The peony is one of the most sought-after wedding flowers: a wide head, densely packed petals, colours from white to pink to coral. In Italy the season is short, usually from late April to June, peaking in May. Out of season it can be found imported, but it costs much more and does not always hold up as well.
It opens quickly in the heat: the florist buys it in bud and manages it day by day. If your wedding falls outside its season, there are alternatives with a similar effect, such as garden roses, ranunculus and hydrangeas. The guide to peonies at your wedding covers season, price and alternatives; the one on flowers in May places them in their best month; the one on romantic and garden style shows the style they are used in most.
What to ask: whether on your date they will be Italian or imported, how much they add to the price, what can replace them.
