate dahlias, which can reach up to 10"-12" across. The blooms can be tight, almost ball-like with small petals or slightly compact, but medium size petals (as pictured in the orange bouquet) or larger petals and more textural and "spider-y"- Hence, the term Spider dahlia (as pictured in the white bouquet).

Blue and purple are pretty much the only two colors that the dahlias do not naturally occur. For bold tones you can find vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. For paler, more subdued tones, the Cafe Aulait dahlia (ranges from a warm creamy champagne to a blushy peach), pale pink and white dahlias are available. Dahlias also come in rich, deep burgundy and very dark burgundy- almost black. There are many varieties that are variegated (pink and white; orange and yellow; red and yellow; burgundy and white to name a few).

For those of you still dreaming of peonies it's not too late- and not impossible for other times of the year. They will still be abundantly vailable for at least another month or two. Below are a couple of photos of recent bridal bouquets incorporating peonies and different times of year. The pink and coral bouquets were January and February weddings. The white and red bouquets were used for weddings between April and May.