Zinnias are famous for the incredibly vibrant color and standout texture they add to your backyard garden, with a profusion of petals in shades of red, yellow, pink, orange, purple, and white. But they’re also a versatile addition to your wedding day florals, adding their striking hues to centerpieces, bouquets, corsages, and escort arrangements in spring, summer, and fall.
Though they don't always get the recognition they deserve, these layered petal flowers complement blooms in an array of shapes and sizes, from soaring snapdragons and elegant dahlias to soft peonies and classic roses. All this to say, Zinnias are excellent blooms to consider when planning out your big day and should be kept top of mind if hoping to infuse personality and color into your day-of floral scheme.
For those unsure how to use these flowers for their wedding, however, allow us to provide you with a few ideas that you can share with your florist. From peachy bridal florals to sunset-inspired arches, see how zinnias can be incorporated into your own design plan.
Just Peachy
Pale peach zinnias create an ombré effect in this cascading bouquet, easing the transition from deep crimson to pale blush. The rounded heads soften the overall effect, complementing the tight layers and pointed petals of the other blooms.
Autumn Pinks
Though zinnias are spring flowers, they add a pretty, flamingo-colored accent to a fall display of mauve, yellow, and copper blooms arranged with dried ferns and metallic accents. The rich, deep color is an unexpected take on classic cool-weather tones.
In Pink and Green
In low vessels, the textured shapes of roses, dahlias, zinnias, and hydrangeas provide an eye-catching color. A minimalist design scheme, including white and green linens and glass bud vases, further allows the vibrant florals to take center stage.
Fresh Floral Arch
Colorful green, pink, and yellow ribbons—matching the colors in this floral arch—rippled from the chair backs at an outdoor wedding in Virginia. Zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, and ranunculus created a lush, organic shape against dark greenery.
Rainbow Brights
A statement-making floral arrangement anchors the escort card display at this summer wedding, where red, blue, lavender, pink, orange, and white flowers accent the teal-and-ivory patterned linens.
Citrus Splash
Zinnias also complement the citrus hues in this summery centerpiece. Blooms in shades of lemon, grapefruit, orange, and melon provide a splash of juicy color. Variegated leaves, delicate ferns, and a floral-printed menu further created an elegant backyard garden feel.
Sunset Shades
The natural beauty of Colorado sunsets inspired the design and color scheme of this arch, which included coral peonies, dahlias, snapdragons, and ranunculus alongside the zinnias. Trailing greenery on the bottom of the arch provided an organic connection to the ceremony lawn.
Pretty in Pink
The salmon-colored petals and contrasting centers of the zinnias in this June wedding arrangement create a cohesive palette alongside layered pink blooms and soaring golden accents. A tousled runner and fresh fruit are relaxed accents for a springtime shower or reception.
Bright and Bold
Bright zinnias in this bride’s bouquet coordinated with other warm-toned flowers—and defined the color scheme for the bridesmaids’ mismatched gowns. An embroidered petal texture on the bride’s skirt and sleeves calls up the individual petals of her layered blooms.
Sunny and Sweet
At a three-day wedding in Austin, Texas, a monochromatic centerpiece pulled together an array of cheerful yellow flowers in a variety of textures and shapes. The end result? A cohesive arrangement that’s splashy—but unpretentious.
A Growing Garden
A growing display of zinnias, dahlias, and snapdragons provides a garden-inspired backdrop against calligraphed paper escort cards displayed on metal holders. The variations in color, from deep orange to pristine ivory, and the blooms’ shapes and textures offer a creative take on a typical backyard bed.
Sophisticated Corsages
A zinnia in pale shades of pink and green is backed by wispy flowers and multi-hued berries on this sophisticated corsage cuff. The subtle color is a less-expected—but just as elegant—alternative to the typical saturated brights of zinnias.